Be proud of being Japanese
I saw such a beautiful sky over Tokyo today on my way to the hostel.
The city is quiet and peaceful. I can't help but think... what if only that hadn't happened.
But it happened. We cannot change this fact.
Now, it is time to take this opportunity to unite and recreate the nation.
I read on Twitter and Facebook a lot about what people witnessed on the day. Here, I try to translate some of them.
◎At Tokyo Disney Land
・http://twitter.com/unosuke/status/46376846505426944
Tokyo Disney Land gave people snacks from their shops. Some school girls asked them for more than they needed, which disappointed me for one moment. But the next moment, they went straight to give those snacks to kids in an evacuation space. It was a respectable action to make as it was difficult for parents to move around with small kids in that situation.
◎Realize Japanese spirit
・http://twitter.com/VietL/status/46376383592677376
This earthquake gave us an opportunity to realize what Japanese people are. Nobody commits a crime. People help each other. Dutiful. Polite. I usually think that Japanese people lack sympathy, but this time people are regaining the "bond". Really impressive and moving.
◎Given cardboard
・http://twitter.com/aquarius_rabbit/status/46213254376210432
A homeless man gave us a cardboard box to put down on the ground when we were waiting for trains at a cold platform. We usually give them the cold shoulder but they gave us the warm one.
◎Japanese people seen by foreigners
・http://twitter.com/kiritansu/status/46335057689980928
A foreigner's perspective. In a messy supermarket where there were dropped items all over the floor, Japanese customers quietly picked those things and stand in a line to pay for them. An old man gave his seat to a pregnant lady in a packed train shortly after the metro was reopened.
◎We are living in a great country
・http://twitter.com/tksksks/statuses/46403815397801984
This is an amazing country. People help each other. I've heard that some truck drivers are voluntarily carrying supplies to disaster-affected areas, and some yakuzas are helping traffic control in Tohoku region. In the past few years, many disappointing stories in the news discouraged us to be proud of being Japanese. But hey, Japan is a great country. I'm simply moved. Hang in there, Japan!
Comment
I stayed at Sakura Hostel a few years ago not long after it opened and had a wonderful time in Tokyo. I'm so pleased everyone at the hostel is fine and my heart goes out to those who have felt the full force of this disaster. Best wishes to everyone in Japan, I hope things get better very soon.
Posted by: Phil | 2011/03/13 23:06
are an example of how a society should behave
fighting!!!!!!!1
japan!!!!!!!
Posted by: camila | 2011/03/13 23:28
What a beautiful post! I've visited you a couple times and my heart goes out to you and all Japanese people. Hang in there! Love, Nienke
Posted by: Nienke Krook | 2011/03/14 12:36
The best way to keep going is by helping each other. Last oct I was in japan and I hope to live there one day, never give up japan !!!
Posted by: Luis Sesam | 2011/03/14 16:48
I hope to be able to return in magic country and that all well will occur thereafter. がんばってください !
ジミー
Posted by: Jimmy Braun | 2011/03/16 00:58
I love you japanese people!!!
がんばて！！！
Posted by: Luiz Siqueira Neto | 2011/03/16 01:03
my short stay in japan in sept/oct 2010 was such a joy and we stayed in asakusa. I know where that photo was taken on the top of this page. The universe has given japan many great challenges in the past and it has still shone brightly as it will again.
Posted by: carmine bonacci | 2011/03/16 09:58
to be onest i didnt think about a drama if i first hear an earthquacke in japan because when i was there in tokio i did see an earthquacke. while my legs was shaking the japanese people around me just went by because they where used to. so i thought it would not be so bad. but as soon as i did watched the news i was completely shocked. after the strong earthqacke the huge tsunami then the nuclear power stations. im very sad. but i know the japanese people are not like other because they are more polite, more disciplined, more organized and more helpfull to eachother. so they will make everything good very soon. BANZAI^^
Posted by: Zehra Oezden | 2011/03/21 17:54