I have been touched by the amount of concern expressed by people around me, here in London. But are things getting better in Japan?
As the media has moved on swiftly, from the initial 24/7 coverage in Japan, the general perception is that Japan, as one of the richest and most technologically advanced countries, should be able to deal with the situation with ease.
However, even 3 weeks after the natural disaster, my relatives in Sendai are still struggling to get the most basic of supplies. Meanwhile the crisis at Fukushima nuclear plant seems to be getting worse by the day. The Japanese Government has issued a warning that they are on “maximum alert level” , with the potential of an extension on the exclusion zone. As my aunt’s house is only 40km from the plant if this measure is taken she will fall under this zone and may have to be evacuated, even though the move itself might cause a real risk for her already fragile condition.
The government has now increased the maximum radiation level in foods in order to prevent a shortage in food. They have stated that their original safety level was “too conservative” and have assured people that the new level will not cause any health risks. Nonetheless, anxiety has spread! I believe with this stress, circulating among the Japanese, it is of paramount importance that we show them that they are not alone in their struggle and have sympathy and support, home and abroad.
This is why I am so encouraged to find out that many countries around the world are making a real effort to support Japan.
「このところ、日本のニュースを聞かないけど、もう大丈夫？｣と聞いてくれる人が、周りに沢山います。震災当初は２４時間体制でニュースが流れていましたが、その後あっという間に、中東問題などに話題が移行してしまい、ニュースの第一紙面からは、現在の日本の状況が垣間見られなくなっています。
そのような中で、日本の状況は快方に向かっていると、どんなに言いたいと願っていても、事実そうはいかないもどかしさと憤りを感じています。
仙台の叔母は、物資が少ない中、寒くて眠れなかった避難所から出て自宅に戻ったため、食料の支給もなく困難な生活を強いられ、その解決の兆しがやっと見え始めたところで、今度は福島第一の放射線の漏出で、もしかすると拡大避難地域あるいは、拡大自宅避難地域に入ってしまうかもしれないような不安な状態です。
食物の放射線安全規律の上限を上げるという政府の報道や、東京の水道水の汚染、ますます、不安がつのり大きなストレスの中にいらっしゃる日本の皆さんに、海外において、又、日本国内にあっても、痛みを共に分かち合い、サポートの手を伸べている人たちが沢山いることを、是非知っていただきたいと、思っています。
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/31_22.html
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/31_22.html
