A Message of Hope Project 希望のノート Kibou no Noto

1. A Message of Hope Project 希望のノート　 Kibou no Noto

2. Friday, 11th March 2011 2.46 pm Sendai, Japan

3. The Unexpected Happened A 9.0 magnitude earthquake occurred off the northeastern coast in Japan triggered a massive tsunami with waves of up to 10 metres, destroying everything in its path. Over 600 aftershocks were felt after the initial earthquake.

4. North of SendaiThis area, which includes Minamisanriku and the Onagawa nuclear plant, was closest to the epicenter of the quake. In Minamisanriku alone, more than 10,000 people are missing. BEFORE AFTER

5. SendaiSendai's city center, about 7 miles inland, remained largely intact after the quake, but there was massive damage along the coast. Much of the airport, which is less than a mile from the water, was also destroyed. BEFORE AFTER

6. To make matters worse, reactors at various nuclear plants shut down and generators needed to cool the reactors were damaged, resulting in explosions and radioactive materials were released into the air. People living within a radius of 20km from the plants were evacuated BEFORE AFTER

7. The Effects on the Japanese People: • Casualties: death toll likely to be over 10 000 • Water: At least 1.04 million households have lost access to water supplies • Electricity: Around 4.4 million households are left without electricity (this is made worse by the severe temperatures in winter) • Transport: disruptions in transport network (this made the transport of relief supplies to the affected areas difficult) • Telecommunications: cellular and landline phone service majorly disrupted • Millions left homeless: entire towns and neighbourhoods wiped out • The COLD (temperatures dipping into the negatives!)

8. However…the Japanese have remained resilient through it all. Overnight and into the chilly morning, long lines formed outside small convenience stores and supermarkets throughout Sendai. Orderly lines began 12 hours before the store opened. The line stretched for blocks. “I came to get baby food for my 2 week old nephew,” said Maki Habachi, 23, who had been patiently standing for four hours and still had an eight-hour wait to go. “My sister only has one day’s food left.”

9. Without fuel for her car, she had ridden for two days by bike just to find food. Even bottled drinks in the ubiquitous corner vending machines were sold out. Despite the line’s length everyone remained calm and polite. (adapted from http://abcnews.go.com/Health/japan-victims-show-resilience-earthquake-tsunami-sign-sense/story?id=13135355)

10. 1st Hand Accounts from friends

11. …今は自分の家にいます。国から避難指示がなく、学校に行かなければなりません。国は、こんなひどい状況なのに、学校の仕事をしろということです。おかしいと思います。でも、今、自分にできることを精一杯やります……今は自分の家にいます。国から避難指示がなく、学校に行かなければなりません。国は、こんなひどい状況なのに、学校の仕事をしろということです。おかしいと思います。でも、今、自分にできることを精一杯やります… …Now, I am at home. I’m not seeking shelter but I have to go to school. Even though such a disaster has struck, I’ve been told to fulfill my duties at school. Strange, I think. However, now, I’m doing whatever I can to the best of my abilities… -Ms. Namie (Japanese Teacher) Koriyama, Fukushima March 17, 2011

12. …I was working at the Parliament when the huge earthquake occurred at a little past 2:40pm yesterday. The quake was the biggest one in my life so, I was very scared. Last night, I went back home ON FOOT for 3.5 hours because all the trains stopped for almost all night… I heard that many countries including Singapore dispatched rescue teams. I would like to say thank you for their help from my heart. The situation of nuclear power plants in Fukushima is what most concerns many Japanese, including myself. What I can do is to pray the situation turns well. I'm very, very afraid about it… I believe that the message cards from Singaporean students will givehope and courage to Japanese students in the affected areas… - Kuwayama Naoki (Parliament Staff) Tokyo, Japan

13. …Life in Japan has been a huge challenge, with food, water, transport, electricity and communications either dwindling or cut off.In such testing times, I could only cope with the spirit of camaraderie with the fellow Japanese teachers and students, and the messages of care and hope from loved ones back in Singapore… Even though I managed to return to Singapore…(I am) very concerned over the situation of my friends in Japan. Deep inside me, I know they will be safe and will rise over the disaster, having experienced firsthand their indomitable spirit the past 2.5 years. As a Singaporean JET (Japanese Exchange Teacher), I am also touched by the warm helping hands in Singapore… --Low Hong Ee (Singaporean JET) Ibaraki Prefecture March 17, 2011

14. Take a moment to put yourselves into their shoes… Let’s imagine that, if everything that is precious to you is gone in a flash, and what is left are scenes of utter devastation… What can YOU do to help?

15. Send a message of hope to the Japanese students, to give them courage and keep their spirits up. • Some possibilities •      Encouraging messages on a decorated piece of construction paper (with perhaps a class/group photo, if possible) •    A thin booklet of drawings and simple messages •   Origami with cheerful messages on them                    ETC • Please ensure that the cards are not more than A4 in size, to facilitate easy delivery.

16. Put a smile on a Japanese student’s face! Send a message of hope! 希望のノートを送ろう！ kibou no noto wo okurou!

17. Slides by Chen Liwen In collaboration with JETAA Singapore