Voices From Japan Re-translated into Arabic

Voices From Japan's translations have been re-translated into Arabic and published on Al-Gomhuria Newspaper (One of Egypt`s leading newspapers).  Thank you Sowon Zio for the initiative to translated it into Arabic.  

"Be Strong!" Hashikami Jr. Highschool Graduation

As is tradition in Japanese junior high schools, the valedictorian salutes the class with his speech, thanks the teachers, and delivers a pledge for the whole class.  


This is a clip from the graduation ceremony of Hashikami Junior High School in Kesenuma City, a city that no longer exists.  The ceremony was held at one wing of a gymnasium that now serves as an evacuation facility.  There are parents receiving the diplomas in place of their children who are dead or missing.  The translation below is from 0:43.

Principal:

"We have all been stricken by sudden and incredible tragedy.  Knowing that disaster could hit our city one day, we did prepare.  But the disaster that struck us and continues to grip us day by day has proven to be something unimaginable ... far more terrifying than we had ever imagined.  

We have been burdened with enormous grief and sadness, but we must overcome."

Valedictorian:

“Hashikami Junior High School has always been known for its excellent disaster prevention training, and as such, we have been highly respected both from within and without.

“But, in the face of nature’s fury, we were entirely powerless, and it has mercilessly robbed us all of things we hold dear.  These are trials given to us from above, but they seem too painful to bear, and too baffling to understand. 

“But even in distress, it is the duty of us the graduates of Hashikami Junior High School 2011, to not blame heaven, to persevere through our lot in life, and to always help one another in our life ahead together.”

Principal:

“Courage. Be strong.”

Old Ladies Now Completely Used to Earthquakes

At the Ito Yokado supermarket, the intercom suddenly blared out another earthquake warning. Everyone in sight suddenly stopped cold in their tracks … except for the old ladies. With nerves of steel, they continued to go around diligently filling their baskets with food and vegetables that were on sale.  Unbelievable.  Either they are now completely used to earthquakes or they just are not thinking. What if this was a big one!?

(Original Japanese Text)

http://twitter.com/#!/aberia_tatsumi/status/58002772708175872

イトーカドーで買い物していたら店内放送で緊急地震警報が。みんな一斉にピタって静止する中、根性座った叔母ちゃま達だけがせっせと自分の籠の中に安売りの野菜を詰め込んでいたことに感動。もう慣れっこになっちゃっているのか、ただ単に何も考えていないのか。本気で大きかったらどうするの？

3 Year Old Girl Tries to "Fix the Earthquake"

Today, my three year old daughter came to me with her little piggy bank of 10-yen (10p) coins and said, “I’m going to give one to everyone who is crying. That will fix the earthquake won’t it?” Big lesson for all of us indeed.  Have we all done everything we can to help those in need. 

(Original Japanese Text)

http://twitter.com/#!/lovefairly/status/57986498364063744

感動したメルマガをシェアして→うちの三歳の娘が、いきなり十円玉だらけのお小遣いを持ってきて、 泣いている人に一つずつあげるんだって。これで、地震治るねって。。 みんな良く考えよう。自分にやれる事がやれているか

The Important Stories the Media Finds Boring

The media is primarily interested in the radiation levels in the Fukushima nuclear power plant.  Less and less is covered about the people struggling to live, and of some of the wonderful stories that happened on the ground.

One of these stories took place in Kesenuma, the city that was completely wiped out in the tsunami.  Amidst the destruction, one building that still stands.  It is a building that saved 1,000 lives and 500 vehicles ... and it wasn't a coincidence.  Here is its story by Wesley Cheek.

Japanese Prime Minister Thanks The World

Japan PM Naoto Kan has thanked the international community for its assistance and encouragement on several of the world's leading newspapers.  This one is from the Wallstreet Journal Europe.  

Thank you for the Kizuna.

My country suffered an unprecedented heavy earthquake a month ago. Numerous people lost their lives, and more than 150,000 people have had to take refuge.

In the regions that were hit by the tsunami after the earthquake, there was no water, no electricity, no food, and even contact with the outside world had been cut off. At that time, overseas assistances gave us strength to go forward.

A bowl of hot soup and a blanket warmed bodies and minds in cold. Rescue teams struggled to comb through the rubble to save survivors, and medical teams selflessly provided treatment to those people who were physically and emotionally injured.

Even today, we are still receiving encouragement and wishes from around the world. The Kizuna given by friends all over the world greatly inspire us. I would like to say a sincere "thank you" to the countries, regions and all the rest of you who have given us all-out support.

Reconstruction work has kicked off. We are trying our best to stabilize Fukushima I Nuclear Power Plant. 

Relying on the Japanese people's potential and international community's assistance, Japan will be able to undergo rebirth, revival and achieve even greater prosperity. At that time, we will repay all corners of the world for your kindness.

For the day is coming when we will unite as one to join the reconstruction and turn our deep gratitude toward our friends into hope. Thank you once again. 

Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan

A Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed.

Earthquake, Lightning, Thunder, Storm, All at Once

When the quake hit (April 11) it was raining madly, with thunder and lightning raking across the sky.  And then, black out.  I thought I was seeing the end of the world. 

(Original Japanese Text)

http://twitter.com/#!/diamondnotcrash/status/57377389730213888

地震来たときは、外は大雨で雷、そして停電　地球の終りを見た気がした。

Is it the Ground Shaking or ... ?

A month today since that big quake.  And we just got hit by another big quake this evening.  The quake was 4.0 when it hit my hometown, with multiple aftershocks to follow.  With so many quakes hitting us, I recently have a hard time distinguishing if it is the ground that is shaking or if I’m just getting dizzy and nauseous. 

(Original Japanese Text)

http://twitter.com/#!/kenken19671204/status/57380514637684736

あの大地震から今日で１ヶ月。 夕方に強い揺れが… 私の地元も震度４を観測。その後も続く余震。 もう、地震で揺れてるのか、自分がフラついているのか解らなくなってきたよ(-.-;)

7.1 Earthquake Hits Fukushima

More information to follow.

High-Schooler Creates Online Help Map

A high-schooler in Sendai City has set up an online map that allows the evacuation facilities around Japan to post requests for specific supplies that they are short of.  The online system makes it easier and more efficient for supplies to be sent quickly where needed most. This is the link, please use it to help people in the evacuation facilities.  

(Example Post 1:  Minami Rikuzen City Hall – (Apr. 10) Things we need now: fresh food, miso, soy sauce, salt, pepper, salad oil, mayonnaise and other seasoning supplies, drinking water, gasoline, kerosene (it will snow on the 16^th).  Call: 0226-46-2600.  Please call before you send just in case.)

(Example Post 2:  Iwate Volunteer Center – (Apr 6⁾ We need volunteers to help with the removal of debris and mud. Meet in from of the Morioka Station (Marios Supermarket) 6:30AM.  Chartered bus will pick you up.  Requesting 80 people.  Bring your own lunch, boots, and shovels.  Call 0196377549)

(Original Japanese Text)

http://twitter.com/#!/mi_ta_29/status/57004938261315586

仙台の高校生が避難所を聞き取り調査。不足している物資の情報をネット上の地図に掲載して、物資を効率よく分配できるようシステムを作った 必要物資・支援要求マップ みんなで活用しましょう。http://311help.com