Nobody Asked Me…

Presented for your information… From one of the folks directly involved in the liaison with the JMSDF… It’s not formatting correctly, but you get the idea… Here are five things I would like to say, after 24 days: (1) Japanese discipline and dignity in the face of cruel adversity. It hasn’t been a spotless record, as there have been reports of con-men trying falsely to gather disaster relief contributions for their own use, and some towns/villages up north have formed neighborhood security watches to shoo-away groups of “young strangers”, but the lack of looting, anti-social activities, and general hysteria among the devastated populations of along the Sanriku Coast was been nothing short of amazing, and worthy of great admiration. Two special Japanese words come to mind here: “GAMAN” (patience, endurance, self-control), and “GANBARE” (to try hard, don’t give up). (2) The utter and fearful lethality of a 46-foot Tsunami. Despite intense search and rescue efforts for many days after the disaster, only mere handful of human survivors, and one lucky dog, were rescued from the wreckage and detritus left by the killer waves. If you were able to run away from the tsunami, you lived; if not, you didn’t. Also, the power of a sustained massive surge of water lifted large ships on top of buildings, as if they were toys. (3) Panic shopping is universal. There were times during the initial two weeks, when continued after-shock earthquakes, rolling power black-outs which caused big-time confusion on the commuter trains, the sight of various foreigners running away from the Kanto area, and news of radioactive-iodine in Tokyo’s water supply, all combined to create a feeling of unreality, angst, and mental stress… Which led to runs on gasoline, toilet paper, bottled drinking water, bread, rice, flash-lights, and the other things which frightened people feel they need to obtain and stock-pile in their homes. But compared to the REAL victims, shivering in the cold up north, it was shameful to see those of us, who were actually much safer, act like a bunch of sheep. (4) U.S. Forces in Japan finally got a chance to prove their worth. Under an operation with the simple name “TOMODACHI” (friend), the U.S. military immediately jumped full-bore into search and rescue (SAR) operations. But at the same time, much care was taken to maintain a respectful supporting role to the Japanese Self Defense Forces (JSDF), who mobilized well over 100,000 personnel to go find, save, and provide comfort to their stricken countrymen. Of interest, every time I saw a USMC CH-46 or CH-53 flying-in timely supplies to the desperate survivors, I’m thinking to myself: “Those guys came from MCAS Futenma!” The Okinawa-based 31st MEU, on board USS ESSEX, has also been an active participant in Operation TOMODACHI. I hope (against hope) that the small politicized groups of anti-U.S. Forces critics in Okinawa, and elsewhere, will now finally relent, and find a different cause to crusade about… (5) Finally, Defense Minister Kitazawa flew out today to the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, USS RONALD REAGAN, operating in waters east of central Honshu; and he faced the assembled ship’s crew in the cavernous hangar bay, and delivered the following words, on behalf of his Prime Minister and his country: QUOTE: To All U.S. Military Members and everyone involved in Operation Tomodachi On behalf of the people of Japan, I sincerely express deep appreciation to the tremendous support provided by the U.S. military, the U.S. government, and the American people at the time of Japan’s unprecedented crisis. Immediately after the disaster, USS Ronald Reagan rushed to the Sanriku area. Currently, ground, navy, air, and marine forces, with high pride and passion, are supporting disaster relief efforts at an extraordinary scale. I personally received from President Obama, words of warm and strong pledge of support for Japan. Not only the victims of the disaster hit areas, but also the entire Japanese people are deeply moved and encouraged by the scenes of U.S. military members working hard to support the relief efforts. Both Japan and the United States are true “TOMODACHI” that share basic values such as democracy and respect for human rights. Faced with such a massive disaster, it’s at no time like the present that I feel so strongly about our friendship with the United States. The swift and strong support provided by your country is testament of the enduring bond that the Japan-U.S. Alliance has fostered for over a half a century. Japan, with your continuous cooperation, is determined to launch full-scale efforts to overcome the challenges ahead of us. Again, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all of your tremendous support and friendship. Naoto Kan, Prime Minister of Japan – – – – – – – – – – Please allow me, at the outset, to express my heartfelt appreciation and admiration to each and every U.S. service member that came to the aid of the victims of the March 11 Great Tohoku-Kanto Disaster. The incredible support that you are providing are touching the victims that are still suffering from a feeling of great loss and sorrow. At no time like the present have I felt the United States, our ally, as a reliable partner; and have I felt so proud of our alliance with the United States. The United States Forces has extended assistance to the disaster hit areas in various ways. For instance, you are helping to clean up schools that are covered by mud by the Tsunami, so that the students can come back for the new school year. Your warm help will be cherished and engraved in the hearts and soul of the Japanese people. More than three weeks have passed since the disaster. Our humanitarian and disaster relief efforts are about to transition to a phase to a mid- to long-term activities focused on rehabilitation and reconstruction. It is my sincere wish that those of you who will depart from the relief efforts to assume a new mission, to leave with a feeling of utmost pride, for taking part in a noble operation such as Operation Tomodachi. And for those of you who will continue to provide assistance, I again wish to express my deepest appreciation for your contribution. Disaster can destroy human life and property, but it cannot destroy the human spirit. This is what Ambassador Roos said when he visited the disaster hit elementary school, Watanoha, in Ishinomaki City. The Ambassador’s remark will be long remembered in the history of Japan-U.S. relations as a message that tied the hearts and souls of the survivors and their lost loved ones. In closing, I would like to say that the on going Japan-U.S. joint relief operation in tackling this unprecedented crisis that our country is now facing, will be long remembered in the memories of both the Japanese and American people. I am convinced that our joint efforts today will lead to further deepening of the Japan-U.S. Alliance. Toshimi Kitazawa UNQUOTE 04 April 2011