2 Quotes

“Big contrast: While the foreign media are obsessed with Apocalypses, the Japanese people are already talking of rebuilding.”
― William Gibson, 2:46: Aftershocks: Stories from the Japan Earthquake

“There was an emergency earthquake kit under our bed. A list of emergency landline numbers by our phone. A childhood's worth of earthquake drills in my memory. I had prepared, yes, but I wasn't prepared.”
― Jake Adelstein, 2:46: Aftershocks: Stories from the Japan Earthquake

“People of the Tohoku region are stoic, compassionate, calm and humble. They have always just dealt with the situation without complaining. Of course they have questions and fears, but they hesitate to show them as they know other people are experiencing far worse.”
― Jake Adelstein, 2:46: Aftershocks: Stories from the Japan Earthquake

“Two things stand out: The zen-like demeanor of the Japanese amidst such a huge disaster, and the realization that if there is a place on earth that I want to be with my family and friends (current and extended), when (God forbid) such a disaster ever struck again, then it's this country, Japan.”
― Jake Adelstein, 2:46: Aftershocks: Stories from the Japan Earthquake

“After what seemed like an eternity and an apocalypse—computers strewn, desks swept clean, printers toppled and presentations mixed up—the more seasoned people suggested we march down 30 floors. No rushing of feet or stomping of ground, no racing through or overtaking, just a good old smiling saunter as if going down for a quick cup of coffee.”
― Jake Adelstein, 2:46: Aftershocks: Stories from the Japan Earthquake

“I have to believe that every single man can come home to hug their wife and children who have been dying to see them.”
― Jake Adelstein, 2:46: Aftershocks: Stories from the Japan Earthquake

“I'm so proud of them, that they're ready to sacrifice their own lives to try to save all of us.”
― Jake Adelstein, 2:46: Aftershocks: Stories from the Japan Earthquake

“Mom and Dad smiling, happy and safe. It's easily the most beautiful photo I've ever seen.”
― Jake Adelstein, 2:46: Aftershocks: Stories from the Japan Earthquake

“It must have been so, so horrible. I extend my sympathy and love to each one of you. I'm very sorry that you had to go through what you went through. My heart is with you all the way.”
― Jake Adelstein, 2:46: Aftershocks: Stories from the Japan Earthquake

“I didn't expect a disaster like this to happen to the country I love so much.”
― Jake Adelstein, 2:46: Aftershocks: Stories from the Japan Earthquake

“Even though it was cold, I was too fearful of any aftershocks to use the heater, but hearing from my husband made me feel cozy and warm.”
― Jake Adelstein, 2:46: Aftershocks: Stories from the Japan Earthquake

“I can buy another bag or coat, but I can't buy another one of you if you die, so just leave those things behind!" I told her.”
― Jake Adelstein, 2:46: Aftershocks: Stories from the Japan Earthquake

“who”
― Jake Adelstein, 2:46: Aftershocks: Stories from the Japan Earthquake

“my”
― Jake Adelstein, 2:46: Aftershocks: Stories from the Japan Earthquake

“After a moment I turned back to Twitter and messages were flying past. It was clear now that something huge had just happened. I flipped on the TV and soon learned some of the basics. The quake was centered in the northeast and that we only got a small taste of the full force. People outside of Japan were asking what had happened. News hit of a huge earthquake in Japan, but there were few details. Rummaging through the mess on the floor I found my video camera and a laptop and set up a quick livestream broadcast of the news on TV. For hours I kept the video running as I started to clean up my apartment. I stayed on Twitter throughout the night, as aftershock after aftershock rocked my building, each threatening, then backing down. Soon hundreds of people had logged onto my video as I continued passing information on Twitter to people at work, walking home, or outside of Japan altogether.”
― Jake Adelstein, 2:46: Aftershocks: Stories from the Japan Earthquake

“People keep asking me what they can do to help Japan. And while I am all about donations, spreading the word, organizing charity events and the like, I realize not everyone has money to give—and no one seems to have the power to stop the media from sensationalizing the stories while ignoring the victims. To support Japan, what I would say is this: Simply do what you do every day, but do it better. Go to school or to work but with passion and energy. Engage your neighbors or community but with more sympathy and compassion than you ever have. Let these historic moments move you, inspire you and invigorate you for as long as the feeling lasts because, believe me, that initial adrenaline and humanitarian solidarity will wear off. Ride it as long as you can. Let it make you be a better person, and let it wake you up from the complacency in your life.”
― Jake Adelstein, 2:46: Aftershocks: Stories from the Japan Earthquake