Editorial - Typhoon Aid in Japan vs Hurricane Aid in USA

I just turned on the TV & it was still on the US news station from this morning. They were STILL rehashing who’s to blame in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Are the poor being discriminated against, is it a racial issue, why can’t the help come faster? Who’s going to lose their jobs next? I know it was horrible, but I just can’t watch it anymore. About a week after Hurricane Katrina, Japan was hit with Typhoon Nabi (#14), which did tremendous damage. I was listening to a US newscast one morning and the commentator was criticizing Japan for not giving more millions to the US to help with the Katrina cleanup. He joked about how they spent more than that on their sushi. While he was talking, we were under alert for another typhoon. Living in Japan has given me a whole different perspective on things. This is a country where they have numerous devastating and deadly typhoons EVERY year -- there is always great damage & people die. I don’t know what government plans, if any, they have here in place for the aftermath. We are now watching Typhoon #19 & wondering if it will turn & miss us or head our way. The people here know this is a way of life when you live near the sea. They keep an eye on each storm, and prepare as best they can, but living near the sea is a choice one makes. So, when it hits (not if, but when) they just help each other, quietly start cleaning up as soon as the flood waters recede, pick up the mess and start rebuilding. I have not heard one word about anyone blaming anyone else. (We watch the Japanese news translated into English most nights.) This has been going on for thousands of years. While attending my chigerie (paper tearing art) class about a week after the last typhoon, there were trucks riding around the Japanese neighborhood where our class meets. They were driving slowly and announcing something over their loudspeaker. We asked our sensei to translate and she said they were asking for donations to help those who had lost their homes as a result of the typhoon. As we looked out the windows, people were bringing out furniture, bedding, and food to share with their neighbors. The ones who have, give to those who have not. Everyone who can, pitches in to clean up until it’s back the way it was. It’s pretty basic. Maybe it’s time the USA learned a lesson from these polite & patient people.
Margie Stevens, Iwakuni, Japan

Hikari flea market revisited

Last Sunday, was a gorgeous sunny, but a little cooler day, so we decided to go back to the monthly Hikari flea market. In addition to antiques, there are also fabrics, food & handmade items for sale. The beautiful thing about this market is that it is held in temple grounds, near the sea.

We think this young boy is getting instructions on graveside etiquette. 

Grave marker. The cap and shirt usually indicate the grave of a child. 

Two old veterans. Stan is the one in civies. 

We could hear his bugle all through the park. 

A little local music. The Army veteran was singing a Japanese song played by the musician. 

Here are two veterans of WWII. Occasionally the army guy would play his trumpet. They were much respected by everyone. 

Flea market booths and river damage from the typhoon. 

Here are some of the flea market booths. In the lower right corner you see the barriers along the river. The damage from the typhoon is being repaired. 

White "surprise" bulbs. Note the butterfly in the center. 

Sunday Adventure

A Sunday “adventure” drive a couple of weeks after Typhoon Nabi. We started out driving along the Nishi River, but parts of the road had collapsed and it was under construction, so we turned onto another road & headed toward Miwa & then Otake, before heading back to Iwakuni. Near Otake, we discovered a beautiful lake & bridge, with a “mini” sized golf course.

Retaining wall near a road that was not damaged 

Rice sheaves have been cut and are drying in the sun. 

Although this looks like a crop sculpture by aliens, it is actually a racetrack for remote controlled cars. 

Although this really looks like a crop sculpture by aliens, it is actually a racetrack for remote controlled cars of the ATV type. 

Bright red "surprise" bulbs at Miwa Park.  

The Lion's Club is here too. 

Yasaka Lake and suspension bridge near Otake. 

Mini golf course and bridge. 

The golf course and bridge. 

Margie at Yasaka Lake. The golf course is in the background. 

Suspension bridge and signs at Yasaka Lake. 

Driving across the dam bridge. 

Yasaka Dam Bridge. Another dam picture.  

Beautiful tunnel near Otake in the country of Margistan. :}) 

Typhoon Nabi

The first week in September, we were sideswiped by Typhoon Nabi. It was headed directly for us, but veered slightly away at the last minute. Although we were safe on base, the Island just south of us, Kyushu, was hit very hard. Even in the old part of Iwakuni, the beautiful Kintai Bridge was damaged and all of the cormorant boats were destroyed when the Nishi River flooded. We have not been down there due to the roads that are damaged. Mudslides also caused retaining walls and structures to collapse, and several people were killed. In the last picture, you can see how high the river came up outside of town.

The rain is really coming down. This was taken from our balcony. 

Planes are leaving to avoid the typhoon.