Friday night, watching TV when it is reported that a quake has hit Japan. Seeing the footage of the quake hitting the NHK building brings back bitter memories.
NZ's urban search and rescue teams are off this morning to Japan to help their brothers in arms- after all, the Japanese teams helped us in our time of need. It is hard not to ignore the connection between Japan and Christchurch- the Asashi TV station was camped out near the ruined Knox Church. We had the Japanese USAR team looking for our people.
It is painful to see the suffering in Japan, because here in Christchurch we know what that is like, and yet we don't truly know because in comparison we were relatively lucky. It breaks my heart to think about all the lost and displaced Japanese people, because they have long been very welcome visitors to our city. Many come here to have a Western wedding in the Botanical Gardens, or have their photo taken in front of the now ruined Christchurch Cathedral.
But like us they will receive all the help and support that they need, and they will rebuild. We can't forget them.
