ROAD vol.2 Evacuees' Short Comments | |
Read the prologue to the evacuees' comments listed below1. June 2-3, 2011: Kōriyama, Fukushima I almost got a job, but the salary was too low. Are they low-balling me because they know I am an evacuee? At least I got temporary housing in one shot [in the lottery]. (Man in his 40s) I found out I didn’t win the lottery to get temporary housing yesterday. I wonder if I have to stay here [in the evacuation center] forever – really. (Woman in her 50s) What shall I do if my temporary housing is located in Ohtama ? I have no choice, do I? My friend who moved to an apartment says she is lonely – she has nobody to talk to. Here [in the evacuation center], we are all friends. (Woman in her 60s) I got temporary housing near here. I’m glad, but I would prefer it in Tomita town. But at least I got something. I’m going shopping now, to take a walk. I go out only on fine days. I receive tasty bento-boxes for lunch and dinner. There used to be only bread and rice balls for breakfast, but lately we receive bento-boxes instead. Although, I had gotten used to having bread. I wouldn’t have had any of these inconveniences if I could have stayed at home – TEPCO is such a liar – we can’t trust them at all. (Man in his 70s) I really want to return to my home – but I guess I may not be able to do so for at least 20 years. (Man in his 60s) I haven’t slept on a tatami mat for the last three months – I just sleep on the floor here, it’s so stressful. It’s irritating, too. I just came back from the temporary housing lottery. I wish they had just let us drawn ourselves [so we can test our own luck], but they have someone there who draws for us evacuees. Thank you for your time, even though you must be busy with your studies. (Woman, age unknown, to a student volunteer) June 21, 2011: Kamaishi, Iwate I will never go back to the sea. If an earthquake strikes now [as I’m having a foot bath], I’d run away bare-footed. June 20, 2011: Rikuzen-Takata, Iwate I live in a temporary housing unit with six people, so we quarrel. But we reconciled because a tsunami might come again. If we live in temporary housing, we have to pay utility costs. So a lot of people decline to live there. Everyone is pleased to have this temporary housing [on the grounds of an elementary school], but nobody is thinking about the children [referring to how the temporary housing has occupied the school children’s playground]. June 19, 2011: Shichigahama, Miyagi These days, I am very anxious about the future. (Woman in her 50s) After I was in the hospital for a week, I went to see my house. I saw many dead bodies. (Man in his 60s) I wasn’t sure which way to escape when the tsunami came. I went straight and luckily survived; those who went to the left were swept away by the tsunami. (Man in his 60s) If only I could catch fish, I would be able to make a living. I want to start fishing again from this September. I can be busy again after I fix my fishing nets. (Man in his 70s) I came here yesterday. It really felt good and I slept well last night. So I came back here today. (Woman in her 70s, on the foot bath service) I really look forward to coming here! (Woman in her 80s, on her third visit to the foot bath) |
Re: ROAD vol.2 Evacuees' Short Comments | |
Dear readers, Thank you for your comments and positive feedback for the raw words from survivors. The original Japanese version of these comments are on this website. If you know some Japanese, you may understand the comments are issued by specific themes. Actually Team VfF now working on "men's comments in his 50's or 60's" and "comments on money, work and life". They are coming soon. Melanie's comments reminded us that our sympathy and interest are at the same area. Please look forward to the next update. Yoko Matsuda |
Re: ROAD vol.2 Evacuees' Short Comments | |
A warm hello to all, Have there been any CO-Housing developments constructed for permanent housing? If so, how do you feel about this? It seems to me that co-housing would allow people to share time, space, chores, and utilities. In addition, residents would benefit from ongoing social activities and interactions. http://www.cohousing.org/cm/article/japan |