Japan has been rocked by a massive earthquake measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale. It struck 280 miles northeast of the capital, resulting in an ensuant tsunami, reported as up to ten meters high and moving at 160kph, slamming into the east coast a short time later, destroying coastal towns. Japan’s ministry has confirmed a number of fatalities, with the death-toll expected to rise.
The magnitude of this event cannot be understated. This was the fifth largest earthquake on record (since 1900), with ten of the subsequent aftershocks measuring stronger than the recent earthquake that caused havoc in Christchurch, New Zealand. Tokyo’s iconic Tokyo Tower is reported to be “bent at the top.”
And it’s not just Japan. A tsunami watch has been issued around the Pacific rim, with the likes of Hawaii and Australia on high-alert, braced for impact.
This is not gaming news, and we’re not going to exploit this tragic event by pretending it is. We here at the TheSixthAxis, however, would like to extend our hopes and thoughts to those effected by this calamity.
Japan didn’t invent gaming, but it’s a country synonymous with the culture. As some of you may know, I have a strong affinity with the country, and I’ve spent the last couple of hours frantically trying to reach friends in Tokyo, Kyoto and other regions. So far, everyone is safe.
I distinctly remember the quizzical looks from friends and family when, about ten years ago, I announced I was going to learn Japanese. “You’re going to learn a whole language – noted as one of the world’s most difficult to grasp – just so you can play some weird, silly games in Japanese?” one person asked. “No,” I replied, “I’m going to learn Japanese so I can speak to Japanese people.” There are 140 million of them. Japanese is the fourth most widely spoken language in the world.
I have spent time in Japan, making friends with some of the nicest people you could ever meet. Much is made about Japanese people and their mannerisms; how they show respect and care about one another, sometimes perceived by non-Japanese as silly or downright weird. The fact is: in my opinion, there is no friendlier collective of people in the world than the Japanese. There is no city like Tokyo. It physically hurt when I had to leave.
If you are a gamer and love gaming, I urge you to someday visit Japan. There’s nothing like walking down Akihabara, watching people strut about confidently in cos-play, as players of all ages talk fervently about games, play games, and live games with a zeal you won’t find anywhere else.
Gaming still has that niggling stigma of negativity in the West, and despite having ambassadors like Dara Ó Briain who champion the industry, and a British leader who has only yesterday announced (at the opening of a Special Effect centre) that the gaming industry is taking its responsibility very seriously, we – as a group – are still viewed by some as people who engage in subversive claptrap. We’re still seen as adults who “should know better.”
In Japan, gaming is not only universally accepted as a legitimate form of entertainment, it’s celebrated on multiple levels.
Which makes watching the news of what is now happening in Japan all the harder to bear. Not just because I have friends there who I know are, right now, afraid and unsure of what is going to happen next, watching as their apartments are tossed around like rag-dolls, but because I love games and I know, as a nation, the Japanese embrace our sub-culture. Hence, a strange bond of comradeliness and empathy is formed.
It’s going to be hard reporting on gaming news today. At least, I know my thoughts are going to be elsewhere. In an arcade in Koiwa, a suburb of Tokyo on the Chiba line, perhaps, with friends as we gamed, and drank, and enjoyed ourselves. Let those days return soon.
Tanzil
Although I often say I hate Japan, I still give sympathy for what’s happened. My family is Pakistani, and we had a smaller earthquake a while back so i have a good idea of what they’re going through. We just have to hope for the best.
Sympozium
You don’t have to hate Japan….
Delriach
It’s crazy to think that all this happened while I was sleeping. My thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy. ;_;
DrNate86
A very touching article, well done sir. I’ve been watching the news all morning, it is horrific enough to watch without knowing anyone there, so I can only imagine how upsetting it must have been for you. My strongest sympathies go to all the people caught in the confusion. It is a testament to their planning and technology that the death toll is as low as it is, and a testament to their resolve seeing how well they are managing the situation now.
BIGAL-1992
I couldn’t believe what I was seeing when I saw it on the news. My thoughts are to anyone affected by it.
Charmed_Fanatic
This is devastating, saw it on TV.
TwoJay
http://img852.imageshack.us/i/japank.jpg/
Now that’s just… :(
DJ Judas
Very good article, my thoughts are with all those affected.
I love many Japanese aspects of life and media forms, and am saving on a permanent basis to visit for an extended period. I truly hope the worst is over.
Sympozium
Its really sad… Japan’s like a major influence to me because of games and there culture..
Gathering with friends to play the likes of Monster Hunter is impossible in Northern Ireland and I guess other nations as it can be a amazing experience to play other Adhoc mode than the more mainstream genres.
My Japanese friend as been very helpful with Monster Hunter and I am in high praise for Sony for allowing me and many others to hunt monsters over the globe other than just meeting with friends.
Sympozium
I also like to send wishes to those that have passed away and I hope the people that are missing can be rescued…. again its very emotional
djsunna
My thoughts are with our Japanese friends. Best wishes to everyone affected by this.
Phil_E
“It physically hurt when I had to leave.” That’s customs for ya