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Hi, my name is Mai, and my partner is Shin. Today we’re going to interview people from abroad about what they thought about the earthquake, which happened on March 11 in Japan.
The first person we’re going to interview is Ka. He’s from China. The second person we’re going to interview is Joyce. She’s from America.
Hello my name is Mai. I’m interviewing students from overseas about their thoughts on the earthquake, which happened on March 11 in Japan. Before we start the interview, could you introduce yourself briefly?
Hello,My name is ke mengnan. I am from jiaxing of China .
How long have you lived in Japan?
Two years ago.
Thank you. Now, talking about the earthquake, where were you that day?
Were you in Japan?
When the earthquake happened , I was in the subway station of Tokyo.
Can you tell me more about what happened around you at that time?
Firstly, it was a small shake. When the earthquake occurred ,It strengthened gradually. People went up to the ground beginning to run. It comes so that the power of peoples may take shelter in the plaza at the station, and information on the large earthquake and the tsunami has entered in the television of the station. I think that I will never forget all my life because it is the first earthquake experience.
What did you think about the Japanese government’s response to the disaster?
I think that the response of the government in Japan was not bad.
However, the result had not been admitted easily, so it was a little regrettable.
It is thought that power only in the government party is insufficient because this earthquake and the tsunami are large, and if the opposition party cooperates a little more, maybe a good result would happen.
Ok, then, the next question is, do you think your country would have reacted differently?
I think that basically Chinese government will do the same way.
Ok, what would you say to people who are considering visiting Japan right now?
I think that you should come to Japan by all means if there is a chance. Because it will become a good study when the tough spirit of the Japanese style can be actually felt. Also, it transcends national borders.
Did you consider leaving Japan?
I do not think about coming to return.
What made you choose to stay?
I choose to stay in Japan, think that it was necessary to get over obstacle. Moreover, I was impressed that when the earthquake happened the Japanese people calmly faced to the fact.
Last question is, did you think that you want to join some volunteer for the victims?
Oh… no.
Why did you think so?
I am very sorry to let you know that I am very busy this year and can
not afford the time to be a volunteer. I have to go to school from
Monday to Friday, go to my tutor on Saturday, and do some shopping on
Tuesday,and you see my time has been fully packed.
Again, I am really really sorry about that.
Thank you for answering the interview. This is all.
Next interview is Shin’s interview.
Before we start the interview, could you introduce yourself ?
I’m Joyce Taniguchi, a teacher here at Obirin University.
Thank you. Now, talking about the earthquake, where were you that day? Were you in Japan?
Yes I was in Machida. I was with a former student. We had just finished having tea together. And were walking down the street in Machida.
Thank you. What did you think about this news?
I had never experienced such a long earthquake in all of my years in Japan and I’ve been in Japan a long time. So I knew that this was a very big earthquake. And people in Machida were screaming.
What did you think about the Japanese government’s response to the disaster?
I thought it was similar to how they react to most disasters. Because they cover it with the news coverage very carefully, they take action very very slowly. And this makes some people happy, and some people not so happy, especially the victims because I think I even know it was very cold. It was very uncomfortable. And so the people that were in that area must have experienced great discomfort. And not much was done for them right away, Because they were cut off from the rest of the country. And that response was slow.
So, what do you think they should have done?
Probably, the self defense force should have been used in greater numbers, more helicopters, more ships if it were possible after the earthquake to bring water, to bring blankets, coats, whatever was necessary, and food. Even a week later it was televised that some isolated areas still did not have adequate food.
That, I think in an age of helicopters is ridiculous. I think they should have also included more foreign help. I’m sure many countries in the world were willing to help. Everybody has helicopters.
What would you say to people who are considering visiting Japan right now?
If they are adult I would tell them to come. There is really not a problem. I will not recommend families whose small children. I think it’s a danger even for families set are here.
Thank you. Did you consider leaving Japan?
Never.
What made you choose to stay?
I have lived here a very long time, I feel a part of the community, I live in.
And we all need to work together to survive emergencies, I can’t run away from them.
Do you want to volunteer in some way to help the victims?
If I could, I would.
What kind of volunteer do you want to do?
Considering my age, I think I would be a detriment to most real heavy work. But, I think everyone can organize in some way to bring supplies to the people more directly. For instance, my German friend’s church has chosen one specific village, and they are bringing their supplies directly to that village. And I think this kind of effort anyone can do.
That’s all thank you.
Conclusion
After we interviewed Ka and Joyce about the earthquake, we realized that although everyone does not talk much about the earthquake, that happened on March 11, many people have strong opinions about it. We wouldn’t have noticed this if we hadn’t done an interview on the earthquake. There are still many people in Tohoku who need help. So we want to think about what we can do as students to help them.