Mujo

"After September 11, a new map of geopolitics rose in people's mind around the world. Has March 11 and the nuclear disaster that followed changed something in the relationship to the environment, to energy, or to politics? in Japan and elsewhere? Let's look at what and how things are moving, within this specific Japanese cultural framework : the sense of impermanence (mujo), the consciousness of the fragitlity of things (mono no aware)... An interactive movie is not only recording people's voice and traces of life in a devastated landscape. It is about creating links and meaning, for the Japanese people, but also for everyone. We all have to learn from what is happening.The Japan Webdoc Project is a way to listen to the growing change and pave the path for new relationships to the environment, the energy, to politics, but also to one's own body and daily behaviors."

Please keep watching...

I remember going to Kesennuma for a day in June, one of the volunteers I was with, told me,
"You know, Rikuzen-Takata city, I feel has made progress since March 11th. But seeing Kesennuma today for my first time...it is almost as if the city has been in pause since March. I was just lost for words driving through there..."
But I had seen Kesennuma in April. So many boats were ashore back then that there weren't even roads for the cars to go through. In fact, it was too dangerous for cars to go through as the water hadn't subsided yet from the tsunami, flooding areas close to the shore.
So I replied,
"It may seem like it to you, but it has progressed since April"

Even now, 7 months since March 11th, if one goes to the devastated areas from the earthquake and tsunami for the first time, he/she will likely be surprised and amazed at the destruction caused by mother nature. However, humans are strong, too.

When we support each other and receive help from countries all over the world, look at the progress we can make.  Although each day is still a struggle, step by step improvements will eventually lead to a more hopeful future...Please take a look at Northeast Japan's progress:
http://blogs.sacbee.com/photos/2011/09/japan-marks-6-months-since-ear.html#ixzz1agx6Opwg

I am very very thankful for the support Japan has received from all over the world. If I can ask you a favor though, please don't forget about those in Northeast Japan. Please include them in your prayers. As each individual, each family, each community, each area makes further progress, please keep watching over them...

同じ空の下~Underneath the same sky~

時々、陸前高田で見た星空を思い出す。

ボランティアで一緒になった人達と、外で歯磨きしていたら、
とても奇麗な星空が．．．
みんなで地面に寝転がって、星を眺め、
流れ星も幾つか見れた。

その奇麗な星空の下には津波の被害が残っている。
そして、その奇麗な星空の下にはも苦しんで、悲しんでいる人々が生活し、
一歩一歩前へ進もうとしている。
そう思うととても切なかった。

でも、私達みたいに星空を見上げているのかな。
見上げていて欲しいな。
一瞬でもよいからこの星空を見て、希望を持って欲しい．．．
あの時そう思った。

あの時見た星空は人生の中で一番奇麗な星空だったかもね。
陸前高田の人々は今どうしているのかな。
とても遠くに感じるけれど、私は忘れない。

同じ空の下にいるんだ。
そう思うと、少し近づけた気がする。

希望の一本松、なじょにがすっぺ！

Update on the 11th in Tohoku...

Over in Northeast Japan, in Ishinomaki, on the 11th all of the refugee shelters were closed. Although this sounds like uplifting news, it is also important to know some people were forced out of these shelters... Those effected in Onagawa moved into temporary housing (two-stories high!). It was worth being patient and waiting for, was a comment made by one of the victims.

Although people are gradually moving forward, what they all want most is to get back their loved ones, their houses, their normal everyday lives before March 11th. I think that is one thing we must not forget... that their number one need/desire can not be granted. So we must all keep up our support so that they can keep taking these little steps forward- one by one...

My prayers out to Northeast Japan!

10.11.2011 Love and Prayers across the Ocean

So...I am writing, again.

After discontinuing for over a month on this blog, I noticed that I care too much to stop.
Instead of posting on this blog about Northeast Japan, I realized I started posting on facebook.
I care about the progress of the people of Northeast Japan so much-too much- that I need to keep up with this blog.
I noticed that this blog will not keep me from my graduate studies.
I feel it is something I must do for me.
Because I care...
So, even if it means writing a sentence or two during times I am busy...I've decided I want to continue!!!

継続は力なり

So, I will write again.

Today, October 11th marks 7 months since the great tsunami and earthquake struck Northeast Japan. Whenever the 11th rolls around, for some reason, I can not go to sleep. Even if I do, I wake up in the middle of the night...So at around 2:46pm (Japan time on the 11th), I will be sending my prayers. I am hoping my prayers will reach my country and the people effected by the natural disaster.

You are always, always- in my thoughts.

~Sending much love and prayers across the ocean~