Saturday, March 10, 2012

Japan Marks March 11

It's been a long, long year. I really did not expect I would still be writing about the earthquake/tsunami/nuclear disaster one year later.

I was supposed to be looking for a job, but reporting on the disaster, particularly the nuclear aspect, has become a full-time work, 7 days a week, every single week, week after week.

Thank you readers for your moral support and financial support and your comments. Please keep them coming.

Things have unfortunately turned out the way I had expected from the beginning. From the day one I knew it was core meltdown at Fukushima. I knew the Japanese government would hide it, downplay it, telling everyone things were under control. I knew the government would never tell the true extent of radiation contamination until months after, until it was too late for the people affected. I knew the government would appeal to emotions to spread radioactive vegetables, rice, meat, firewood, fish, mushrooms, compost, rice hay, building materials, disaster debris. I knew the media would simply go along with whatever the government told them.

But the Internet has proven to be a more powerful tool for ordinary citizens than I thought.

The only good thing I see that has come out of the nuclear disaster is that a small but increasing number of ordinary citizens in Japan are waking up from decades of stupor, getting connected via the net and starting to ask the right questions. They are trying to think for themselves, instead of letting TPTB decide the course for them. All the more power to them.

For the country that perished on March 11, 2011:

17 comments:

mike in tokyo rogers said...

If people wake up and start questioning the mass media and the government (but I repeat myself) then isn't this a renewal and not exactly a country that perished?
By the way, in my opinion this has been the best blog in the world covering this event and you are to be commended! Thanks for all you do.

arevamirpal::laprimavera said...

The country I knew perished. I don't know what's coming out of it, if at all.

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately, too few people are asking. There are (tiny) protests against nuclear power, but none demanding fundamental changes in how bureaucrats treat citizens (i.e., as equals rather than lower beings). After one year, what has perished for me is any hope for expectation of accountability.

Anonymous said...

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWw04nwhOnw

Chibaguy said...

@ex skf - again I have no idea who you are but appreciate everything you have put aside to cover this. I hope people do contribute. This is an endless effort as we have seen the government willingly to make sure everyone is exposed. I am not sure why other than that they are clueless politicians that have graduated from elite universities without any critical thinking. Anyway, thank you! You will have an excellent book to write if you decide.

@Miketokyo, eyes will not open until cancers are realized. Thus, this country has perished.

Anonymous said...

You've done a great job, I've read your blogs several times a day EVERY day, sometimes waking during the night to get updates.

Donation coming shortly. Thank you for the info in these dark and unsettling days.

You are historical and will be the first of generations of fuku scribes to come :)

Anonymous said...

As well as @mikeintokyorogers I think your blog is the best I know, for not only you 'cover the event' but also introduce your way of thinking, showing yourself a wise, bright and kind-hearted man.
Here's the translation of a tweet of a lady from Russia:
One year has passed since the moment that could change everything. We mourn for those who passed away. Wishing bravery and energy to those who have survived and to the generation to come.

Little Canary said...

I am glad that instead of a regular job you can make a living with this blog, you trully deserve it.

Got out of Dodge said...

Thank you for all your work. Your blog really provided a beacon in some dark days and, if you choose to continue the same path going forward, I will be a loyal reader.

arevamirpal::laprimavera said...

Thank you all. @Little Canary, I wish that were true, make a living. Nice thought.

farfromhome said...

Thank you. This blog has been so helpful to me during this very surreal time. I am grateful for the countless hours you have put into providing accurate and informative information that is very, very hard to find elsewhere.

I do hope you will be able to continue this blog as it seems to be one of the very few links to reality for those of us living in Japan!

Anonymous said...

We all grieve together, across differences in ethnic background and political conviction.

Anonymous said...

Thank you EX-SKF for one year of your efforts.

Anonymous said...

I have been reading this blog from the first week of the disaster. Although Ive never posted until now, I cannot thank you enough for everything. Its people like you that make a difference.

Anonymous said...

@Ex skf you have helped wake a lot of people up via your work on this blog, ... Sadly the next piece of the puzzle the illnesses to come and cancers will be swept right under the carpet in usual japanese fashion... Maybe in 30 years the masses will get the real truth... Sad really

a female Faust said...

inspired by your efforts, and your approach:

EX-SKF Marks March 11

sometimes i think that in a broader sense this whole thing is about hope, integrity, and the ability to respond. i hope we have learned somehing, at least enough of us to change this. you have helped, there is no question.

Anonymous said...

ex-skf,
to me you are one of heroes that emerged after March 11. I deeply respect your dedication to bringing information to public's attention.

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