Earthquake 10

Today marks one week since the great 9.0 earthquake that hit Japan on March 11. I looked up at the clock today, and it was a little surreal, since it was exactly 2:46 p.m., the time when the earthquake hit last Friday. My friend's boyfriend who was in Sendai during the quake was with us, and he looked up and was also a little uneasy. It seems that most of the clocks up there are stuck at 2:46.

We went out last night to grab a couple drinks at our local bar, celebrate that he was still alive, and reflect on everything that's happened. Since that time a week ago, Japan has experienced the tsunami, countless smaller earthquakes, and the nuclear threat. Oddly enough, something good has come out of this though. People in neighborhoods, etc. have become much closer, and there's a sense of community that perhaps wasn't there before. Last semester, I felt as if I was in Japan purely to study and to perhaps make a few good friends along the way. Now though, I've come to think of Japan as another home. People on the streets who before wouldn't talk to you are now not only willing to strike up a conversation, but they want to share their experiences and know your thoughts as well. Everyone is supporting each other, and for that reason, I'm thankful. If it wasn't for that, I don't know how Japan could have survived the disasters.

The nuclear threat is of course ever-present and it's the topic of conversation among everyone throughout the country. They have continued to pour water on the reactors and pools from the air, but this has not necessarily been successful. Right now, they are focusing on trying to return power to the plant in an effort to restart the automatic cooling systems. Considering these were damaged in the quake and subsequent tsunami, it is not known yet whether this will be successful, but it is the main goal. Of course, in the back of their minds, they are considering encasing the plant in sand and concrete in order to prevent further radiation escaping.

The Touhoku region is slowly recovering. Roads are being rebuilt, and electricity and running water are gradually being restored. People are still without homes though, so they are continuing to stay in evacuation centers like schools gyms, etc. They are still rationing food and water though. People are eating half an onigiri (rice ball) for lunch. Gasoline has run out, and kerosene, which they're using to heat the homes, is also dwindling. Despite the shortages, everyone is donating to try to help. Apparently there's a company now willing to take up goods by truck, so I'll investigate that and try to donate goods such as paper cups, miso, water, etc. which they desperately need. If that doesn't seem to work, then we can continue to donate organizations such as the Red Cross, etc. Konbini, schools, everyone is trying to raise funds for the north. It's nice to feel as if we're able to help a little bit.

I read something earlier, which was really touching. I wanted to share it with everyone so they could see Japan's thoughts on the disasters and how everyone is dealing with it. This site is a collection of those tweets:
Prayforjapan.jp

So to all those helping, I wanted to say thank you. Even if you can't afford to give anything to the cause, your prayers or thoughts are enough. Thank you again, and we'll all get through this together.

Michelle