Sorry there are too many words

I need somewhere to express what I feel right at this moment. 

We should not take things for granted at this moment. Though we're living in an area outside of the volcano line and we feel safe from volcanic explosion, that's not the case. Natural calamity can happen in no time. Unpredictable. Like an earthquake for example. Yea, we can predict when it'll reach one point but if it's destined to happen and damage, it will happen. We can't do anything to stop it nor we can go against it. 

How often do you see two houses stacked on top of each other? Not on purpose.

You may never see me talking about all these before. But now, the exposure of the event is too big for me to ignore. TV is tuned in to news almost every hour. Tweets coming from Japanese people, spreading news of helps provided or even words of courage to each other. I found this amusing. And I also looked at the news about the quake that hit China few days before it hit Japan. Compared to Japan, there were less casualties in China, less people died and rather smaller areas were affected. But still, damages could be seen here and there.

The question is, are we ready for all these, say, if someday we were to encounter the same problem? Even US is said to be unprepared for disaster. Japan is said to have so called 'Menu' for disaster - things to do when this or that happens. Then again, who'd remember such thing as 'turn off the gas' when the ground is moving under you, right? Education is important, but no matter how prepared we are, we can't compete with what God had created for us. 

Another thing I found interesting about things that's happening in Japan was the help they're receiving not only from locals but also the neighboring countries. Now I see the point of why we should maintain good relationship with other countries. Who knows someday we might need them. 

My ranting starts here.

I admit that the first thing I thought about was ARASHI, my bias. Ask them fans, they'd give the same answer, or not. Depends. But when I received news that Arashi members are safe, I continue watching and following the news and updates about the event. I don't know why but I keep doing so. I even went online on my not-so-smartphone in bed just to know what's happening. I guess I fall in love with Japan and I care about them? I don't care what people will say about this.

Official announcement by Johnny's. All their talents are safe. 

But sad things happen in fandom. I see it's a normal thing when people share about the safety of their idols/biases/fave artists, right? It maybe because they're the only Japanese we know in Japan. Or just because. But our sympathy doesn't limit only to those famous people. And you can see that I'm following all these because I have Arashi in Japan. HELL NO. What I'm doing is out of humanity. I feel the pain they're going through. And I'm trying not to be so pessimistic about the calamity that hit Japan and think that we cannot do anything to help but stare blankly at the screen. If you have such opinion or idea, I suggest please stay silent. Please don't be an eyesore. 

Moreover, THIS.

 

This is by an insensitive Malaysian cartoonist. I think this is rude. You know that Ultraman is just.. an Ultraman, and of course he can't do anything at this point of time. OH GOD ULTRAMAN DOESN'T EVEN EXIST YOU IDIOT. But what's with the image? You don't make fun of people when they've been struck by 9.0M quake. YOU DO NOT. This is something you don't wanna see if you're in Japan.



For now, the least we can do is pray. This goes to those who believe in God. Even if you don't, please have faith that Japan will be up on its feet again. I know, God created this and some may think "Why bother praying to God if He's the one making this mess", right? I don't know. I believe God has reasons in doing this. So please don't drag others into believing in what you do. Praying doesn't mean we pray for the next disaster from happening, it's to pray for their safety. So please, do it out of humanity. 

Some of the recent striking images of Japan after the event - You can google it.