An Update from Japan.
First of all, a big “Thank You” to all of you who emailed, commented, and sent messages our way following the recent earthquake in Japan. We sincerely appreciate your concern.
Aaron & I (as well as our families) are OK.
I was in Tokyo and Aaron was just outside of Tokyo when the earthquake hit. It’s hard to explain what it was like except to say it was very scary. But as you all know, the real tragedy was not the earthquake but the countless tsunamis that ripped across the Tohoku coastline.
Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones or have been displaced as a result of this natural disaster.
Many of you have asked for an update on what things are like over here so I thought I would write a quick post about my observations.
Living in the Kanto area (away from the hard-hit Tohoku region), the biggest impact I’ve seen is a widespread sense of uncertainty–the uncertainty of the fate of loved ones living in Tohoku, the uncertainty of how big the next aftershock will be, when gasoline will be available again, if there will be a blackout today, what the current level of radiation is, what trains are running when, and simply when things will be back to “normal.”
It’s hard for us living in the Kanto area to complain when we see the destruction and suffering happening just north of us. But I definitely feel the level of anxiety rising around me.
That being said, we have been amazed yet again by Japan and its people. Even following a disaster of this colossal magnitude, everyone is calm–everyone has been cooperative, patient, polite and understanding. There is no chaos in the streets, no rise in crime, no angry citizens. The country has come together to help one another during this time of need.
So much has changed since March 11th, but we are doing our best to keep in good spirits and do our part to help with Japan’s recovery. Please join us by keeping Japan in your thoughts.
We will be back with HHJ as soon as things settle down.
-Kevin
gudluck guys,, yeah,, i heard it that people of japan is not angry citizens when it comes to disaster,, they always worry about other people.. =)
gudluck to japan..
I’ve been a secret groupie for a while. My sons have actually learned some Japanese from some of your video posts. They especially liked the one on hand gestures! Anyhoo, I’m a expat living in Tokyo and I, too, was there when the EQ happened. People were anxious and frightened in Tokyo, but calm and strong. I am so sad for the folks up in NE Japan. And with my lot of friends we hope to collect gently used clothing and shoes for the children hit by the tsunami. I’m back in the states for ’spring break’ and will return in the coming weeks. I look forward to seeing you guys soon! Keep up the good work!
It’s inspiring to hear how Japanese citizens are looking out for each other, and I’m glad to hear you and your families are OK. I hope things improve at a steady rate throughout Japan. My friends and I will do what we can to help.
I like how you guys in Japan put things into perspective for all those who are in America.
Thank you
I didn’t comment before, but you 2 were some of the first people I thought of when I heard about the disaster… I’m glad you’re both alright!
Thank you for your updates. I have been following the news from Japan constantly. I visit at least once a year. My son has a Japanese wife and they have two little boys and they live in Tokyo.
Miki’s parents live in Koriyama and I visit them each time I go to Japan. They have taken me around all the tsunami wrecked coast on previous visits, and I love it and have happy memories of it. It is such a shock and words can’t convey feelings adequately.
The people of Britain feel solidarity with the Japanese people and funds have been set up to help. My nephew is busking in Wales for the Save the Children Japanese fund.
I wish you all the very best. I would so like to be in Tokyo now to help along side all the brave and stoical Japanese people.
Love and hugs,
Jill.
Glad to hear that you guys are okay. I thought maybe you lived a little further north closer to Sendai. I live in Misawa on the North Eastern coast, but fortunately we were spared with little tsunami damage. Further south from Hachinohe down is a different story. In the wake of the disaster, it really is awesome to see the Japanese people helping one another despite their own misfortunes. Makes me feel good when I go out to help and they are so gracious just at the fact that I came. I hate to say it, but if this were America it would be pure chaos! Hopefully they can get the reactors under control as I know thats worrying a lot of Japanese people, even way up here. Stay safe down there Kevin and Aaron. If you guys need anything let us know!
i am amazed to hear about the strength of character and culture japan is enjoying during this difficult time. my thoughts and prayers are for a quick recovery for the affected areas, and patience for all those who have to endure such hardships.
This is the first time I comment here and just wanted to say I’m happy to know you and your families are doing fine.
And by the way, here’s a project I’d like to pass just in case there’s someone interested to help by adding their work to the project http://writefortohoku.wordpress.com/
thank god your alright, iv been planning to visit japan, and being a tech-head the first thing i thought about when it was on the news was 1: i hope there alright and 2: how to prevent natural disaster using our current tech. iv come up with several plans, but need to be checked if its possible.
R.I.P to all caught by the EQ and tsunami
My heart goes out to everyone in Japan, especially the residents of the northern region. Unfortunately, all that I can do with my current situation is make donations and pray dearly to those who have been effected by this tragedy. Japan is a strong country, I know you will all recover from this and be even greater than before! It’s good to know that Kevin & Aaron are doing fine as well. Stay strong guys!
I’m so glad to hear that the both of you and your families are ok, and it’s great to hear that everyone in Japan is dealing with this tragedy so well. I hope the recovery is smooth and quick, and that things return to normal soon. I wish I could fly over there to help with the cleanup, but I don’t think there is any way for me to do so due to lack of money etc. My heart goes out to you and your families, and to everyone in Japan who has been affected by this tragedy. I wish you all, nothing short of the best. xoxo Stay strong
All our thoughts are with you!
Thank you for the updates, and it’s good to hear you are all OK. After the earthquake/tsumamis we were trying to link up with the people we know over there (they are all fine.)
I’m sending thoughts out to those who lost homes, friends, and family, and really hope that the rest of the world learns a lesson on how to properly deal with disaster from the Japanese people.
Thanks for the update. Glad to hear that you guys are ok. Will continue to pray for japan.
I m glad you are ok and most importantly alive. It’s very dificult for me to understand your situation, but how poeple can live with the fear of radiation? It must be scary! Hope everything will go back to normal soon.
Take care
(hope my english are still in a good shape:P)
Hey guys, thanks for the update.
Im glad to hear your both well, you guys were one of the first people i thought about when i saw the tsunami so good to hear your okay
Hope it gets easier and life goes back to normal soon.
Take Care
I also first thought of you two when I heard of all that happened in Japan, relieved to hear that you and your family are doing good, thanks for the update guys.
Guys-
Glad you’re safe. I’m up in northern Japan (close to Hachinohe) and have seen first hand some of the devastation. Helped do some of the clean up work and if there’s two words that describe the Japanese spirit, it’s “strength and grace.” Hang in there boys. It’s bound to get better as we heal.