Letter to Japan

Tseng Chun Yi




Dear Kumiko Makihara,

Is everything going well in Tokyo? The quake that struck roughly 2 weeks ago is a strong 9.0 on the Richter scale. The scary part of it was not only its prolonged shaking, but the killer wall of waves that ate into coastlines of Japan and sped across the Pacific Ocean. I have experienced earthquakes before and can understand how you feel right now and am seating in front of my TV and following up on the latest update of the quake.
I was deeply shocked by the damage in Sendai and Fukushima. The nuclear explosion was terrifying and these quiet, invisible killers are slowly spreading across Japan. I have heard that there are traces of radioactive substances present in the water in Tokyo so please take good care and remember to put on a mask. Foods and drinks in convenient stores have all been sold out as people starts to stock up their food in preparation of another strong trembler and the effects of radiation. I am very impressed by the Japanese’s spirit. At the start of the shaking, everyone knows what to do. They hid under the tables, ran out of buildings to flat grounds with no buildings around and this kept many peoples lives. I believe that this is due to Japan government’s effort in making earthquake drills compulsory in primary schools on the day when The Great Kanto Earthquake struck.
The death caused by the earthquake was minimal but most were due to the tsunami. I felt deeply impacted as the death tolls kept rising day after day after the quake struck on 11 March. Then the nuclear disaster struck. I was worried if it would be a repeat of the Chernobyl incident. However the situation has already turned for the better, so do not fret, the nuclear crisis will be over very soon. But there might be minute amounts of radiation in the air.
I have to go now, but I deeply believe that the Japanese will get thought this quickly with their sheer determination and everything would resume to the normal pace .We will pray for you.



Note to readers: the devastating quake that struck Japan has caused widespread damage, Pls donate and help the Japanese rebuild their community. Thank You, your help will be greatly appreciated