(Below is the response from Akaishi-san, my landlord/guardian angel/friend/philosopher/guide in Tokyo, to a well-wisher who asked him to move out of Japan for a while. This is one of the most moving pieces that I have ever read, more so for its matter-of-fact tone; that characterizes how most Japanese responded to the unprecedented triple tragedy that befell this exceptional country and its people, in living history)
Dear
Thank you very much your kind suggestion to evacuate our selves to France .
But thanks to your praying Gods and Kamisama to protect us,we are so far well protected from so called Radiation fears caused by the Nuclaer plants in Northern part of Japan.
So far there is no Victim nor sufferer from Radiation is reported
At present japanese emergency workers are trying to cool overheating reactors in many ways and also many people are trying hard to supply food ,water ,electric power ,clothes and daily items to those sufferer as much as possible.
U.S.Government recommend that U.S. citizens within 80 kilometer of the plant leave the area to a safer place or heaven in Asia.
We are staying in Tokyo,which locates about 250 kilometer south from Fukishima Nuclear plant. So we are enough away from Nuclear plants at this moment.And also our Himonya area is given special favour to be out of Electric power rotation area.
We ,Naoko and I, are thinking that we must behave ourselves just like a captain of Titanic Ship which sunk to the depths of sea near the South pole many years ago. Because we are in a same position to leave our ship last like a captain of Titanic Ship in case of danger. Until we are sure to believe that all of our children , residents of Excelsior garden and local people are all safe,we cannnot leave Tokyo.
We wish we can keep our patience and order in good condition.
We hope every thing will be settled soon in good order.
Thanking your kind and warm attention and offer to us,
Monday, March 28, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
A long week gone by, a long road ahead
• 9.0 Earthquake, 4th largest ever and the largest the country has faced in recorded history
• 30 feet high Tsunami, swept 6 miles inland with washed up debris and water reaching 10 miles
• 401 after shocks felt till 14th March (Scientific American Journal; www.tenki.jp/earthquake) and still counting
• Over 18,000 people dead or unaccounted for
• 4 out of 6 reactors operating at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, have suffered damage to their cooling facilities after the tsunami increasing radiation levels, posing hazard to people within 30 Km radius
• Loss of US$120 – 175 billion that is directly attributable to the disastrous aftermath and possibly even more in terms of economic contraction over the next few years & huge costs for rebuilding the nation
The last week has been unprecedented for Japan, with the twin natural disasters and the subsequent (and still continuing) uncertainty over the possible fallout of the mishap at the nuclear plant.
Things seem to be safe for now, in Tokyo, though people are understandably tense. For most of my Japanese friends (and I believe the same applies for large part of the citizens here), their worry and focus is more about the Northern part of the country, which has suffered earthquake, tsunami, seemingly dwindling supplies of food/medicine/fuel and now the clear and present threat of nuclear radiation!
In the face of that, people of Tokyo and other relatively safer parts of the country have taken to both voluntary and government announced power-cuts, restricted food and fuel supply in their stride. Except for a day or two; life is going on in a normal fashion - Kids are out playing in parks, or cycling around; offices are functioning either fully or partially – with working from home being made an option; public transportation is not effected adversely; shelves in supermarkets once again stocked fully. It is hard to imagine, strolling around Tokyo to feel that we are in the midst of a still unfolding and biggest tragedies of our lifetime.
It is understandable from the perspective of people who are leaving/want to leave/moving further South - especially those families with kids. Everyone makes their own decisions, processing the information that they have access to, understanding the implications of the same the way they can; and doing it at what they deem is the most opportune moment. But most of my friends that I have spoken with have not even remotely entertained that thought of moving away from where they are. In fact, a lot of them are ready to move closer to the area devastated; awaiting their turn and the call from the government as and when to chip in.
Meanwhile what they are ensuring in the interim is - constructive contribution, not triggering panic, not adding to excitement levels, not harping on issues which will take away the focus from sensibility to sensationalism, or reduce the gravity of situation. In short, leading a normal day of their life.
It is a long and arduous road ahead, but that doesn’t seem to be the concern now. “Focus on present, resolve crisis, step by step. The future will take care of itself”. That is what my Japanese friends are doing right now.
Ganbare Nippon
• 30 feet high Tsunami, swept 6 miles inland with washed up debris and water reaching 10 miles
• 401 after shocks felt till 14th March (Scientific American Journal; www.tenki.jp/earthquake) and still counting
• Over 18,000 people dead or unaccounted for
• 4 out of 6 reactors operating at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, have suffered damage to their cooling facilities after the tsunami increasing radiation levels, posing hazard to people within 30 Km radius
• Loss of US$120 – 175 billion that is directly attributable to the disastrous aftermath and possibly even more in terms of economic contraction over the next few years & huge costs for rebuilding the nation
The last week has been unprecedented for Japan, with the twin natural disasters and the subsequent (and still continuing) uncertainty over the possible fallout of the mishap at the nuclear plant.
Things seem to be safe for now, in Tokyo, though people are understandably tense. For most of my Japanese friends (and I believe the same applies for large part of the citizens here), their worry and focus is more about the Northern part of the country, which has suffered earthquake, tsunami, seemingly dwindling supplies of food/medicine/fuel and now the clear and present threat of nuclear radiation!
In the face of that, people of Tokyo and other relatively safer parts of the country have taken to both voluntary and government announced power-cuts, restricted food and fuel supply in their stride. Except for a day or two; life is going on in a normal fashion - Kids are out playing in parks, or cycling around; offices are functioning either fully or partially – with working from home being made an option; public transportation is not effected adversely; shelves in supermarkets once again stocked fully. It is hard to imagine, strolling around Tokyo to feel that we are in the midst of a still unfolding and biggest tragedies of our lifetime.
Dignity, discipline and determination define the way the Japanese are handling the situation at hand.
It is understandable from the perspective of people who are leaving/want to leave/moving further South - especially those families with kids. Everyone makes their own decisions, processing the information that they have access to, understanding the implications of the same the way they can; and doing it at what they deem is the most opportune moment. But most of my friends that I have spoken with have not even remotely entertained that thought of moving away from where they are. In fact, a lot of them are ready to move closer to the area devastated; awaiting their turn and the call from the government as and when to chip in.
Meanwhile what they are ensuring in the interim is - constructive contribution, not triggering panic, not adding to excitement levels, not harping on issues which will take away the focus from sensibility to sensationalism, or reduce the gravity of situation. In short, leading a normal day of their life.
It is a long and arduous road ahead, but that doesn’t seem to be the concern now. “Focus on present, resolve crisis, step by step. The future will take care of itself”. That is what my Japanese friends are doing right now.
Ganbare Nippon
Thursday, March 17, 2011
A long week gone by, a long road ahead
Thanks all for the concern and thoughts over the past 7 days. We are leaving on sunday - I have a workshop to attend in Singapore and will be back next week and Neeraja is going to India along with our daughter Hema, as schools are closed now and she will be back when the next academic year starts in 2nd week of April.
Things seem to be safe for now, in Tokyo, though people are understandably tense here. For most of my Japanese friends (and I believe the same applies for large part of the citizens here), their worry and focus is more about the Northern part of the country which has suffered earthquake, tsunami, dwindling supplies of food/medicine/fuel and now the clear and present threat of nuclear radiation - A lot for any resilient, disciplined, hardworking and intelligent to pack in one week!
In the face of that, people of Tokyo and other relatively safer parts of the country have taken to both voluntary and government announced powercuts, restricted food and fuel supply in their stride.
In fact as far as i know, all my Japanese friends and their families (kids included) consider it their responsibility and civic duty to chip in with these and more (kids making origami items in schools or donating toys/books/food items etc.; volunteering to go to affected northern part towns, not driving (those who own cars and do use) and taking public transportation)...
It is also understandable from the perspective of people who are leaving/want to leave/moving further South - especially those families with kids. Everyone makes their own decisions, processing the information that they have access to, understanding the implications of the same the way they can; and doing it at what they deem is the most opportune moment.
Once the decision is made, do ensure we do our bit - constructive contribution, not triggering panic, not adding to excitement levels, not harping on issues which will take away the focus from sensibility to sensationalism, or reduce the gravity of situation, while enjoying the best of what this fabulous country and its very kind, hardworking, intelligent and resilient people have to offer.
I am saddened by the shift of focus, in general, in lot of conversations (those which do not include Japanese); both online and on air/press - from large and unprecedented humanitarian needs of the moment to the speculative and excitement inducing scenario buildings on the nuclear radiation fall-out. I am at the same time heartened too, for the way my family and most of my friends have reacted with sensibility and sensitivity and in some cases sense of humor (sublime not stupid) that keeps us going in the still unfolding saga out here.
What is more important is to shoulder your responsibilities and dispense with your duties of the present, and the future will take care of itself. Because I know, that’s what my Japanese friends are doing right now.
Ganbatte Kudasai
Things seem to be safe for now, in Tokyo, though people are understandably tense here. For most of my Japanese friends (and I believe the same applies for large part of the citizens here), their worry and focus is more about the Northern part of the country which has suffered earthquake, tsunami, dwindling supplies of food/medicine/fuel and now the clear and present threat of nuclear radiation - A lot for any resilient, disciplined, hardworking and intelligent to pack in one week!
In the face of that, people of Tokyo and other relatively safer parts of the country have taken to both voluntary and government announced powercuts, restricted food and fuel supply in their stride.
In fact as far as i know, all my Japanese friends and their families (kids included) consider it their responsibility and civic duty to chip in with these and more (kids making origami items in schools or donating toys/books/food items etc.; volunteering to go to affected northern part towns, not driving (those who own cars and do use) and taking public transportation)...
It is also understandable from the perspective of people who are leaving/want to leave/moving further South - especially those families with kids. Everyone makes their own decisions, processing the information that they have access to, understanding the implications of the same the way they can; and doing it at what they deem is the most opportune moment.
Once the decision is made, do ensure we do our bit - constructive contribution, not triggering panic, not adding to excitement levels, not harping on issues which will take away the focus from sensibility to sensationalism, or reduce the gravity of situation, while enjoying the best of what this fabulous country and its very kind, hardworking, intelligent and resilient people have to offer.
I am saddened by the shift of focus, in general, in lot of conversations (those which do not include Japanese); both online and on air/press - from large and unprecedented humanitarian needs of the moment to the speculative and excitement inducing scenario buildings on the nuclear radiation fall-out. I am at the same time heartened too, for the way my family and most of my friends have reacted with sensibility and sensitivity and in some cases sense of humor (sublime not stupid) that keeps us going in the still unfolding saga out here.
What is more important is to shoulder your responsibilities and dispense with your duties of the present, and the future will take care of itself. Because I know, that’s what my Japanese friends are doing right now.
Ganbatte Kudasai
Friday, March 11, 2011
Richter by the experience of 8.9 and still counting the blessings
(Thanks all for the well wishes and thoughts.The scribbling below is my way of saluting the spirit of Japanese, which kept self and family retain our sanity and some of our humor, caught as such in the midst of this mega tragedy)
The earthquake was bad (8.9 that lasted for over 3 minutes; even the aftershocks were many and over 7); but the people, place, processes and technology were prepared to take it on and not buckle under (however unprecedented this particular one is). Amazed to see how almost everyone was calm, going about in an orderly manner while evacuating and taking the whole experience in their stride.
Daughter was in her piano class, her teacher held her tight while she continued playing (ironically - 'Row row row the boat, gently down the stream').
Most soothing and reassuring were our owners - who called Neeraja and Hema down for tea and cake, saying 'its ok, relax, stay indoors, the house is well built and protected'.
All this while I was having a swinging time 30 floors above in Ybesiu Garden Place Tower, with my colleagues - whose smiles i returned for the first 1 minute (used to the experience, knowing that the building was one of the safest in Tokyo); and then was one of the first to dive and duck promptly under my desk - knowing it cdnt be business as usual. From swinging, the building now swayed and shook wildly, I dialed Neeraja to check their whereabouts then switched off to save them from hearing the screams and such in the background.
After what seemed like an eternity and apocalypse - seeing comps strewn, desks swept clean, printers toppled and presentations mixed up; the seasoned heads suggested we march down 30 floors - alternatives for me being waiting to be airlifted or the floor to acquire the properties of an elevator with no stops in between straight to the terr(or)firma.
Keeping a smiling face, stopping politely every two flights down to wait for few people who were climbing up clutching their laptops to complete the remaining stuff to be sent across to clients isn't an easy task but it was done and all the 30 floor down. No rushing of feet, or stomping of ground, no racing through or overtaking, just good old saunter down as if going down for a quick steaming cup of coffee. Mine, I guess, was the only voice - making wise-cracks about going for earth-cake; or getting Richter by selling my first-hand experience to some gullible publisher..and the likes; more to mask the ffffffffing shhhhh**** scared b(l)eating heart with-in.
Outside everyone was gathered in groups looking up at the still swaying building, posing for pictures (the all recognisable V-sign flashing, signaling the Kawaii (Cute)-ness of the situation and that everything is Genki (Well)). After a 30 minute exchange of notes, and cracks on situation and frustration over not able to reach loved ones over the airwaves, I headed home while some of my inimitable colleagues prepared for the 30 flight climb up, to tie-up loose ends on the JTBD (Jobs to be done)
Phones didn't work, a small glitch in an otherwise extra-ordinarily efficient disaster management system. Had to work for a while with no taxis stopping, apparently another part of the drill, to keep the streets/roads clear for fire engines, ambulances, police cars and buses (which didn't charge) to ferry people home. I took one, reached home; slightly assured that the family is safe (net worked (and how), checked neeraja:s message on facebook) and fearing the worst for the precious possessions (TV, Ipod, Tolly/Kolly/Bolly/Holly DVDs (in that order)).
And what a sight, when I reached the building!
Owner (Akaishi-san) opened the door, smiled benevolently in his typical fatherly manner; bowed politely and said, 'come come come, the tea is hot; and we have got cakes from Holland, which you will like. Hema chan likes them very much'). Inside the only sign of all the drama outside (which was still unfolding as we did not yet hear about Sendai and the second disaster (not) waiting to hit Japan), was the swinging chandelier, and the excited and reassuring voices of wife and daughter chattering first to Mrs. Akaishi-san and then, rushing to me and rattling off their adventures on the day, which will forever be etched in our memories afresh – Both for:
- the zen like demeanor of Japanese amidst such a huge disaster (However the Tsunami was one that no one could prepare for - 10 meters high traveling over 500 miles an hour stretching over 10s of kilometers; and that is a real tragedy of epic proportions - destruction and consequences of which are yet to be realised); and
- the realisation that if at all there is a place on earth that I want to be with my family and friends (current and extended), when (god forbid) such a disaster ever struck again; then it is this country Japan.
Back in our home, one flight up from the blissful state of tea sipping and cake chomping; save a few books that fell off the shelves, and few photos that fell off their perch, things haven't traded places and life returned to normalcy. We all said our respective prayers - Neeraja went to make coffee, Hema tugging at my sleeve asking me to recount for the 1000th time - some story about an unbearably cute blue train called Thomas; me counting my blessings and reaching out for the remote.
The earthquake was bad (8.9 that lasted for over 3 minutes; even the aftershocks were many and over 7); but the people, place, processes and technology were prepared to take it on and not buckle under (however unprecedented this particular one is). Amazed to see how almost everyone was calm, going about in an orderly manner while evacuating and taking the whole experience in their stride.
Daughter was in her piano class, her teacher held her tight while she continued playing (ironically - 'Row row row the boat, gently down the stream').
Most soothing and reassuring were our owners - who called Neeraja and Hema down for tea and cake, saying 'its ok, relax, stay indoors, the house is well built and protected'.
All this while I was having a swinging time 30 floors above in Ybesiu Garden Place Tower, with my colleagues - whose smiles i returned for the first 1 minute (used to the experience, knowing that the building was one of the safest in Tokyo); and then was one of the first to dive and duck promptly under my desk - knowing it cdnt be business as usual. From swinging, the building now swayed and shook wildly, I dialed Neeraja to check their whereabouts then switched off to save them from hearing the screams and such in the background.
After what seemed like an eternity and apocalypse - seeing comps strewn, desks swept clean, printers toppled and presentations mixed up; the seasoned heads suggested we march down 30 floors - alternatives for me being waiting to be airlifted or the floor to acquire the properties of an elevator with no stops in between straight to the terr(or)firma.
Keeping a smiling face, stopping politely every two flights down to wait for few people who were climbing up clutching their laptops to complete the remaining stuff to be sent across to clients isn't an easy task but it was done and all the 30 floor down. No rushing of feet, or stomping of ground, no racing through or overtaking, just good old saunter down as if going down for a quick steaming cup of coffee. Mine, I guess, was the only voice - making wise-cracks about going for earth-cake; or getting Richter by selling my first-hand experience to some gullible publisher..and the likes; more to mask the ffffffffing shhhhh**** scared b(l)eating heart with-in.
Outside everyone was gathered in groups looking up at the still swaying building, posing for pictures (the all recognisable V-sign flashing, signaling the Kawaii (Cute)-ness of the situation and that everything is Genki (Well)). After a 30 minute exchange of notes, and cracks on situation and frustration over not able to reach loved ones over the airwaves, I headed home while some of my inimitable colleagues prepared for the 30 flight climb up, to tie-up loose ends on the JTBD (Jobs to be done)
Phones didn't work, a small glitch in an otherwise extra-ordinarily efficient disaster management system. Had to work for a while with no taxis stopping, apparently another part of the drill, to keep the streets/roads clear for fire engines, ambulances, police cars and buses (which didn't charge) to ferry people home. I took one, reached home; slightly assured that the family is safe (net worked (and how), checked neeraja:s message on facebook) and fearing the worst for the precious possessions (TV, Ipod, Tolly/Kolly/Bolly/Holly DVDs (in that order)).
And what a sight, when I reached the building!
Owner (Akaishi-san) opened the door, smiled benevolently in his typical fatherly manner; bowed politely and said, 'come come come, the tea is hot; and we have got cakes from Holland, which you will like. Hema chan likes them very much'). Inside the only sign of all the drama outside (which was still unfolding as we did not yet hear about Sendai and the second disaster (not) waiting to hit Japan), was the swinging chandelier, and the excited and reassuring voices of wife and daughter chattering first to Mrs. Akaishi-san and then, rushing to me and rattling off their adventures on the day, which will forever be etched in our memories afresh – Both for:
- the zen like demeanor of Japanese amidst such a huge disaster (However the Tsunami was one that no one could prepare for - 10 meters high traveling over 500 miles an hour stretching over 10s of kilometers; and that is a real tragedy of epic proportions - destruction and consequences of which are yet to be realised); and
- the realisation that if at all there is a place on earth that I want to be with my family and friends (current and extended), when (god forbid) such a disaster ever struck again; then it is this country Japan.
Back in our home, one flight up from the blissful state of tea sipping and cake chomping; save a few books that fell off the shelves, and few photos that fell off their perch, things haven't traded places and life returned to normalcy. We all said our respective prayers - Neeraja went to make coffee, Hema tugging at my sleeve asking me to recount for the 1000th time - some story about an unbearably cute blue train called Thomas; me counting my blessings and reaching out for the remote.
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