Home > Happy Hour Japan > HHJ 東日本大震災 Special - Part I

HHJ 東日本大震災 Special - Part I

April 9th, 2011

Hi everyone,

It’s been one month since the big earthquake in Japan (referred to as 東日本大震災 (Higashi-Nihon Dai-Shinsai) here in Japan).

Aaron & I finally had a second to sit down and discuss what it was like before and after the earthquake. We ended up having WAAAAAAY too much to talk about and couldn’t fit everything in one episode. In fact, I had to cut out over half of it just to keep it down to a 2 part episode.

Part I is all about the earthquake itself–what it felt like, what we were doing, etc.

Part II (which will posted in the next week or two) will be all about what happened after the earthquake–the food shortages, power outages, radiation, etc.

We hope things here in Japan will return back to normal soon and we continue to send our thoughts to those who have suffered so much over the last month.

Best,
Kevin

Happy Hour Japan , , , ,

  1. Mina
    April 9th, 2011 at 09:15 | #1

    Hi guys!

    Thank you for this video!

    Lots of love from Australia!

  2. April 9th, 2011 at 12:23 | #2

    Japan,, fight fight fight!!!

  3. Thomas
    April 9th, 2011 at 12:38 | #3

    Hey Guys,
    Glad to see your both well and i’m glad you did a special episode like this
    Good to see you were trying to be positive and happy about things, cause all you hear from japan is negative news these days =/
    but i think you both explained what happened well and its really good to see another episode of happy hour japan :)
    can’t wait until the next one
    :)

  4. April 9th, 2011 at 14:44 | #4

    Nice to see you guys are in one-piece after the 3/11Disaster and able to have a sense of humor
    about it! Hundreds of miles away in Himji, we could even fell small effects of the mega quake.
    You are right about taking quakes seriously, especially in Japan where they happen all the time.
    I was under the kitchen table during the 1995 Great Hansin Earthquake which destroyed Kobe. Wish I had had a hardhat then!
    It is very frightening having everything around you thrown about!
    You can buy many earthquake security items at homecenters all
    over Japan. We now secure our china cabinets to the wall with special
    anchors so they won’t topple on our heads.
    Look forward to HHJ Part 2, mates! Gambare Nihon!!
    Look forward to Part 2 HHJ!

  5. Superjenny
    April 9th, 2011 at 15:08 | #5

    It is terrible what happened, but as you said, a positive approach is a wonderful way of coping. I’m glad to hear about the lack of damage; I suppose the Japanese people take into account tectonic activity when building. Very smart.

    I did laugh when I found out that Tokyo Tower is now bent, I have to tell that to my friends. I’m sure they’ll appreciate the physics. Thank you for taking the time to explain ehat you went through. We now have a better understanding of what happenened because, after all, hearing it through the grape vine from news programs and papers doesn’t have half as much impact as hearing a first-hand account of someone that’s been through it.

    Many thanks for taking time to make a video and letting us all know what you went through. I was scared to death in my little earthquake in Ottawa, so I can’t even imagine what you felt! I look forward to part 2 with anticipation!

  6. AudraLG
    April 10th, 2011 at 01:03 | #6

    Glad to know you’re all okay! It sounds pretty scary. I can’t wait to see the next video! I don’t know TOO much details about the earthquake and such… Thank you for the vid.
    Love you Japan!

  7. AudraLG
    April 10th, 2011 at 01:09 | #7

    I also think that being in a good mood isn’t bad. It’s good to try and stay positive no matter what happens. It’s also encouraging.

  8. Tanya
    April 10th, 2011 at 02:43 | #8

    Thanks for posting. Keep them coming! We are praying and supporting work for the Tohoku people.

  9. Yubin
    April 10th, 2011 at 23:07 | #9

    It’s great that you guys are trying hard to stay calm and find normality after such a disaster. That’s in my opinion probably best thing you could do for yourself and everyone else around you. I hear the radiation is still a big concern through out Japan at the moment. It definitely is a big problem, so hope everyone is looking after one another. Stay strong guys. Huge love and prayers from L.A.

    PS: Looking forward to the 2nd Part of the Special! Hope the video’s longer!

  10. Dawn
    April 11th, 2011 at 02:36 | #10

    Nice way to explain your experiences. And I agree a little levity helps you get through tough times - we did the same type of thing after missle attacks during Desert Storm.
    It actually makes me feel better for not being able to help those up north much, knowing people so close can’t really help either.
    Looking forward to part II - I don’t mind a longer video if it’s needed.

  11. mike
    April 13th, 2011 at 05:20 | #11

    Kevin and Arron, I really like the format of the current program, much better from what I had critiqued a few months ago. I like your not trying to make the situation too dire, the Japanese people are far more self-respecting than that and deserve sincerity. I like the story telling format given the situation you are trying to describe. Since I lived in Seattle and understand the earthquake possibilities, I appreciate your connecting Japan’s situation to your former situation. I live in Minneapolis and also have two reactors nearby, but no earthquakes and tsunami potentials, so I can relate a little. We do have tornadoes and they are probable. Keep telling us about what is happening. On a side note, out west where they have potentials for forest fires, people are expected to keep buckets and helmets ready for fighting fires. And in Minnesota we are expected to have winter sleeping and survival gear in cars during blizzards. Welcome to nature! I am really happy you guys are making your dreams come through and realized in your program. We all benefit immensely! Dr. Michael M. Norman, Minneapolis mikesensei@q.com

  12. mike
    April 13th, 2011 at 05:23 | #12

    Hang in there!

  13. April 14th, 2011 at 22:13 | #13

    I am glad you guys are doing ok. You guys must have been terrified to be in the middle of all that rumble. O that reminds me I need to donate more money to the cause.

  14. Sammi
    April 27th, 2011 at 18:01 | #14

    Is it safe to go there in July? I have friends there that I must see. Im glad you both are safe and I wish you all much well in the future

  15. August 14th, 2011 at 04:50 | #15

    14 August 2011  めちゃ あついですね!
    Obon Holiday is upon us, as is very hot and humid summer weather! Wish we were in Seattle and the PNW right now! It`s been awhile since last communication, been very busy here in Himeji! Just wanted to wish you both, Kevin and Aaron and your families well! Stay cool these hot summer days!
    Castle Town Friend,
    Taro Starbuck

  16. Klea
    January 12th, 2012 at 13:36 | #16

    I was wondering about the internet connections in Japan and how it work.I heard that can stend e-mails from the phone without connection,is that true?