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
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