My wife and I were in Japan during the earthquake and tsunami but were in Nara at the time so we were far from any danger. Just after the earthquake happened I tweeted, “Just had a small earthquake in Japan.” I didn’t think much of it because Japan has earthquakes all the time. I experienced some pretty scary shakes and this one barely registered where I was. It wasn’t until I saw the news a couple of hours later that I learned that this wasn’t a “small earthquake.”
In the following days life in the places I visited were still pretty much normal. People were still working, shopping and going sightseeing in Nara, Kyoto and Osaka. It didn’t really feel like anything happened.
The news shows a different story though. I really can’t imagine what it must be like for the people affected. Many lost their lives, others lost loved ones and/or everything they owned. Now they are dealing with the mounting nuclear crisis.
Japan is Special
One side of the disaster that I believe is under-reported is the patience and goodwill of the Japanese people. There is no looting or mass panic in the streets. Delayed commuters patiently queue with minimal complaints or anger. Even in the face of food shortages, lack of clothing and shelter, the Japanese are orderly and calm. I don’t think most other developed countries would react in anywhere near the same way.
Japanese society is often derided in the west as being conformist and uncreative however this hides what is most valuable in Japanese culture. There is a level of respect, politeness, work ethic and basic civility that is severely lacking in many countries.
Crime rates, obesity levels, food quality, life expectancies, respect for tradition, literacy and education rates, scientific and mathematical skills, environmental consciousness, income equality and health care all trump most other countries of the world. On measures that matter most, Japan wins hands down.
Life is Short
While the developed world watches from the comfort of an affluent lifestyle, I think it is important to take a moment to remember how incredibly short life is.
When it comes down to it, all we need is food, shelter, clothing, friends and family. Nothing else really matters. We spend so much of our lives focused on inconsequential things like material possessions and social status that we often ignore what is most valuable and essential.
Even in Japan, people are out shopping, consuming and enjoying themselves while so many in the world don’t have the basic necessities of life. On this blog, I advocate travel and lifestyle design, encouraging people to live for themselves, but I have been changing my mind.
Quality of life and personal happiness are not about how much we take for ourselves. Real satisfaction comes from how much we can contribute to others. The real heros are the teachers, doctors, nurses, government workers, volunteers, military personal, police, firefighters, garbage collectors and countless others that show up to work everyday to ensure that the world functions.
I salute all those people who are not seeking fame and fortune but are just striving to make a small difference where they can. The workers trying to stabilize the nuclear reactor should be particularly applauded. They are exposing themselves to high levels of radiation and most certainly damaging their long term health in order to minimize the harm to others.
What it is like to be in an Earthquake
People often ask me what it is like to be in an earthquake. Earthquakes vary in intensity and movement, but in general the entire ground shifts back and forth. In Nara, where I was during this last huge earthquake, many Japanese originally thought they were dizzy or even drunk because the world seemed to sway back and forth. In stronger earthquakes there is a more violent movement that can shake books off of shelves and force you to the ground.
Just by coincidence, the day before the earthquake I tried an earthquake simulator in Nara. Here is a short video showing what the 2006 magnitude 6 Nigata earthquake was like:
[iframe: title=”YouTube video player” width=”548″ height=”360″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/N9DWJ9Fq4-U” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen>]
How to Help
If you are interested in contributing to the Japan aid effort, here are a couple of links to get you started. Your alcohol, coffee or entertainment budget for a month could help feed and clothe a family or two. There are many bogus charities popping up so don’t blindly give your money.
Helping Japan – Make sure your money goes to the right place.
Japan Relief on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation website.
Well said, John. I’m glad you and your wife are safe. Too bad it takes a tragedy like this for people to remember what is really important. Thank you for the links.
Hey John!
It seems that I made it out of Japan in time o_O Hopes all your friends & Motoko’s family is allright.
It’s hard not to feel powerless when the only thing we can do is follow the news of how things are unfolding there. Just made a donation to the Canadian red cross for the Japan relief efforts.
Here’s the link btw…
https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/donate.aspx?EventID=66175&LangPref=en-CA&Referrer=http%3a%2f%2fwww.croixrouge.ca%2farticle.asp%3fid%3d2383%26tid%3d032
Actually, after a month there I think I kind of got a crush for Japan. And since I am thinking that maybe I could relocate there for a little while. But I guess, this project is gonna have to wait 🙁
Hi Pascal,
It is good to hear from you. We don’t know anyone that was harmed and we had no problems at all in Japan.
I also love Japan and hope to go back again soon.
Let’s try to meet sometime this summer. You should come and visit us in Calgary if you have a chance.
I’m glad to hear that you and your wife are safe, John. You’re the only person I ‘know’ who has ties to Japan and I was thinking of you and your house there, so glad to see that you guys weren’t affected. It’s amazing what you take for granted. Even though I bitch and moan about how cold it is here in Canada during the winter, we seem to be blessed with not having so many environmental disasters that are happening around the world. It’s horrible and frankly, unbelievable, to think about what’s happening in Japan with the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster. So glad to hear that the best of the people are coming out and not the worst.
Karen
Glad you guys are OK. I know what you mean about Japan being special, although my time there in February was short, the society’s orderliness amazed me. I also got a kick out of how many people would fall asleep on the trains and metro, sometimes onto my shoulder. A wonderful country, and I’m crossing my fingers the damage from the nuclear plant can be minimized.
I agree with everything you said John. Unfortunately, the dark side is also starting to surface. I’d heard several reports of price gouging, especially in Tokyo. Then, since the first earthquake I’ve been searching everywhere for camping gas canisters. There were none in my local area so I was forced to order some from a retailer on Amazon. In the end, I only bought a pack of three. Usual price, about ¥1,000. This week’s price, ¥3,780…
It is too bad that people have to become opportunist like this. That is why I am skeptical about the ‘conscious capitalism’ movement. Businesses always seek to maximize profit, not social good. While I am not against making a profit, I believe that non-profit oriented organizations are much better suited to solving the worlds problems.
Thanks for the comment Dave.
Japan is fantastic. Let’s hope this nuclear crisis can be cleared up in the next few days.
Thanks for your support Karen.
We really are so lucky to have such an easy life, yet so many people abuse it by over-consuming and bitching about stupid things. With all the corruption, crime, war and natural disasters around the world, our petty problems are fairly insignificant.
It’s awful what is happening and has happened there. I love Japan and it saddens me to see it in such pain.
Glad to know you were OK and made it out safely!
Excellent point John. Let us remember those that devote their time and effort at whatever level to help others.
Glad to hear you’re both OK, John, and thanks for the timely reminder about what’s really important. Those who devote their lives to making a difference are the real heroes.
Hi John, when I heard about the earthquake I thought of you and am now glad to read you were out of harm’s way.
btw, I especially found the second section of this post to be very touching and enlightening.
Glad to hear you’re safe. Going to Japan next year.
fleas
Thanks Andres,
Japan is a fantastic country. It is good to hear that foreigners are starting to visit again.