About supporting us here in Japan

[Bonobo]

I know things are scary and there is not much good news.

And no, I am not asking anyone to shut up.

I am also not asking for kittens or bunnies.

I am telling you that, if you want to support your fellow DU'ers in Japan, you CAN offer words of encouragement and optimism.

THAT would be helpful emotionally and to help bolster our spirits.

Just to let you know, if you didn't already.

Thanks.

Sometimes good cheer and staying bright and positive is all that can be done.

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. And kick five bucks to the ICRC

I tried the Japanese, but I don't think I can deposit straight to a Bank there.

http://donate.ifrc.org/

And you know what, in the medium term things will mostly be ok... short term I know they are scary.

[Bonobo]

3. Thank you!!! nt

[Blue-Jay]

2. Are you safe and OK?

[Bonobo]

6. Safe? Yes.

Ok? I am a father of 3, and I am feeling a lot of weight.

Nerves frayed, hopes damaged, joy stricken, generally shocked and in "what the fuck next" mode.

400 miles from Fukushima but I know the ripples will come. Just hope they are not tsunami waves.

[nadinbrzezinski]

10. Time distance you and your kids should be mostly ok

make sure NOT to get any milk, (I know it is not high in the Japanese diet, and cheese is gross), and try to get canned... food...

Distance wise (let's hope this does not get worst) you should be mostly fine. (Even if you will have a larger dose than those of us in Cali)

[Blue-Jay]

18. Hang in there.

I like to 'smartass' around a lot, but my thoughts are with you and your family.

[Bonobo]

19. Thanks a lot, BJ. nt

[GatesofPunk]

4. I would say I'm praying for you but...

Seeing as I'm atheist, I can't. But I do hope for the best for the Japanese people and all others affected by this horrible tragedy. You have my full support, and an entire world stands with you.

[emilyg]

54. I'll pray.

[Hardrada]

5. We in Iowa are wishing the best for all of you. And

At the rally in Madison, Wisconsin, those of us there joined in a prayer for Japan. So those are good thoughts!

[Mimosa]

7. Bonobo, *big hugs and good energy* headed your way.

It will be alright.

[Bonobo]

9. Thanks, Mimi. I appreciate it. nt

[adigal]

8. I hope and pray you are OK, and all the people of Japan

are able to come together to keep themselves safe.

[liberalmuse]

11. Thanks for that.

It's easy to forget that there are people all over the world reading this. I'm so sorry. To think of that - my god, some of the stuff here has been incredibly insensitive, though people have dropped reminders now and then. My hope is that the power lines will be in place and the water can once again be pumped for coolant. I don't think the workers efforts are in vain. They are doing what they can, and that might be enough to buy time while others work to get the power back. I hope you know that the world is hoping for the best possible outcome through all this and our thoughts and hearts and spirits are with you.

[Bonobo]

15. Thanks, Liberalmuse

I can feel the love and caring in your post. I know you get it.

I just want to be told it will be okay.

[liberalmuse]

23. It will be okay.

My view is, if any country in the world can survive this, Japan can. So far Japan has survived much worse over many, many centuries, including the atomic bomb, and her people came together to build one of the most technologically advanced societies on the planet populated by some of the most resilient and more decent human beings on the planet. You'll get through this.

[Melissa G]

12. Hugs and good thoughts for Japan

There was a 3HO (Sikh) world wide meditation healing prayer for Japan today at noon CST. :grouphug: Keeping you in my prayers.

[hlthe2b]

13. I'm here for you. Bonobo, where are you located exactly?

How are things where you are? How are folks' "spirits?"

[Bonobo]

16. I am 400 miles away in the Kansai area.

I cannot tell exactly how people's spirits are. It is one of the features of Japanese people that they keep their personal stuff inside and don't show it until they let down their guards with their good friends or when drunk.

But even on the surface, people are concerned of course.

As for me, I am just filled with lots and lots of anxiety.

Life in the immediate surrounding is normal, but I do not think it will last.

We haven't even had time to deal with the earthquake, let alone the tsunami.

Any one of these 3 crises would be more than enough.

And to top it all off, the yen has risen to 76 yen to the dollar which will kill exports from Japan and I know it kills me since I am still drawing on my savings in dollars.

[hlthe2b]

27. I remain incredulous at all that has happened...

It is beyond cruel to think of this all happening at once to one people. Are you working in Japan? Is your family there?

You will be in my daily thoughts and prayers. I hope to follow the progress of Japan through your eyes.

We care, Bonobo. Truly.

[Bonobo]

30. Moved here with my family one year ago.

It is our new home. My wife is Japanese and I decided to get my own Japanese citizenship and live the rest of my life here.

I hope it was an okay decision, but now am feeling some of the weight of it.

I love my small island. It is quiet and simple and the place where my children's ancestors have lived for hundreds or thousands of years perhaps.

I am starting a garden and would like to begin to explore other ways to become less dependent on the "grid".

We share a 50cc scooter among all 5 of us, hang our laundry to dry every day, sleep in freezing cold in the winter and burning hot in the summer with almost no air conditioning.

We just use a small kerosene heater in the winter mostly.

We've been warmly accepted into this small island community and live in the house where my wife grew up.

The kids are thriving. All seemed good. And then one day, kaboom. Just one week ago.

At first it seemed like just another earthquake and tsunami warning. Then the boats started swirling.

This whole thing has unfolded like a slow motion nightmare where you can't move fast enough to outrun the monster.

[hlthe2b]

36. Oh, my.... Thanks for sharing that background.

It surely must seem like a nightmare...I'm glad you are more isolated from the directly impacted portions of Japan and have been embraced by friends and family.

I am curious though. I did not think that those who were not natural born Japanese could gain citizenship...:shrug:

I admire your sense of adventure and adoption of a more simple lifestyle. Stay safe and positive. I hope we will have seen the proverbial "turn of the corner" very soon.

[Bonobo]

42. Anyone can gain citizenship.

It is easier for me since I am married to a Japanese. I only need to live here for one year.

For someone not married, it is 5 years.

Also, we are asked to give up our other citizenship as a condition.

Thanks for your kindness and encouragement.

[Generic Other]

48. Hug each other close and often ... don't lose your way

We will all stumble forward together.

:grouphug:

[Obamanaut]

60. Sounds like a very nice life. Good thoughts coming from our house to yours. nt

[TahitiNut]

37. Ahh, yes. The "public face" ... VERY much a part of the culture.

Yuko had her public face ... uniformly cheerful and business-like, no ups and downs, constant, pleasant, and polite. In private she was a hoot ... funny, playful, emotional, and even seductive at times. It took a while, but I 'learned' her to the point that I could see the very subtle differences in her "public face" ... but I really had to pay attention. She was impressive. Yup.

I'm not a "praying man" (or "preying man") but I'm pumping out all the good vibes and prayers I can muster for y'all. There's a very special place in my heart for the Japanese.

[ohheckyeah]

49. Could I suggest that you try

very hard to stay in the moment. Take it one day, one hour if you have to, at a time. Projecting can only cause you more anxiety. The sun will rise tomorrow and it will be a new day and it WILL be okay. Be kind to yourself!

[Bonobo]

50. Great suggestion. Thanks.

I will try but, as you can imagine, it is hard.

[ohheckyeah]

52. I'm sure it is extremely difficult

and my heart and prayers are with you and your family. When I went through 3 surgeries in 2 years there were dark days that seemed like I would never get through and I learned the hard way to take it one day at a time and not to project into the future. I was told I would be very limited in my activities but I decided to reject that reality and I'm not any more limited than most people my age.

I can't even begin to imagine what you and your family are going through but I would bet that you have the will and the strength to get through it and triumph.

[Romulox]

14. I have faith that the Japanese people can get this under control.

Our government should be doing more to help.

[GatesofPunk]

17. I agree on both

The Japanese people certainly have the strength and courage to pull through this. And I'm curious exactly as to what our government is currently doing...I know the USS Ronald Reagan is offshore and we are providing relief, but are we doing more than that?

[jannyk]

20. Here you are B....

#
0417: It seems a woman in Singapore has put her government to shame with the size of her donation towards Japanese quake relief efforts. Elaine Low presented a cheque for 1m Singaporean dollars ($780,000) - or double what the government gave - to Japan's ambassador, Yoichi Suzuki, on Wednesday, an official with the embassy told AFP. Her family runs an Indonesia-based coal mining business that imports equipment from Japan and also supplies coal to Japanese power plants. She said she wanted to do her bit to help out the Japanese affected by the disaster.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12307698

People all over the world want to, and will, help. If we can all just get past this nuclear nightmare unscathed, Japan will rise again quickly - seem to have incredible organizational ability.

[Bonobo]

21. Wow, that is truly amazing.

Japanese people have deep reserves of guts, brains and cooperation.

I think we can make it. yes.

[Zoigal]

22. You, and the people of Japan are in my

thoughts constantly, Bonobo. Not into prayer, but if hopes and
good vibes count, they are definitely being sent your way.
Keep positive. There are some good brains from all over the world
working on solving the problem. They will find a solution soon.....z

[fizzgig]

24. i've been thinking on you guys

my words keep coming up inadequate, but i'm sending you guys all the light i have

[kestrel91316]

25. Be strong. Be clever. Be careful.

[daleo]

26. I hope things get better. n/t

[KT2000]

28. We all care so very much

In fact, another DUer and I were discussing having everyone come over here until things stabilize. My little town is sister city with Shiso, Hyogo. A beautiful kimono graces our city hall.
I am not the mayor or anything but if it helps - come on over.

In the meantime I wish you peace and the comfort of the love of your family.

[Bonobo]

31. Shiso, Hyogo is just a short jog north of us.

As I see it, its name means "Hole Chestnut". Follow it south until you get to some small islands. That's where I live.

Thanks for the kind wishes.

[KT2000]

41. Oh - that's terrific!

It must be beautiful there. I know the pictures of the sister city in the paper are gorgeous.
Life will be beautiful again!
Peace to you

[dkf]

29. Yes. My friend in Iwaki says they are keeping calm for the sake of the kids.

I on the other hand am constantly looking for his updates.

A truck from Chiba just dropped off a big batch of supplies...food, drinks and other things. Their church group is passing everything out. He is so happy to see these things come in...

[Bonobo]

33. Your friend...

I am so sorry for him. He must be very strong now -for his kids.

Glad to hear they are getting some supplies... an unimaginable time. Freezing cold up there.

Just staying warm is a struggle and many people have nothing now, nowhere to return to even when the worst is over... :(

[dkf]

46. I am just glad you have your distance from the plant.

We just have to believe that human ingenuity will find a way out of this.

[suffragette]

32. Here's some cheer for you

Kindness and community make all the difference.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2011/mar/16/japan-nuclear-crisis-tsunami-aftermath-live


9pm: Facebook user Jun Shiomitsu has been collating and translating into English Japanese Twitter messages sent out about people's experiences following last week's earthquake. You can read them on his Facebook page but here are a few translations:

I went out last night to help some friends who were volunteering as security personnel between Machida City and Sagami Ohno City. I saw total strangers, both young and old, helping each other along everywhere I turned and was heartened with an overwhelming feeling of encouragement. I was so touched I hid behind the toilets and cried.

While most of the convenience stores near the station were closed because of the quake, there was just one Seven Eleven that was open. The employees had lit lots of candles and put them on the stores shelves. The cash register was not working and they could not take inventory, so the employees worked in threes, one reading up the item description and price, another punching the numbers into a calculator, and the last one using a flashlight to help them work. The store managed to operate both "cash registers" efficiently this way. Impressed!

A goth youth with white hair and body piercings walked into my store and shoved several tens of thousands of yen into the disaster relief fund donation box. As he walked out, I and people around me heard him saying to his buddies, "I mean, we can buy those games anytime!" At that, we all opened our wallets and put our money into the donation box. Really, you cannot judge people by their appearances.

[Bonobo]

34. Thanks.

Japanese do so well in helping each other.

Patience combined with a sense of worrying about the other and the group is taught from the earliest age.

It will be a useful quality.

In fact, it is why I moved here.

If the shit hits the fan, I know we will treat each other well and as humanly as possible -even until the candle finally burns out.

[suffragette]

44. Lighting a candle here for you now

And community and cooperation are very powerful. It won't be easy, but those strengths will help you all get through it together.

And know that we are here for you.

[Stinky The Clown]

35. Your post is more powerful than you know

I dare say even the snarkiest poster would wish you well. I guess I've become adept at simply skipping over the threads that would be less than supportive of everyone in Japan.

I'm glad your children are safe and well. I'm glad you're well. Japan is a lovely country and I hope someday I can return. I was made to feel very welcome on all my visits.

I'll watch the cherry blossoms in DC and think, particularly this year, of where they came from.

Be well.

[Bonobo]

39. Thanks for your kind words, Stinky.

Japan IS a lovely country filled with lovely people.

The plums have already lost their blossoms and the peach trees are now in full bloom.

Soon the mountains here will come alive with mountain cherry blossoms.

We will still be here and will be happy to see you if you can come again.

[NillaWafers]

38. I hope your dojo is able to give you strength,

Peace.

[Dappleganger]

40. Hugs and best wishes to you and your family.

George Takei said it so well, "Today we are all Japanese."

:grouphug:

[Coyote_Bandit]

43. .

Sending warm thoughts and good wishes to you and yours.

Be strong and know that you can do whatever you need to do to take care of yourself and your family.

[Tsiyu]

45. I have to tell you

that every person I have spoken with about this disaster - even old smartass hillbillies - has said how impressed they are with the way the Japanese people are helping each other, remaining polite and doing all they can to ease the suffering of others by sacrificing their own comfort.

That's why this onslaught of tragedies seems so wrong and so unacceptable. When I see the people in other nations - like America - try to destroy one another, it makes me think the Japanese deserved this fate least of any of us on this greedy, rude, crazy planet.

Hang in there and keep us posted. Its good to see your posts and know you and your family are okay.


a smile, even though its hard to muster :)

[Bonobo]

47. Thank you.

Despite having a 25 year history of coming and going to Japan, I never fail to be impressed with Japanese. They often seem like adults emotionally in terms of their giving and sharing and consideration for others -where I am still a child. I always wanted to grow into being more like them in that regard, and yes, they do NOT deserve it unless those religious people are right when they say that god only gives people what they can handle.

Maybe Japan will be the sacrificial goat that will change the world's march to suicide.

Maybe it will wake people up to the dangers and the need to search for a safre, renewable way of life.

Rush Limbaugh can laugh, but karma is real, and I know that it works in both directions.

[FedUpWithIt All]

53. My thoughts are with you and your family Bonobo

I pray, in my own way. If it is alright with you, i will keep your family in my prayers.

:hug:

[FedUpWithIt All]

51. I have seen the same thing. There is almost an awe from the people i know.

Everyone has been speaking of their great respect for the Japanese people.

There is such courage, peacefulness and a sense of unity and under such extreme duress...it is humbling to observe.

[SidDithers]

55. Hug your wife & kids. Tell them they've got hundreds of friends they never knew about...

and continue to stay safe.

Sid

[HCE SuiGeneris]

56. You have my empathy,

along with my best wishes and thoughts. Be well.

[eridani]

57. Which, in your opinion, are the most effective agencies or NGOs to donate to? n/t

[Mnemosyne]

58. Keeping all of you in my thoughts, Bonobo.

:hug:

[AsahinaKimi]

59. Gabatte o kudasai

頑張れ日本 !!

I am sending 300 dollars to www.globalgiving.org next month. I have already sent 100.00.

[Withywindle]

61. The place where you live sounds beautiful.

You know how they say disasters bring out the best and the worst in people? It's true. The worst you can see easily on the internet: all sorts of people with no real connection and no sense of empathy making vile "jokes" or using real people's suffering right now as some kind of tortured analogy for something else.

You probably have a lot of the best right there in your community. You have some of it here on DU. You have some of it in yourself. You have it in the people who have been coming from all over the world to help and will continue to do so.

Let the worst roll off you now. Don't take on that dead weight in your thoughts. Embrace the best, though, and remember it, and spread it. THAT will last. Despite what all the clutter of the world says, kindness IS remembered and passed on. Make sure the children know this.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, and with all the people of Japan. I'm glad you're OK. :hug: