I have to confess I have found the days since Friday hard to face. "Business as usual" has not come easily.
I know I personally have no concerns and nothing to complain about. I suffered no loss in the disaster in Japan; I have experienced none of the corrosive worry affecting those in need of news; and I don't know firsthand any of the places that have been ruined or any of the people who have been lost. But I can't keep my sympathy in check. I can't keep Japan and its people from my thoughts. I soak in the news, watch the sickening but fascinating videos. I find myself imagining the stories we have not been told.
I worry about my own country; it seems natural at this time to think "what if." We are far less well prepared than Japan for such an event. I think of my own relatives near the Pacific. Our government has been weakened by systematic antagonism from within, our economy made fragile by the irresponsible behavior of the greedy. Our response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005 was far less adequate than our response to Hurricane Andrew in 1992, and things aren't getting better: just days before the disaster in Japan, the newly elected majority in the House of Representatives passed a bill gutting the funding of, among many other things, California's tsunami early warning system—yet another irony in a dispiriting parade of ironies in America. Japan, with a far more homogenous population and greater political unity, arguably as much wealth, and far better preparation, is reeling terribly. How would we do?
Such thoughts don't make for easy nights.
Well—back to the news. Fujifilm Inc. confirmed Monday that its Taiwa-Cho factory, 20 miles from Sendai city, was damaged in the disaster. No employees were injured, but the production of the much-awaited X100 has been halted. This is, of course, but a tiny data point amidst the enormity, not significant in itself, yet perhaps symbolic of the irruption that will roil the waters of world commerce in the days and weeks to come. Even Toyota has closed all its plants until Thursday.
Much of Fujifilm's digicam manufacture was transferred to the Suzhou industrial district of China in 2007, and is not affected.
"First Shot" by Pieter Franken, from the flickr X100 Group Pool. (RAW converted to TIFF in Silkypix and edited in LR3. ISO 200 at ƒ/2.)
Meanwhile, the number of X100 samples on flickr has risen past 500, and B&H has started to accept pre-orders.
Mike
(Thanks to Robert Jagitsch and Arthur Elkon)
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Original contents copyright 2011 by Michael C. Johnston and/or the bylined author. All Rights Reserved.
Featured Comment by Nikhil Ramkarran: "I work less than a mile away from the Atlantic Ocean in a city that is six feet below sea level (protected by an immense length of seawall). While we are exceedingly fortunate here not to be subject to any natural disasters (unless you consider politicians 'natural'; I don't) I can't help but wonder, what if it had been us? I've seen several of the videos of the onrushing tsunami and wondered how many of those people had to contemplate their families and loved ones being inundated. It is a thought to give you nightmares (and it has to me, two nights in a row now). With all the bad things happening in the world right now, I consider the fact that I can be typing this, a matter of great fortune which I am treasuring. Anyone who wants to donate, should do so sensibly and have a look at the guidelines that Consumer Reports give."
Featured Comment by Chris Y.: "I lived in Japan for two years, working in the mountains of Nagano. I was not a kid, I was 38 years old when I arrived. It was 20 years ago, and to me it still seems like yesterday. The Japanese daily devotion to inner strength, calm, patience and respect changed my life profoundly, and for the better. Yes, I know, I was a gaijin, an 'outside-world-person' and that is all I will ever be to Japan. But what Japan is to me is still inside me, and to see the news of this catastrophe absolutely breaks my heart. I know I am not alone in this. Everyone who has ever made friends in that Alice-in-Wonderland world is feeling the same. We know that like the pine bough weighted with snow, Japan will again bend, but it will not break."
Hi Mike,
Thanks. Just like Katrina, Japan will need all the help it can get for sustained redevelopment. Google has a link to the Japan Red Cross. Much of my family is over there. We wait and see and hope.
James
Posted by: James | Tuesday, 15 March 2011 at 07:32 AM
Afew things:
1, I received my Aspens in fog print, simply wonderful, thanks!
2: About the Fuji, after much hemming and hawing I decided to go for this camera, I'm already in m4/3rds, so this was not really "necessary" but...now I will have to wait and see.
3: I find it sad that your intro explanation about the situation in Japan needs to be said. People are just silly.
4: Thanks for the site!
Posted by: Paul Pickard | Tuesday, 15 March 2011 at 07:48 AM
Hi Mike,
I'm with you on this one. I'm originally from Christchurch, New Zealand (though not currently living there). As terrible as the recent 'home' quake was, this is much worse. I'll make my Red Cross donation and be thankful my family is where they are.
Posted by: Nigel | Tuesday, 15 March 2011 at 07:58 AM
Mike,
Your concerns for our nation in the event of
a national disaster are well founded.What if
the tsunami had taken place just off the coast of New York city,the economic epicenter of the World?Its time to get our
priorties right as a people.
Concerning the X100 photos on Flicker IMHO
they leave a lot to be desired.
Posted by: Danny Chatham | Tuesday, 15 March 2011 at 08:50 AM
I work less than a mile away from the Atlantic Ocean in a city that is 6 feet below sea level (protected by an immense length of seawall). While we are exceedingly fortunate here not to be subject to any natural disasters (unless you consider politicians "natural", I don't) I can't help but wonder, what if it had been us.
I've seen several of the videos of the onrushing tsunami and wondered how many of those people had to contemplate their families and loved ones being inundated. It is a thought to give you nightmares (and it has to me, two nights in a row now).
With all the bad things happening in the world right now, I consider the fact that I can be typing this, a matter of great fortune which I am treasuring.
Anyone who wants to donate, should do so sensibly and have a look at the guidelines that consumer reports give: http://blogs.consumerreports.org/money/2011/03/avoid-scams-when-giving-to-japan.html
Posted by: Nikhil Ramkarran | Tuesday, 15 March 2011 at 09:07 AM
You need to be able to take care of yourself and your family. If you are depending on the "ass-istance" of the federal government you will perish. I have absolutely zero faith in their ability to help -- other than lie through their teeth and whitewash stuff.
So... preparation is the key. I was just discussing this with my married daughter who lives BETWEEN TWO Nuclear power plants. I told her she needs to have an evacuation plan, meetup place in case her and her husband can't leave together, etc etc. And for certain don't beleive ANYTHING the government or Power officials say about "no immediate danger" during a nuclear accident...
Posted by: JM | Tuesday, 15 March 2011 at 10:38 AM
That Japan was so well prepared and able to cope with a disaster that dwarfs anything in modern history speaks well to their culture of hard work, personal responsibility, and devotion to their community.
Posted by: Frank P. | Tuesday, 15 March 2011 at 11:02 AM
You are not along in your response to the events in Japan.
It's tough to watch and realize how little there actually is that you can do to help. And, if you live on the West Coast, you realize that it could be you as well at some point.
I also think it would be sad if we did not feel a strong pull during this disaster. But maybe it will make us focus on what really matters in life, if only for a little while.
Posted by: Bjorn | Tuesday, 15 March 2011 at 11:33 AM
I'm feeling exactly what you're feeling. And sleeping very badly. Thanks for putting these last days into words so perfectly.
Posted by: Martha Benedict | Tuesday, 15 March 2011 at 11:50 AM
Hello Mike,
You're asking "How would we do?"
I sincerely do not know but I suspect that the USA is fully capable of overcoming whatever nature sends in the way of destruction.
When Canada offered help after the Katrina disaster, the US goverment replied 'Hey, we're the USA: we give aid.
As far as Katrina and the destruction of New Orleans, is it really representative of the USA; or was there something else at play that impeded on the relief effort. I'm just saying!
Posted by: Andre Moreau | Tuesday, 15 March 2011 at 12:24 PM
I am similarly afflicted. Best news sources I've found:
NHK World live stream: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nhk-world-tv
BBC Live blog: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12307698
Posted by: Paul De Zan | Tuesday, 15 March 2011 at 02:15 PM
Your words and sentiments re the Japan horror mirror my own thoughts Mike. My heart and good wishes go out to this lovely country and its people.
Posted by: John London | Tuesday, 15 March 2011 at 03:06 PM
Having lived in and out of Japan for thirty-years, I agree with some of the comments, but just to give this discussion an other perspective:
The present government is actually rather weak. Many internal squabbles; lack of vision and clear leadership. In fact Kan had rating in the teens before this, but there are no other candidates that stand out (except for some younger people such as the governor in Osaka Hoshimoto).
For the moment the leadership has pulled together and are struggling to deal with quakes/aftermath, the nuclear issue (at the same time no less!), and the need to get unaffected areas back to a modicum of normalcy. We just had another strong quake last night, and some say we may have another event along the Philippine Plate as well, so no one is out of the woods yet; let us hope the present leadership is able to respond.
The news coming from Tokyo Electric has been inconsistent, and often the rosier announcements are brought into question by further events. This is of course due in part to the company's struggle to understand their predicament. But the history of Japanese business offers many cases of companies not being up front with information.
I do agree with the part on public discipline. On the day of the quake a younger office worker and I rode a bus part way home, but from there were going to take different directions. The town was blacked out, and I worried about her safety, but that was unnecessary. Aside from panic shopping that depletes store shelfs, people are patient and trying to "get on with it." That being said, if the quake had hit Tokyo directly, and a far larger segment was facing the kinds of problems confronting those in the North East, I am not so sure how well everyone would bear up.
As for work, it is very, very hard to concentrate on things not related to recent events.
Posted by: Alex Vesey | Tuesday, 15 March 2011 at 06:31 PM
Well, I'm sure a lot of production will be curtailed going forward. I'd rather find out that all the workers have food and shelter before I whine about having to wait a while for a new toy.
Now, mind you I'm not LOOKING for a new toy or accusing anyone around here of being selfish, I'm just glad to see that Fuji (and hopefully other companies) have their priorities in order.
Send money to help with cleanup and getting food to the dislocated. We can always buy missing cameras once the workers are safe and get back to work...
Posted by: Al Patterson | Tuesday, 15 March 2011 at 08:15 PM
Hi Mike,
Don't know if you've heard about "Life Support Japan", a benefit started (very quickly) by Aline Smithson of lenscratch and Crista Dix of wallspace gallery to benefit those affected by the events in Japan. Several hundred photographers so far have agreed to donate an image, prints of which are being sold in special editions of 10 for $50 a piece. All proceeds go to Direct Relief International and Habitat for Humanity.
More details here: http://on.fb.me/Life_Support_Japan_Info
and the online auction page is here: http://bit.ly/Life_Support_Japan
More images are being added daily, and many of the images sell out quickly (i.e. those from well-known photographers from whom you normally can't get a $50 print). I believe about $10000 has come in during the first day or two.
- jonas
Posted by: Jonas Yip | Wednesday, 16 March 2011 at 12:40 AM
I lived in Japan for two years. The Japanese of our times are a very special people and the Japan of our time is a very special place.
True grit, more or less.
Posted by: Mani Sitaraman | Wednesday, 16 March 2011 at 01:45 AM
The unfolding disaster aside, I'm not looking forward to DPReview discussions of "pre-tsunami" vintage X100s vs. "post-tsunami" models.
Posted by: Poagao | Wednesday, 16 March 2011 at 03:07 AM
To reply to an earlier comment about Canadian aid during Katrina:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_response_to_Hurricane_Katrina
Bush thanks Canada for Katrina help
http://the-reaction.blogspot.com/2005/09/bush-thanks-canada-for-katrina-help.html
For the conspiracy theorists;
Fox News Suggests Canadian Katrina Generosity Meant To Embarrass George W. Bush
http://www.halifaxlive.com/artman/publish/embarrass_130905_123.shtml
People should help each other an emergency. Suggestions that some areas are too rich or to strong to need help are wrong. There is always a way to help.
Posted by: Jon | Wednesday, 16 March 2011 at 03:20 AM
From the NY Times: http://nyti.ms/hRPZw5
Posted by: h.linton | Wednesday, 16 March 2011 at 05:41 AM
I feel very sad for the brave people in Japan.I did say to my wife last night that I would be prepared to take in a couple of kids that have lost their parents and try to give them a basis to start to recover but in reality as she pointed out that bringing someone half way around the world and away from there own culture is probably not such a good idea in the longterm. You just feel like you want to put an arm around the many people just wandering around and looking dazed. Just a cuddle!!
Dave UK
Posted by: Dave Chilvers | Wednesday, 16 March 2011 at 07:10 AM