Real Voices of Japan Earthquake: 03/24/11

VOICES FROM PEOPLE IN THE DISASTER-HIT AREAS: We need lifeline to be restored

(By Mr. Sato Takao at Evacuation shelter: Jorinji-temple, Matsuyama, Miyagi Pref.)
I hope the electricity and other lifeline will be restored. We need water, too. I feel sorry for the ladies and women because they can’t do the laundry nor take a bath. It would be wonderful if the Self Defense Force members could come and set up a makeshift bath.

What Quake Victims Want To Tell You Now

VOICES FROM PEOPLE IN THE DISASTER-HIT AREAS

Source: NHK online

March 23, 2011 (Weds.) broadcast

VOICES FROM PEOPLE IN THE DISASTER-HIT AREAS: Lofted house gave us a space to stay afloat

(By Ms. Miyoko Nakashima at Evacuation shelter: Jorinji-temple, Matsuyama, Miyagi Pref.)
Two of my children were at home when the tsunami attacked the town. It was too late when I shouted “Tsunami is coming!” When I opened the front door, the water was right in front of the door. I shut the door and we went upstairs. Water came up to where we were but we were lucky to live in a lofted house. We climbed up to the loft and stayed overnight. We stayed overnight there ---.

What Quake Victims Want To Tell You Now
VOICES FROM PEOPLE IN THE DISASTER-HIT AREAS

Source: NHK online

March 23, 2011 (Weds.) broadcast

VOICES FROM PEOPLE IN THE DISASTER-HIT AREAS: Water was right below us when tsunami hit

(By Ms. Haruko Sato at Evacuation shelter: Jorinji-temple, Matsuyama, Miyagi Pref.)
I escaped into a gym at an elementary school. There, everybody walked upstairs trying to get rid of the tidal waves. The water flooded the floor of the gym, reached the level right below us. Many things were floating on water, but we just couldn’t see them. We were so scared. Outside the gym, some people looked like they were swimming in a town-turned sea.

What Quake Victims Want To Tell You Now
VOICES FROM PEOPLE IN THE DISASTER-HIT AREAS
Source: NHK online
March 23, 2011 (Weds.) broadcast

VOICES FROM PEOPLE IN THE DISASTER-HIT AREAS: To my sisters in Tokyo

(To my sisters in Tokyo by Mr. Yoshimi Nakata, Evacuation shelter: Jorinji-temple, Matsuyama, Miyagi Pref.)
I’m sorry I couldn’t contact Mie Seki in Adachi-ku, Tokyo and Chiyako Sato in Ohme, Tokyo up until now. We all are fine here. Grandchildren are OK, too. Please contact people in Hachinohe and Karumaya if you can get in touch with them.

What Quake Victims Want To Tell You Now
VOICES FROM PEOPLE IN THE DISASTER-HIT AREAS
Source: NHK online
March 23, 2011 (Weds.) broadcast

I will never forget other people's kindness and support

I lost my brother and his wife in the earthquake. I am not the only person who is in the depths of grief and I will hang on. A lot of relief supplies have been delivered for which I am so grateful. I was moved so much that I wanted to cry. My tear-filled eyes do not know when to get dry. I shall never forget your kindness and support. (Voices From Quake Victims in Miyako, Iwate Pref. From the Asahi Shimbun, March 22, 2011)

Try to see the harsh reality as virtual world in the movie

My house was up on a hill and escaped from the tsunami. Food, however, is distributed only once a day at best. I don’t think I am well-nourished. I can’t think properly. It’s sad to see people around me in the state of almost starvation and get savage with themselves. In order not to lose my vitality and to maintain my spirit high, I try to see this reality as “the virtual world in the movie”. (Voices From Quake Victims in Ishinamaki, Miyagi Pref. From the Asahi Shimbun, March 21, 2011)

We want immediate and firm measure for relief, rescue and reconstruction

The N-clear power plant’s accident made me feel very uneasy. I have no idea whether I can continue to stay here. We cannot escape from earthquakes. That’s why we want the firm relief, rescue and reconstruction measures to be taken immediately after the quakes. (Voices From Quake Victims in Fukushima, the Asahi Shimbun, March 21, 2011)

Real Voices of Japan Earthquake

Thursday, March 24, 2011

VOICES FROM PEOPLE IN THE DISASTER-HIT AREAS: We need lifeline to be restored

VOICES FROM PEOPLE IN THE DISASTER-HIT AREAS: Lofted house gave us a space to stay afloat

VOICES FROM PEOPLE IN THE DISASTER-HIT AREAS: Water was right below us when tsunami hit

VOICES FROM PEOPLE IN THE DISASTER-HIT AREAS: To my sisters in Tokyo

I will never forget other people's kindness and support

Try to see the harsh reality as virtual world in the movie

We want immediate and firm measure for relief, rescue and reconstruction

Article from Mainichi Shimbun: Unsure future for city in shadow of nuclear plant

Photos from Mainichi Shimbun: Japan's devastating earthquake in pictures

Article from Japan Times: Donations go to victims: aid groups

International Institute of Education Launches Emergency Assistance Fund for U.S.-based Japanese Students‏

Article from WSJ: Bullock, Eastwood and Others Donate to Japan

Article from Yomiuri Shimbun: Holding to hope, rescuers battle on

Article from Yomiuri Shimbun: As tsunami rushed in, hospital worker spent his last seconds securing satellite phone

Article from Yomiuri Shimbun: As tsunami rushed in, hospital worker spent his last seconds securing satellite phone

Article from Asahi SHimbun: Cartoonists on mission to revitalize devastated 'manga town'

Article from Asahi Shimbun: Engineer overcame fears to help save stricken plant

Article from Asahi Shimbun: Survivors search wreckage for mementos of lives, loved ones

Article from Asahi Shimbun: Tsunami drills paid off for hundreds of children

Article from Asahi Shimbun: U.S. military providing huge disaster relief effort

NYT photos: In Japan’s Rubble, Fragments of Lives Past

WSJ photos: Tearful Reunions After the Quake

NYT photos: The Aftermath in Japan