Today, 10 Years Ago and Now

This year’s March 11th marks 10 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake (Magnitude 9.0) and following massive tsunami and nuclear meltdown. The total number of people who were killed and missing recognized is currently 22,000, which may increase in the future as earthquake-related deaths may be recognized later.

If you are not familiar with what happened on March 11th and the following two days in 2011, the following link may help you understand what Japan went through. The video is available in eight languages.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/ondemand/video/3016087/

Please note: the video contains images of strong earthquake and tsunami. If you feel uncomfortable and uneasy, please stop watching it.

Last month, the east Japan experienced a M.7.3 earthquake, which was quite a powerful earthquake. The earthquake is considered as an aftershock of the Great East Japan Earthquake. Many people were surprised that we still experience aftershocks after 10 years.

Japan received lots of prayers and support from all over the world on international organizational, national/local governmental and corporate. We like to thank you all for your support then. Many people still send us prayers. Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper were just a few examples of them.

As of today, over 40,000 people still live as evacuees. Affected areas are still halfway through recovery; however, many people are trying to make a “better” community than their community before the Earthquake. I hope you will keep people in these areas in your prayer.

Last 10 years, how to prepare for natural disasters on individual, organizational, local and national governmental levels drew attention in Japan. BCP (Business Contingency Plan), resilience, evacuation shelter management drew people’s attention.

From my experience of the Great East Japan Earthquake, I came to realize that I should not take it for granted that “tomorrow” comes to everyone: “today” may be the last day for me or those I want to spend more time with. Since then, I try to express my thanks and love to people that I should tell them I thank and love them. I am still trying.

The COVID-19 outbreak makes us even harder to meet people in person. I am afraid that physical distancing may divide us socially. I hope that people can rely on help they need when they need.

I hope that you will have a wonderful day today. Let’s make our new day the best day every day.

Written and posted by Mika Nakahara