**Read Part 1 “Life Continues in Tokyo**
Smiles, laughter, sunshine, children playing, ladies chatting…..not the scenes you immediately imagine just 3 days after one of the worlds biggest earthquakes, tsunami, and ensuing nuclear instability struck Japan.
Kids play in the park.
However walking about the neighbourhood today that was exactly what I was met by. Despite the troubles and constant aftershocks people are going about their daily business with an amazing resilience. In the North of Japan things are obviously significantly different, but in and around the capital life goes on, shaken but by no means down. In a world where the media works hard to capture an ever demanding audience by sensationalising journalism by focusing on images of disaster and catastrophe, it is easy to loose track of what is also happening unreported.
A shop has plenty of vegetables in stalk (hahaha!)
Chatting to the locals in Chiba Prefecture there is a distinct air of determination, of a town determined to try their best to get things as near to normal as possible. Already work is underway to clear up the damage, the pride showing through to get the area back to its orderly best again.
Park staff smile while inspecting the grounds as a woman navigates the debris on her bicycle.
People go for hair cuts, cashiers smile at customers, friends meet over coffee, and children play as hard as the workers fixing the pavements. Whilst of course we do not underestimate the incredible loss experienced in the North of the country for which our greatest sympathies are extended. It is also important to see positive Japan, the unreported japan, the one that is filled with determination, with smiles shining through despite the hardships and a fantastic resilience to continue life apace.
Customers relax in a cafe with friends
Commuters wait for their bus into the city.
Kids playing in the schoolyard.
Construction unrelated to the earthquake continues at it’s usual, leisurely pace.
Hair is cut and curled.
A couple browses for a vacation (or quick getaway) to Hawaii.
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