March 11th, A Day To Show Kindness To Those Who Grieve

3/11、いろんなことを思いだして調子が悪くなることもあると思います。被災地のかたにかぎらずです。むろん被災されたかたはおつらいと思います。だれかをなくされたかたの悲しみは想像しきれません。身近にそんなかたがいたら、あたたかい言葉かけをする、3/11はそんな日でもあると思います。

March 11^th, this day will always bring back sad memories, not only people in the effected regions.  My heart goes out to the people in these areas.  I cannot even begin to imagine the grief of losing loved ones.  I believe March 11^th should be a day when we show kindness to those around us who are hurting, those who grieve.   

https://twitter.com/monjukun/statuses/178285496584245248

A "Thank you" Day, Not an "Anti-Nuclear" Day

【311の過ごし方】→被災地とは「感覚的に」遠く離れている方は、身近な人・お世話になっている人・大好きな人に「いつもありがとう」という日にしてください。急に会えなくなることだってあるんですから。脱原発のデモをする日ではないと思うのです。

{How to spend March 11^th} For those of you who are not directly in touch with the hard-hit areas, please commemorate this day by making it a day when you say “thank you for everything always” to those closest to you, those who care for you, those you love.  Remember that a day could suddenly come when you will no longer get to see them again.  This should not be a day for demonstrations and protests against nuclear energy.   

https://twitter.com/monchicamera/statuses/176536093435506689

A Day to Remember, Despite the Memories

東北地方太平洋沖地震を忘れられない日、3月11日は、報道でも暗くなる話題が多いでしょう。しかし、逆に言えば日本が一つとなり強くなれるキッカケをくれた日です。今日、3月11日が誕生日の人は記念日でもある。誕生日の人、おめでとう(^^)

March 11^th, the unforgettable day of the Tohoku Earthquake.  The media this day can show us much that can bring our spirits down as we remember that day.  However, it is also the day that united Japan.  There are also people born on March 11^th to whom the day is a memorial … Happy birthday to you. 

https://twitter.com/Shingjung/statuses/178855152101494784

Part Time Worker's Mind Put at Ease about Pay

I was so grateful to my part-time employer.  I had been getting sent home earlier than usual because there was no business, and I was getting very worried about the amount I would be receiving on pay day.  Today, I realized my employer had included a special payment they called “Earthquake Provision” in my pay!  Now I don’t have to worry about paying for my lessons!

(Original Japanese Text)

http://twitter.com/#!/princess_kaon/status/59242099643658240

自分のバイト先に本当に感動！ 地震で早帰りが多かったから、お給料本当にヤバイって思ってたら、地震休業手当が頂けた！これでレッスン費も安心です( ´ ▽ ` )ノ

4-year-old Girl Donates Savings

My friend took her 4 year old sister to McDonalds.  When the little child saw the disaster relief donations box beside the counter, she took out a 100-yen ($1) coin from her little purse and put it in.  It was a 100-yen that she was carefully saving for herself later.  (The Japanese McDonalds has a list of food that sells for exactly 100-yen.  Editor’s assumption is that the little child had been saving her 100-yen for an icecream or other food, but decided to donate it at the last minute.)

(Original Japanese Text)

http://twitter.com/#!/katura_umeda/status/59236923767668736

4歳の妹とマックへいったらしんだけど、レジの隣においてあった地震の募金箱をみて自分の財布から100円取り出して募金したらしい。　大事にしてた100円だったから感動した

"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

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(-.-;)

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

Cousins Traveling North Blocked at Sendai

Just now, I managed to call my parents in Iwate Prefecture.  Their electricity seems to have been restored.  But my cousins who rushed to get to Iwate following the quake have been bogged down at Sendai.  It may be that the damage in the Tohoku region is bigger than we all thought.  Traffic seems to be congested even off the highways.

(Original Japanese Text)

http://twitter.com/#!/hariktriam/status/56297271658156032

先程ちょうど，実家と通話できるようになった(岩手県大船渡市内)．後ノ入地区も電気が通ったらしい．なお，自分よりも早く地元入りしようとしていた従兄弟が仙台で足止めを食らっているとのこと．東北道のダメージが思ったより大きい可能性が．一般道も混んでいるかも．

Sendai City Center Fully Restored

Just arrived in Sendai’s city center.  Not only is there power and water, but the stores are operational, traffic is moving … it almost seems there never was a quake yesterday.

(Original Japanese Text)

http://twitter.com/#!/mina_awa_mina05/status/56296344402399232

電気、水道が通じてる仙台市内に戻ってきた。普通にお店もあって車も動いてる。地震があったなんて嘘みたいだ‥‥

Parts of Sendai Still Dark ...

 When is the power going to come back on again??  They said sometime today but which part exactly of Sendai is that?  My place is still pitch black.  I’m not in a mental state to go to work tomorrow, but here is my company calling my mobile …

(Original Japanese Text)

http://twitter.com/#!/soubi1/status/56294534073683968

電気いつ復旧するんだよー。今日中にとかってどこの仙台の話？うち真っ暗だけど(-_-;)明日仕事行く精神状態じゃないのに会社から電話‥。

3 Additional Deaths on April 6th

Three people lost their lives in yesterday’s quake.  One, who was being treated, died from the oxygen inhaler stopping because of the power blackout, and two died of shock.  I pray for the quick restoration of electricity especially for those who depend on medical equipment to survive.   

(Original Japanese Text)

http://twitter.com/#!/otoko_ebihara/status/56211314112069633

昨夜の地震での死者3人。うち、停電で酸素吸入器が使えなくなった方1名、ショック死2名とのこと。停電が早期に解消され、医療機器を必要とする方に電気が行くことを祈る

Quake Caught me in the Shower ... AGAIN!

The earthquake caught me in the shower ... AGAIN!  Even worse, I was washing my hair.  My concerned parents rushed to see if I was okay but it wasn’t like there was anything anyone could do until I could see again to unlock the door.  

http://twitter.com/#!/polkadotsfish/status/56021139750789120

先ほどの地震の最中、またもや風呂場に居た。しかも洗髪中。心配した親が飛んできたけどどうしようもないし。

Bottle as Much Water as You Can!

Please Pass On.  The water pipes in Izumiku Minami Hikaridai have been ruptured, and the reports are saying that there will be water shortage very soon.  To everyone who still has running water, BOTTLE as much water as you can now!

http://twitter.com/#!/rara1108/status/56013938713829377

【拡散希望】泉区南光台水道管破裂して、また断水するそうです。今ならまだ水でるひとは、ペットボトルお風呂なんでもいいから水ためてください。

Fires in Sendai City

Buildings have crumbled in Kesenuma because of this new quake.  There are reports of fires and gas leakage in Sendai City.  My sincere sympathies to the people in the Tohoku region who are going through an extremely anxious night.  They say there will be aftershocks leading from this quake as well, so please please be careful.  I will keep up to date on the news so that I can jump on any chance that comes up for me to help in anyway. 

(Original Japanese Text)

http://twitter.com/#!/hashimoto_tokyo/status/56031402193465345

気仙沼市からは建物倒壊の、仙台市からは火災、ガス漏れなどの情報が届いています。不安な夜を過ごされている現地の方には、心からお見舞い申し上げます。まだ余震が続くとのこと、くれぐれもお気をつけてお過ごし下さい。引き続き情報をウォッチすることで、ささやかに協力できればと思います。

When Will We Ever Have Peace Again?

Man, that was scary!  I was sleeping on the sofa when it struck and I woke up dazed.  My head was still wrapped in sleep as I saw my father run to hold the furniture in place.  When will the day be when we can all live in peace again?  Good night.

http://twitter.com/#!/tamiyoshimura/status/56021143445970944

怖かったねーでも私、地震の途中までソファーで寝ておりました(..)起きてボーッとしてたら、お父さんが家具を押さえにきたよ。安心できるときが、なかなか来ないね。おやすみなさい。

Bucketed as Much Water as I Could

Another one … again a very strong one that lasted a very long time.  Things were dropping everywhere around my house, and I thought the house was going to fall apart.  I fled to my car, and seeing that the water was still running, did the first thing that came to mind … bucket as much water as I could.  

http://twitter.com/#!/66neco/status/56021142749716480

強くて長い地震でまたいろいろなモノが落ちてきました。家ごとつぶされるかと思った(ノ_・。)　車に避難してますが、まだ水道は大丈夫みたいなので水の確保をします。