From 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and tsunami to Japanese culture
There are 12,000 Japanese residents missing and more than 10,000 people dead or injured following the highest intensity earthquake in the Japan's history, on Friday, March, 11. This catastrophic earthquake not only affects northeast Japan, but also affects other places like Japan's capital, Tokyo.
The earthquake and tsunami also spread across the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii and the United State's west coast.
Photos and videos on CNN and other news networks depicted cars washed up on houses, a whole village completely destroyed and several other traumatic photographs.
From the photos, huge lines in front of the telephone booth remain evident. Everyone is trying to get hold of their family members, but since the wireless network in Japan has broken down, Japanese residents need to use the telephone booth or wired telephones to reach their families.
However, it should be noted that no major reactions like panic, cutting lines or any out-of-control situations which usually occur after natural disasters.
Just about 800 miles away in China, there were rumors that the radioactivity leak in Japan will spread across the sea and will lead to cancer and other serious health issues in China. Rumors being spread around also include that salt and the iodine can help resist the radioactivity leak from Japan (which is not true).
This led to a salt-buying frenzy all over China.
A small bag of salt was priced up to 3 dollars or more; Chinese are stocking up bags of salt. From the photos beside, we can see the craziness of Chinese citizens trying to fight for a bag of salt.
Ironically, China is not the country that is experienced the most devastating earthquake, but the Chinese are panicking and buying bags of salt just to follow the “trend.” No one is lining up, people just panic and stock up unnecessary bags of salt because of an insensible rumor online.
From twitter and other medias, it became more and more obvious the strong community and group effort the Japanese displayed in the face of this disaster, with one heart and a single faith.
Hours after the earthquake broke out, convenience stores such as 7-11 and FamilyMart gave out free food and water to everyone in need. Schools were opened for people unable to travel; hotels and small hostels were opened for free for people who needed shelter; Tokyo Disneyland gave out candies and water and also provided parades and fireworks for people who were trapped in the theme park
Clearly, the strong “community power” in Japan is not built based on how many donations are received but is the warmest caring between neighbors and the society.
For more tweets and prayers regarding Japan Crisis 2011, please refer to http://prayforjapan.jp/message/?lang=en.
There will be a series of events this week regarding the Japan Relief, please refer to posters around campus.
