In addition to the 5,000 readers of this blog there are nearly 4,000 teachers on my monthly newsletter that I write in Japanese.
After the sad news from New Zealand last month I promised them all that this month I would be back to being “Genki” 元気 the Japanese word meaning for “fun”, “energetic” & “full of life”
Needless to say that won’t be happening.
Touched
But I have been very, very touched by all the messages that you have all sent me. There isn’t much I can do here. But I do really want to pass that feeling on to everyone else in Japan.
Originally we were thinking it would be great for your kids to make posters, take digital pictures and send them in. And of course if you could do that it would be amazing, please just email them to me.
But looking at sites like such as http://hopeletters.wordpress.com/ where you can write longer messages to everyone in Japan (and I would urge you to do so), I was thinking that, you know, it’s not just the kids. The teachers themselves are also really needing to hear your messages.
After a week of stress, getting a message from overseas, or even elsewhere in Japan, can really lift your day.
Guilty?
Do I feel guilty about asking this for Japan? Well, yes. Especially seeing as I have had so many emails from teachers in Chile expressing support after their horrible quake last year. And I never did anything then. Sadly, Japan will probably recover more quickly as well.
But I’m kind of justifying it because I’ve actually been to a lot of those schools that you are seeing on TV. I’ve done big shows for their kids and done workshops for the teachers. I used to be up on those stages that are now refugee camps.
You’re family
Just like you, all the teachers who read the Japanese newsletter teach Genki English and we really are one big family.
I’d really like to ask you to take the time to just write maybe one or two lines (put them in the comments below) to express your support then I will collate them up and send them in the newsletter this week. If you could leave your name (first name only is also fine) and where you are from it would be great. I really don’t want to be sending out a fun game this month.
Most of the teachers can’t really speak English (otherwise they’d subscribe to the English newsletter not the Japanese one!) but they are all trying really hard. So keep the English really, really simple. Also remember that we don’t have the mass media hysteria over here so keep the words positive and supportive. Be creative and original.
Even for the teachers not in the affected areas, just hearing your messages will spur them on. I’m sure they will use them in class for older students, but I mainly want them to be from you, teacher to teacher, to show your support.
Ganbare!
Finally I want to teach you one more word of Japanese. You already know Genki – 元気 and now I want to teach you Ganbaré! がんばれ！ Ganbare means “keep going”, “never give up”, “keep trying” or “keep your spirits high”.
If you can find the time to write a short message of support here I would very much appreciate it.
Ganbare!
Richard
Earn More From Your Passion For Teaching English!
I am so sorry for the losses of the Japanese people. I pray for you to be strong, and for Japan, as a country, to recover quickly.
Just want to say ‘Thinking of you’ to all of the people of Japan. I was a teacher in Hiroshima and I know that the Japanese people are wonderful. Best Wishes for a quick recovery.
Japan, we are all with you! Ganbare! Japanese hearts are stronger than anything!
Michela Moccia, Italy
Ganbaré! がんばれ！
Our hearts and prayers are with you. The world is one with you.
Patti
God bless Japan, we are with you together, your sadness is world’s sadness. keep going!
For the people in japan, i pray for you
I sincerily hope you recover and
With the grace of god and faith you
Will be a great nation again.
All my prayers are for you
With manu love from mexico
I am an English teacher from Oklahoma. I have had several Japanese students over the years and have wondered about them and their families in Japan after this tragedy. Know that our prayers and thoughts are with you. You are a strong nation and you will rebuild–of that I have no doubt. May God grant you comfort and ganbare!
Beloved ones,I am sending you Love and Light from San Diego!
Ganbare nippon!がんばれ 二本!We are all thinking of you!All of you are in our thoughts and prayers every single day!God bless you all!
Love from Shizuoka!
Dear Japanese People,
I am deeply sad about what happened in your beautiful country. I am a Turkish teacher of English. We suffered from a similar earthquake disaster in 1999 in the region of Marmara and many people lost their lives. What attracts my attention is that you are so honourable people that I haven’t seen anybody around shouting or screaming.I am simply proud of you on behalf of humankind. I believe that you will also be able to tackle those difficulties. All the best to you all.
Muhsin Karas
muhsinhasan@yahoo.com
Abant Izzet Baysal University, Bolu,TURKEY
We pray for you here in Monterrey, México. Ganbaré!
I’m sure you will recover very soon. God bless you!
Japan, you are a great nation! All the world is with you, Ganbare! (Ukraine)
Despite past differences and disputes, most people here in South Korea feel very badly for Japan; I hope and pray to God that the heroes who are fighting to control the nuclear plants will have the strength, courage and skill needed to manage the situation and bring it under control.
일 본 만 세!(Long live Japan!)
My thoughts are of course with all of Japan, but I would like to draw your attention to various groups on sites such as Facebook where people are offering rooms in the houses to help Japanese people who can get out of the country all over the world. If they have to evacuate Tokyo, these people will need somewhere to go so please have a look for these groups to show your support and spread the word so that people are aware if it comes to this.
I lived in Tokyo for three years and it is very sad to see this and I am now sending my best wishes to all of you.
PS, I send my best wishes from mexico city!!
Dear People of Japan,
Please know that we are with you in spirit and sending much love and prayers during this difficult time. We hope that the conditions you are living in improve quickly and your lives will be returned to happier times through goodwill shown during these times of hardship.
Ganbaré…
Jan (Australia)
To all
Japanese people are relax and calm. I really admire. Don’t worry you can recover soon. It’s not easy but everybody can do it..
BE STRONG!!!
All for One, One for All!
I’m Japanese, and I’m proud to be one.
Ganbarou!!!
Ganbare. From me and my family and students in Austria. Gambare
You are dealing with the difficulties you are going through with such amazing strength! We send you all our thoughts of hope and all our wishes for Japan, Ganbaré!
Susanne, Italy
Hi! You are in Japan, I’m somewhere else…. But that doesn’t matter – we are together, your pain is our pain….. we send you our love and support, we believe – everything will be ok. Can you hear us, guys? EVERYTHING WILL BE OK. You are very strong and brave people, you are very calm and self-possessed people – you don’t waste your time for all those public hysterics (what, unfortunately, other people often do…). We pray for you.. Keep in touch!! Ganbare!!
Korekara mo gambatte kudasai! Nihon no tame ni inoru.
I wish everything will become good soon.
You are an amazing and strong people and I know that, in time you will recover totally. Stay true to who you are and know that we, in the rest of the world, are thinking of you every day and amazed at your strength and resilience. Ganbara!
You know a thought is a very strong weapon…And the only thing my family can do for you is to think that everything will be ok, and if everybody on the Earth thinks positively, then our nature will hear us, will have mercy and help us…help you, our dear, in Japan…Let’s materialize our thoughts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ukraine is thinking of you!!!
Keep a good heart,
Julie
I’d like to pass on this old irish blessing. Maybe it will help you in these tough times:
“When the road you walk is dark
May you always hear
Even in your hour of sorrow
The gentle singing of the lark
When times are hard may hardness
Never turn your heart to stone
May you always remember
when the shadows fall
That you do not walk alone”
You are in our thoughts.
Niamh, Germany
I´m sure that Japan will recover quickly, and don´t forget that the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. If you dream it I´m sure you are going to get it!
Lots of hugs from Spain.
Ganbarou!!!
NEVER GIVE UP, KEEP YOUR HEADS UP HIGH. OUR THOUGHTS AND COMPASSION AND SYMPATHY ARE WITH YOU IN THESE MOMENTS. RISE AGAIN AND MOVE FORWARD. WE ADMIRE YOUR STRENGH! GANBARE!!!!
If you think you can do it, you CAN! All our good thoughts for you and your families! You are being an example for the whole world!
Praying so hard. This helped me when I needed hope so I hope it helps someone else.
If you can look at the sunset and smile,
then you still have hope.
If you can find beauty in the colors of a small
flower, then you still have hope.
If you can find pleasure in the movement of
a butterfly, then you still have hope.
If the smile of a child can still warm your heart,
then you still have hope.
If you can see the good in other people,
then you still have hope.
If the rain breaking on a roof top can still lull
you to sleep, then you still have hope.
If the sight of a rainbow still makes you stop
and stare in wonder, then you still have hope.
If the soft fur of a favored pet still feels pleasant
under your fingertips, then you still have hope.
If you meet new people with a trace of excitement
and optimism, then you still have hope.
If you give people the benefit of a doubt,
then you still have hope.
If you still offer your hand in friendship to others
that have touched your life, then you still have hope.
If receiving an unexpected card or letter still brings
a pleasant surprise, then you still have hope.
If the suffering of others still fills you with pain and frustration, then you still have hope.
If you refuse to let a friendship die, or accept that
it must end, then you still have hope.
If you look forward to a time or place of quiet and
reflection, then you still have hope.
If you still buy the ornaments, put up the Christmas
tree or cook the turkey, then you still have hope.
If you still watch love stories or want the endings
to be happy, then you still have hope.
If you can look to the past and smile,
then you still have hope.
If, when faced with the bad, when told everything
is futile, you can still look up and end the conversation
with the phrase….”yeah….BUT..” then you still have hope.
Hope is such a marvelous thing. It bends, it twists, it sometimes hides, but rarely does it break. It sustains us when nothing else can. It gives us reason to continue and courage to move ahead, when we tell ourselves we’d rather give in.
Hope puts a smile on our face when the heart cannot
manage.
Hope puts our feet on the path when our eyes cannot
see it.
Hope moves us to act when our souls are confused
of the direction.
Hope is a wonderful thing, something to be cherished
and nurtured, and something that will refresh us in return.
And it can be found in each of us, and it can bring light
into the darkest of places. Never lose hope
Be strong JAPAN!
Let all stand together as one.
It will soon be OK!
Dear Japanese friends… there are no words which could describe how much I wish I could do something for you… but being so far away from you I just sit and pray for you to have enough strength to get everything back to normal…
Darina from Slovakia
To every teacher in Japan. You are all my brothers and sisters, my heart and all my thoughts every day in my grade one class are with you. I live in China so feel very close to you. Be brave and remeber we really are one big family, and you are not alone.
All my love and hopes for you at this difficult time.
Barbara Edwards from Canada,teaching in China.
Ganbare! Ganbare! Ganbare!
I visited Japan a few years ago and I have so much respect for the Japanese. Our thoughts and are with you.
Dear kids in Japan!
I wish you have a magic wand to wave it and help your beautiful country with wonderful landscapes and proud history to recover quick after these disaster!
I wish you believe in your power to do great things like many adults around you do and even greater!
Let a magic rainbow connect our countries bringing love, support, and hopes for the best in your life!
Julia from Yaroslavl (Russia)
I teach Korean students from my home in Canada. We are all rooting for you and know that you are strong!
Dear Richard!
I want to say a THANK YOU for what you’re doing for all people who knows you and even who don’t, because everyone of us is carrying your massage and feelings you’ve awaken in us to others.
I wish you be strong! I’m supporting you in everything you do!
Julia from Yaroslavl (Russia)
To our Japanese friends … God be with you today and always, we are with you in spirit, you are in my prayers during this difficult time. Be STRONG ….
Teaching in China
From Central America
From your friends in Turkey, lots of love, strength and positive energy! We are with you! Malia (USA via Turkey)
Just to tell you that it is so hard to sit and not to be able to do anything. With these few phrases I can just show my compassion.
Ganbaré -Ganbaré, but this is easy to say and it must be quite difficult in this situation.
I send you these few words of compassion from a Paris suburb.
Carla C.
Despite the chaos and destruction the world is in awe at the Japanese ability to organise and cope. The world is watching and you are playing your part. Ganbaré from Germany.
when things like that bad earthquake happen we feel smaller and smaller, even smaller than an ant. But ants stay together and keep on living their life, they build and make and rebuilt. I’m from Italy, I love Japan . Ganbare!
From pupils and teachers in Slovenia, our thoughts are with you. Let’s cross over and be positive.
Ganbare!
Sabina from Slovenia
Dear people of Japan,
we are with you,God is with you,all the world is with you,everything will be better than it is,just don’t stop believing!
St-Petersburg,Russia
to all of u in Japan
as an English teacher in Israel who every day is crazy and stressful i can understand your fight for survival these days. ots a war out there and its against nature which is the strongest. i wish for all of u to be brave and optimistic – things will hopefully get better/ our hearts are with the japan people and pray for u all
All the lightest, help and support vibrations to all Japanese people.
Eva – Madrid – Spain
Love at hearth of everybody in Madrid – Spain
To our dear Japanese friends,
When the sun sets, the moon rises;
When the moon sets, the sun rises.
May the sun rise for you again very soon.
All our thoughts for you and your families.
From the children and teachers of Kids’ Fun in France.
Hang in there! Accrochez-vous! The people of France admire you and support you!
Cat
みんなさん、がんばってください！日本と日本人が好きです！
The whole world is with you right now! We cannot imagine your feelings and thoughts! I hope your country will be happy and peaceful soon.
Love from Hungary
The Japanesse people have shown us that they can really stand up after big disasters.. this is what have learnt from you and that is why the whole world admires you!! Ganbare, dear people…
Carolina- Argentina
Sending love and support to the wonderful people of Japan. The world is with you.
We know you are working hard to make your country happy again!
Best wishes from Russia!
Sending love and support to the wonderful people of Japan. The world is with you.
Peace,
Kristin from Italy
You are not alone!! We think of you day and night.
Stay positive and strong! The world is with you and willing to help. We wish you safety and comfort from Germany
Dear people in Japan, We were watching television. We were watching the news. A Cola in one hand, some chips in the other hand. A robbery in Amsterdam, a murder in Berlin, an earthquake in Japan. News, news, news…..The impact of the earthquake? We only see the images. We don’t feel it. We were not there. But then you see and hear more….and more…and more…and you talk about it with your husband and your kids. You try to imagine what the people in Japan must feel. My God, how would I feel all of the sudden without my house, my home, my family, my friends, my safety?? And more and more I realized the impact of all this. I can’t solve this. I am not God. But we will surely do whatever we can. We will surely give money, food or whatever the help organizations will ask for. We are all human beings and we MUST help each other!! Whether you’re white, black, red, yellow, green, blue, purple, thick, thin, tall, short,jewish, moslim, catholic,woman, man, child or whatever!
Yesterday we had an earthquake here in Quebec. “Only” 4,5 !! But I was scared!
Something else….we saw on television that the people of Japan didn’t even rob the stores to get food….(like they did in some other countries)I HAVE DEEP RESPECT FOR THE ATTITUDE OF THE JAPANESE PEOPLE!! We will help! TOGETHER WE ARE STRONG!!! WE WON’T FORGET YOU!!!
greetings from Liesbeth – Canada
lost of LOVE from France!
XXX
To all dear Japanese teachers and their brave and hardworking people.. Be strong and stay together.
We love you! Kristina from Montenegro
To all the people who is in Japan GANBARÉ!GANBARÉ! GANBARÉ! GENKI!.
All the world admire you and I’m sure everything is going to be OK.
You are teaching us kindness,comradeship and team spirit.
The sun is going to shine again soon.
You are the best. GANBARÉ
I, along with many other people here in Spain are astounded by your lack of hysteria. This fortitude will carry you forward.May God bless you all.
Ganbare
I have had many adult students from Japan studying English with me in my home here on Kangaroo Island in South Australia, and including several teachers. My thoughts and prayers are very much with you all at this difficult time. My heart is with you and my prayers daily for you. May you know God’s strength when you feel weak, and his comfort when you feel low in spirit.
Many thanks to all the people who have written such heartfelt messages in this thread, as well as on the Hope Letters website that Richard kindly linked in his post. (Thank you Richard as well!)
According to David Chan, the website’s creator, the site is receiving over 100 letters and 1,200 visitors a day.
Once again, here’s the link: http://hopeletters.wordpress.com/
It’s a very practical way to help, as your messages will be translated into Japanese by a native speaker and delivered to the people who desperately need hope and encouragement during this terrible tragedy.
Many thanks as well to Gumby, who distributed messages to an evacuation centre in her town. Efforts like hers are helping Hope Letters fulfill its objective. If anyone else on this thread can help with distribution or translation, please do not hesitate to let David know at HopeLettersCanada@gmail.com.
Ganbare Japan ! You’ve always proved so strong in adversity, may all our loving forces be with you to face this terrible moments you are in. Teachers from my French school and I send you all the best thoughts and cry with you for the losses.
With all my love from Reims in France.
Sophie
There are no words to say how bad is what happened to this country and its population, that day were they and tomorrow could happen to us. I feel sorry.
The time and God relieves their minds, souls and spirits.
Dear Japanese friends,
I just want you to know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE, all our hearts and prayers are with you.Please try to be strong and be faithful. Everything will be OK and your lives will become better day by day. Hope you recover soon.
Loves from Turkey,
Dilara
I want to send you all my love, Our family pray for you every day since the tragedy.
Ganbare
Charo, from Spain
Teachers, students, parents and everyone here in Italy are grieving withh you for the loss of so many people. May God help you to overcome this tragedy and give you peace and serenity.
It’s really awful!!! No one is guaranteed against such a loss!!! But we have to keep together and give our hearts to people who survived and now are passing through it!!! May God bless you!!!
dear precious friends, we are with you in this time of need. and our hearts go out to you.you are so strong and noble , and you teach us so much about humility and dignity at such a difficult time.you are a light to the world even in your darkest hour. we all send you our love and concern from israel. love susie, from israel
I can’t imagine what you are going through. If only I could take all the pain away. I wish you many better, happy, peaceful, sunny days .Every cloud has a silver lining.
I love u and God be with you
Dragica, Macedonia
Hi!!!
I’m writing you from CHILE and I would like to send all my love an support to all those people suffering there.
I trust God will help you all.
Blessing!!!
Hello, I’m from Russia. ДЕРЖИТЕСЬ.GANBARE. be strong.May God be with you
I know, we can’t even imagine how you feel and what you’ve been going through (and even less express it in words…) but I just want to say that it’s really incredible what you all are doing right know (be it rebuilding your town or trying to go back to normal lives) so: ganbare ganbare!!!
many many wishes from Germany
My thoughts are with you.
Ganbaré.
Simona from Slovenia
May God bless you with better times. I’m impressed by the strenght and value you’re showing the world in such a sad moment.
I’m so sorry for what happened to all of you. I hope you get well soon. I send you all the strength I can . Try not to give up.Ganbare.
I keep thinking of you all.
Love from Séverine.
France
From Argentine to Japan, all my strength and hope for a new beginning.
My best wishes with wings are for you.
Dear friends in Japan, I’m from Chile. We have had something similar. I know what you feel. I pray to God for you and your family. Be strong. Hugs from Chile.
It is very difficult to say words when you know that people need personal support , you know you are not alone and when time pass, some of those people maybe will survive and will try to go on. I pray God and ask him to give you faith in future and faith in God himself. Take care, a big hug from all the peruvian country.
Hello teachers (and students) in Japan,
I’m an American teaching English in Germany. This week we only talked about you and what you are going through. We hope only the best for you.
I’m an English teacher from Spain. I always ask my pupils what news they want to share with their classmates, and for the last few days all they want to talk about is how impressed they are with the earthquake and the tsunami in Japan, and the risk of nuclear power stations and all the consequences.
We have also talked about how disciplined and well behaved Japanese people are, we really admire you, you are a great example to the rest of the world.
I wish you a quick recovery.Ganbaré! がんばれ！
Love from all the teachers and students in Korea. Stay strong. Our thoughts are with you.
回復への望を失わず、頑張れ！
Greetings from Wisconsin, USA
I pray that God will bless and keep you in this difficult time, that your hearts and minds will be comforted, and your burdens will be lightened.
I’m a Japanese teacher who lives in a safe area of Japan. When the whole country is covered with sadness, it is so encouraging to know that we are supported by all of you. I thank you, Richard, for helping us. Now is the time we really need “Genki”.
Genki English’s “Genki” is great because it is based on love for others.
I’m sending things and donating money to the suffered people, but I’d love to help you send these messages to them too.
Dear Kids and Teachers, I really admire your attitude in this situation, in Chile the biggest disaster last year was to see people stealing instead of helping, you are an example to the world!!!!!!!!!GANBARÉ!!!!
Regards and love from Chile.
Natalia.
hi my colleagues and japanese people ,don´t give up you have demonstrated your strength before, like the “ave fenix”
ganbare¡
がんばれ! Japan is a strong country and will get through this, and so will you! Our wishes are with you!
Hi to everyone.
I wanted to tell you that you are never alone. You will be safe now and forever in Jesus Christ.
God bless you
Luz
We think about you and pray for you.
Ganbaré! がんばれ
Sonja (Austria)
Hi everyone in Japan! My admirations to your will and strength! Don’t give up and keep your hope! Don’t forget that after the rain there’s always sunshine. I believe you can all teach us, the rest of the world, to “ganbare”!
Warm regards from Bulgaria!
You are much more stronger than you think, and the whole world has faith in Japan, we believe you will overcome everything very soon.
Love from Taiwan
I’m so sorry for all your losses. I wish you the strength to keep going day after day, courage to never give up and patience for the pain to heal.
My thoughts are with the people of Japan everyday!
All the best from Germany.
GANBARE!! We are all with you! Don´t give up! Heads up and try it, try it again and again to find a light in these days. Kids are our future! The long journey can start with first little step. Make one. Try hard and try to be positive. YOU CAN DO IT!! Love from Sarka Czech Republic
Dear teachers!
We are thinking of you. We wish you to recover soon and to come back in classes. Be strong and patient. Ganbare. With love from France.
nobody can hold his/her tears seeing what has happened in japan. we are all standing by you and supporting your country to recover very soon.
to the world, you are an inspiring country n will always like that.
GANBATTE…
riza in pekanbaru, indonesia
hello! My name is Martin. I’m from Russia. I’m 7. Don’t give up! You are wellcome in Russia: We are with you:)
Ganbaré! がんばれ！
継続は力なり。 (Keizoku wa chikara nari)
Don’t give up. Just continuing to hold on will yield/reveal strength and power. Continuing on after a setback is its own kind of strength. Perseverance is power.
From the bottom of our hearts we send you all the strength, positive energy and will to go on.
Fam. Geelen-Kumagai
Belgium-Antwerp
Our hearts go out to you, brave Japanese people, in this difficult time. My thoughts are with you every day.
I am deeply touched by the way you are coping with the situation. You are truly an example for all the rest of the world.
Ganbare!
Judy (Israel)
I’m sending lots of love, a lot of faith, more hope that everything will be okay !!!
♥ღ Love and Light ღ♥
Constantly thinking about your own land and especially people. I pray God’s blessings:
May all beings be happy in this planet !!!
May there be peace in this world,
and throughout the entire universe!!!
Hello people,
I am writing to send you all the support from Uruguay.
I believe you are very strong people.
Ganbaré!
(Uruguay)
It will take time to recover, but I know you will soon and very efficiently. “Bon courage !” as we say in France and Quebec – it’s something like がんばれ！
Best for all of you,
Yovanna (Canadian in France)
Japaneese people really strong and disciplined just like samurai warrior! the patience and time treat everything/ Ganbare!!!
An Italian poet wrote: “I don’t know where the seagulls have their nest,
where they can find some peace.
I’m like them,
endlessly flying.
I graze my life
just as they graze the water grabbing their food.
And maybe like them I love quietness,
the great quietness of the sea,
but my destiny is to live
lightening in the storm.”
I bow before you and I hope you can soon find the quietness of the sea.Monica
Dear teachers! I am very sorry for the sad events in Japan. I hope your country will recover soon. I believe Japanese are strong, patient and well-organised. Take care! Children need you.
Tanya from Moscow
From Florida and Pachuca, Mexico (taught English in both areas) Japan, you are in our prayers. Dear teachers and citizens of Japan, I hope you recover quickly. Sorry for your loss. I hope my students from Japan are ok.
Hi, Richard,
This is not to say I am sorry, everyone is; it is just to send you a lot of energy, strength and love, and a lot of sunlight from Spain.
Hope this will make us feel closer and stronger each day. Keep working on it, I am sure you will make it.
Lots of love,
Paloma
Sending love and hope your way.
You are all beacons leading pockets of soul through challenging times. If you were not up to the task you would not be there.
You are have love compassion and strength you did’t know the depths of. Find quiet time each day to appreciate the beauty and gifts you have this connects you to inner strength & guides you though out the day.
Karen from Kawasaki
Dear Friends,
I have heard of your legendary strength and hope that you are feeling it and sharing it.
Janet from Taos
To our Japanese friends,
My first and second grade class send you all our thoughts and prayers for hope and recovery. My students really want to help their young Japanese friends. I am working on finding a way to get their donated soft toys, with cards attached, sent over to Japanese children. If anyone knows of a company that is willing to help, please let me know.
Ganbare!!!
from Yvonne Perry, Mesa, Arizona (originally from England)
Richard!if you are reading this I really hope that you will read this for children in Japan.this is letter of a 6 years old child(from my city)to all Japanese kids suffered by the recent event in Japan.
“Hello my dear friends,
How are you? Are you fine? I heard that there has been an earthquake and Tsunami in your country(Japan). many of you have lost your friends and families. When I heard this news, I got very sad because I love you very much. But don’t be sad. God is great and surely he will help you to have a good life. I also will pray for you so that your life will be better. God protect you all.
Sepehr Fallah
6 years old from IRAN”.
私たちはいつでもあなたのとなり！ガンバロー！！！
ベトナムから。
To all people in Japan
I send from Ukraine the warmth of my soul, my thoughts, much hope, strength and prayers for recovery . Thanks to Richard I have the opportunity to do it. God sometimes puts people on trial. Here in Ukraine we are very sorry for what has happened and know you will stand it! We try to help you with our positive energy and want to send it to you all!!!
Dear Richard!
Thank you for your work! Ganbare!
Oksana Dmitrenko, Ukraine, Dnepropetrovsk
English teacher
ALL THE WORD IS WITH YOU! I SEND ALL MY LOVE TO YOU!
You are showing great strength! Gambarè and keep going! Japan will rise again!
My husband and I, we decided not to cancel our trip to Japan in two weeks!!We collected some money from our family and friends and we’ll give it to the Japanese Red Cross or any official stuff! It’s our way to support Japanese people, and to say that we don’t forhet them.I know they’re strong spirited persons and I do believe in them in hard times. My grand dad was Japanese from Fukuoka.We live down there in New Caledonia.
Mimi & Mi( my husband)
@Mitsuko: Thank you! If you’re down in Fukuoka when I’m there then get in touch and I’ll shout you a coffee.
@Everyone: Thank you! This is amazing. The mood in Japan is now swinging back to how to try and start rebuilding things. I’m sure things will swing back again to grief when the memorials start, but these message are here for everyone all the way through. Here is the page we put up in Japanese: http://genkienglish.net/messagesfromteachers.htm And thank youto Yumiko for translating through them.
Please keep them coming.
I spent two years in a very small mountain village in Japan. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Ganbare!
Kim-Canada
Praying Japan will be recover quickly..! God Bless Japan !
I’m writing from Japan.
And I’m living the place one of the Tsunami hit.
I just wanna say that Thak you for all who give us wishes and blesses.
We still have lots of problem here.
But we never give up and forget how you all helping us now.
GANBARE, Japan!
We pray for you!
I wish you,the Japanese people, be as strong as you have always been!
God bless you!
Tania-Maria
ROMANIA
Dear Japanese friends:
My best wishes for you. Be strong don’t lose your faith and keep on fighting every day.
Morihei Ueshiba, Tamura sensei, made me discover your beautiful country and your history as well as the love, courage and harmony you cherish.In France we were horror stricken and deeply sad when the news reached us. We are full of admiration in front of your dignity and your bravehearts. Never doubt we love you, we ‘re learning from your behaviour in such circumstances and wish our western countries to be helpful. Take care of you as much as you can. We’re praying God for your families, your friends,your nation,your country and sending you lots of blessings.
Agnès from France
I am a Kiwi living in Japan.
Is it coincidence or fate but 2011 was an interesting year for both Japan and New Zealand.
Both countries experienced tragidy with natural disasters and both counrties expereinced victorries in sport as Japan won the Woman’s World Cup Soccer and New Zealand won the Rugby World Cup.
Congratulatulations and All the best for 2012.
Mark
To all of you who sent those very kind messages, here is a very big THANK YOU from Japan!
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=SS-sWdAQsYg&vq=medium
This was a video forwarded to me. I’m just passing it along to those who offered some very needed words of support and love!