It has been already almost 4 months since I started to take this Visual Anthropology class. This is the last blog post for the class but I would like to continue posting about Japan after I finish this course.
The theme of the last post is “Changing Impression”. It would be easier to write about it if I am an international student who is about to finish their first 4 months experience of living in Japan. But there is still a thing that I want to write as my change of impression about Japan.
The event that changed my impression is the earthquake happened on March 11th.
Photo borrowed from Japan Times Online
I distinctly remember that I felt that the classroom shook a little when I just finished my class. But I have experienced bigger one before I thought nothing serious happened at that time. So I went to eat Korean Barbeque with my friends after school and Karaoke at night. When we got to Karaoke the TV there usually showing music channels was showing news and some people were standing in front of it. Then I finally realized that how terrible the situation was.
Photo borrowed from Mail Online
First of all I could not believe what I was seeing was in Japan. Then the next thing came up in my mind first was about my relatives live in Fukushima prefecture. I did not call them because I knew it could not change anything about the situation. Fortunately nothing serious happened to them and I could see them when they came to Osaka as a family trip.
I was shocked about the chaotic situation for a while but soon after the earthquake, large number of people started to help each other. I used to watch a lot of news talking about bad economy or political issues of Japan everyday on TV but after the earthquake, I more often heard the story such as people going to Tohoku to bring food or supplies. I am simply touched by those stories and feels glad to live in this country. The earthquake is a memorable disaster that must not happen again but this earthquake definitely changed my view towards Japan.
I, too, was a little surprised by the life as usual attitude here in the Kansai the very night of the disaster. For me I went to my sign language circle as usual... it all seemed a bit strange. And that feeling hasn't left me.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that your family is OK.
Thank you for your efforts and nice photos throughout the semester.