ARC ACADEMY
Japanese Language School
Tokyo after earthquake
It is amazing how quickly events become memories. This is my second time studying at the ARC in Tokyo. I was eager to come back, but also nervous. The incredible thing is, nothing has changed here in Tokyo. People’s awareness and compassion has grown, but daily life is exactly the same as two years ago. I get the same delicious sushi, at the same restaurant. The fireworks and festivals are as beautiful as ever. The classes are just as hands-on. The city is untouched, but the hearts of the people have grown - this is the time to be in Japan.
Lucius, USA
I was in Tokyo when the earthquake struck and have remained here continuously since then. In contrast to the situation in northeastern Japan, life in Tokyo continues much as it always has. The main impacts on Tokyo—disruptions to the retail supply chain and public transportation service—occurred in the aftermath of the earthquake and have since been largely eliminated. With minor exceptions, the rolling blackouts that followed the earthquake affected areas outside Tokyo, not Tokyo proper. Finally, Tokyo has not experienced harmful levels of radiation, and the results of monitoring for air- and water-borne radiation are reported daily.
Michael, USA
My name is Garry, I am a 29 year old Canadian living in Tokyo. This spring has been very turbulent for Japan, but I feel safe now as I always have living here. A very impressive trait among the Japanese is perseverance. Each day the situation improves through the hard work and determination of all citizens of Japan, born or immigrated. Tokyo was not largely affected by the earthquake, and not at all by the tsunami. In the short time since the disaster life has returned to normal, and I am still both happy and proud to call Tokyo my home.
Garry,Canada
I've lived in Japan for many years, and I've always felt that it's a safe place. Even after the events of 3/11, my feelings have not changed.
My family begged me to return home after watching the news. However, I could see Tokyo was calm, the events in Fukushima posed no threat to us and that everything was being dealt with. Life goes on as usual in Tokyo, but we never forget that we have a responsibility to help those that were less fortunate than us. The best thing we can do is to continue to live in, visit and enjoy Japan.
Iyshea, UK 