1 year ago.... the unimaginable .... Japan

Today marks the first anniversary of the disaster that hit my country. Over 15,000 deaths, nearly 10,000 serious injuries and still nearly 4,000 people who are still missing. I am in Tokyo and therefore was not affected by the tsunami. However, I feel sorrow at what the poor people just a few hundred kms north of me have had to, and continue to endure.

Our government is not doing nearly enough to help, as politicians here, as everywhere, are too busy bickering over each other and grasping for power. The money that has been sitting in the government coffers is not reaching the people most in need, who continue to live in shelters.

Sigh.... Nothing changes it seems. But there is a spark of change in the air here. Mothers are petitioning and forming organisations to test for radiation and force government officials to meet with them. Demonstrations against the nuclear industry are occurring, which was once unheard of here where everyone used to follow the words of the government who told them it was safe. Towns are taking matters in their own hands and rebuilding, completely ignoring Tokyo as they know that noting will happen with the current administration. And people are angry. Angry at the lies that they were told, and about the lack of responsibility that the government has shown. Old men in office, grasping at every yen for their own benefit, is something hard to get rid of, but let;s see what happens.

Change, we need you now more than ever.