It’s been two full days since I returned to Japan from Calgary. Yesterday, Phebe went to school and Asako went to work. Kai and I were home but rode down to small pro-shop where the wheels for my next road bike were all built and ready for pick-up. Talking with the owner/mechanic, I expected business would have been slow because of the crisis, but on the contrary he’s been busy repairing bicycles that people are now fixing to use because of the gasoline shortage. We had a good talk and I can’t help but feel like the “decision” to, for the moment, stay puts me in an unanticipated new category of foreigner with my Japanese neighbors and friends – as one who, for whatever reason, hasn’t fled the country.
Biko
There is a steadfastness to the Japanese people that I absolutely love. In spite, of the fear under which we are all living, life continues as we know it – albeit darker, quieter, and with some supply issues. At the same time, watching the helicopters on TV desperately trying to cool the nuclear reactor core yesterday by haphazardly dropping water from above shows just how absurdly out of control the situation is. The high pressure fire trucks that are part of the cooling effort, carry 3 tonnes of water each but unload it in just 11 seconds. Because of the refilling time I can’t imagine that this will prove to be a sustainable approach. If Tepco is successful in restoring power to the plant today, there may be some hope of cooling the reactors. If they fail to get power to the plant today, I expect the worst but, admittedly, don’t really know what that means. At least one report says we’d be unaffected 240km from the plant but does anyone really know what the reality would be.
True to form, Asako was brilliant while I was away and anticipated the gasoline crisis. She filled up our car and it’s been parked since. Should we make the decision, getting in the car would give us an additional 400+ km of distance between us and Fukushima. Factoring into the mix, however, we had another strong earthquake last night and our house is newly built, very well made, and high up on a hill. While I woke up briefly, I continued to sleep soundly knowing our risk at home was minimal. I couldn’t guarantee that same safety for us should we opt to get in the car and go.
Lastly but not insignificantly, there is our dog Biko who has been with me since before I moved to Japan. While we have a great kennel where she stays when we travel abroad during the summer, without knowing what will happen, I can’t see leaving her behind to potentially be abandoned in the case of a full meltdown. She has been far too good a dog to just leave behind. For the moment we sit, not stoically or resigned to fate, but in anticipation of something that helps us make the best uniformed decision we can.
Posted On: Friday, March 18th, 2011
Posted In: Blog
Subscribe: RSS 2.0
Comments: 10 Responses
Well said Adam, and I am sure you are making the right decisions. I’m certain Biko and the rest of your family are glad to have you home.
Thanks Adam for sharing your thoughts and your perspective having return to Yokohama after the quake. Keeping Biko’s safety and care close to that of your family is similiar to that of my family and friends in Qld who suffered the floods recently… Look forward to hearing more updates from you when you can.
Hi Adam,
We are in the same situation. My whole adult life has been about Japan, and it is hard to consider walking away – especially Yokohama, which we have come to love so much. George is resolute and unwilling to leave our dog, Butch, with his grandparents even for a short time to let us go abroad and watch how things unfold here. I don’t know what to do any more than anyone else.
If/when it gets bad up there it is likely to get bad here, too, and we don’t want that for our kids.
Almost everyone we know is already gone except you. What happens next??
Thanks for sharing Adam, nearly in tears reading it, miss home so much. You guys are very wise and cool (not particularly trendy cool, sorry :)). Thank you.
I am sure Biko will be the first one to let you know if it is time to go. I continue to admire your loyalty and thoughtful approach to life Adam. There is a great comfort and strength in togetherness; Family, friends and community. Our thoughts continue to be with you all. Feraille.
[...] Chessie who has been with him now for 14 years. Here is his blog about not leaving Japan this week: Uninformed Decisions and a Dog Named Biko | Blog | Who Is Adam Clark __________________ Jill & Sand Dancer's Infinite Sky TDI TT CGC (Finn) Goldiva's Tangled Up [...]
So well written Adam. You are a writer! I’ll be watching your blog. Love to you, Asako, and the kids, Audrey
Nice note Adam!
Yes, I had the same conversation with some neighbors. I think many of them are…. surprised? disappointed? with so many foreigners evacuating Japan. It is good that not everyone has evacuated, I know of some Norwegian missionaries that would not leave, because they would never be able to face the Japanese community, returning when everything is “back to normal”. I really respect that, especially working in the “faith branch”, it is good that they show that they have some faith!
I also understand that moving further away would give some peace of mind, and that it is a natural instinct to try to protect one’s family. We are staying also, not out of stubbornness or bravery, but on a calculated decision based on the current analysis of the available information but mostly on our hopes, trust and faith.
Thanks, everyone!
Adam and Asako, thank you for these thoughts and insights into what is going on for you in Japan. I can understand your dilemma and also your reasons for staying in Japan. When people here have said I bet you are glad you are out of Japan now I felt that I would have wanted to stay also I think.
I appreciate your comments and will look forward to hearing more. I am especially impressed with your strength as a family. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Liz Broderick (teacher of Kai in K)