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Kinuyo Akiyama Sendai mediatheque, Crepuscule Cafe staff
On 3/11
On March 11th, my work was to start from the evening.
So I was going to hospital and doing some shopping.
I was on the third floor of a CD shop downtown.
First, I went outside.
There was a traffic jam on Higashi-Nibancho avenue.
So many people were on the street.
I was thinking "what on earth should I do now?"
I live in an apartment and my place was a mess.
So I went to the nearby Kamisugi community center.
There were many people with children, and elderly people.
I couldn't sleep, but the place was out of the cold, there was food, and there was a light.
Those things made me feel relieved.
What kind of feeling, anxiety, did you have that night?
There were many aftershocks,...
...and I was hearing news on the radio about damage to coastal areas…
...which made me even more worried.
I was watching NHK news on TV.
Could you watch it?
Yes.
2 months and 27 days since 3/11
At work, at home, or around me, we now take precautions.
For example, moving furniture that might fall down,...
...securing safe spaces, or changing the position of our beds.
I prepared an emergency pack with about one week's supplies…
...such as spare clothes, batteries and food.
To not forget
In order not to forget 3/11, I've been telling my relatives in coastal areas about how terrifying tsunamis can be.
Where do they live?
They live in Shizuoka.
We talk about if they know their escape route in case of a possible Tokai Earthquake.
I've been urging them to make sure of these things…
...especially those who actually live in coastal areas.
Don't you think it is beyond what one can imagine?
Yes, but...
...there are many things they can do.
What do you tell them?
First of all, I tell them how scary it was…
...and how terrifying earthquakes is.
The images of the tsunami were so shocking...
...that I convince them to confirm where the high ground is...
...or how to get in touch with each other.
By saying it from Tohoku, people in Tokai are convinced.
They are sympathetic, but it will take time for them to actually do it.
...I was just like them.
I didn't prepare anything, even though we were told a big quake would come some day.
it's only those who were actually there that can communicate these things.