回想：偶然に東京で経験した、壮絶な東日本大震災のリアル！

Retrospect:

The Harsh Reality of the Great East Japan Earthquake Experienced in Tokyo!

NO3: Shaking High-End Hotels, Suspension of “Yurikamome” Service,

Factory Fire, etc.

The Great East Japan Earthquake was a disaster caused by

the Tohoku region Pacific Ocean earthquake that occurred on

March 11, 2011, at 14:46,

and the subsequent Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident.

Due to its massive scale,

it is referred to as a major earthquake disaster. Significant shaking,

large tsunamis, fires,

and other events occurred throughout eastern Japan,

resulting in 22,318 deaths or missing persons in 12 prefectures

(including earthquake-related deaths).

his ranked as the third-largest earthquake damage in Japan

after the Great Kanto Earthquake and the Meiji Sanriku Earthquake

since the Meiji era.

At that time,

I was in charge of the production department at a local media outlet.

On the day of the Great East Japan Earthquake,

there was a nationwide conference of affiliate stations of

that related department,

and I attended a meeting at a hotel in Tokyo’s Odaiba!

The first meeting, which began at 1:00 p.m.,

involved reports on the current situation

from various companies in turn.

Then, just before 3:00 p.m., as my report concluded and

I was feeling somewhat relieved,

a significant tremor suddenly began.

Initially, we endured the shaking while seated,

and although everyone remained optimistic,

it didn’t settle down easily.

Suddenly, a much larger tremor occurred.

The host instructed, “Everyone, please evacuate,”

and we all took cover under the tables!

Before taking cover, I observed the situation in the meeting room.

The large chandelier on the ceiling was swaying wildly,

unlike anything I had ever seen before,

and parts of it were breaking off and falling to the ground!

The glass cups on the tables began to fall in succession,

making a clattering sound like a game of “dominoes.”

First, water spilled from the cups,

then they fell off the tables and shattered.

After the shaking subsided, we returned to the meeting.

At that time, there was an atmosphere of concern that

some significant damage might have occurred.

However, since there was no information available,

we returned to the normal proceedings.

Later, at around 3:00 p.m.,

I moved to a different venue within the same hotel.

Along with several colleagues with similar responsibilities,

I headed to the meeting room,

worried that the conference might be canceled

due to the earthquake.

Upon arrival, everyone was waiting with anxious expressions.

However,

the staff from Tohoku stations had contacted their local offices,

learned about the severe situation, and had to return urgently.

Consequently, the meeting was abruptly canceled.

Then, loud sirens began to sound from somewhere.

When I asked hotel staff,

I learned that there was a fire in a factory area near

the opposite bank.

Concerned, I went outside and saw flames and

white smoke rising from the distant factory area.

Subsequently, information came from various stations that

a large fire had broken out in the industrial area of Chiba Prefecture.

It was my first time witnessing a factory fire caused by an earthquake,

and it felt like a scene from a movie.

The Yurikamome service was suspended,

bridges were closed to traffic,

and the hotel （Odaiba ）were in a state of gridlock.

Occasional light aftershocks continued!

However, since the Tohoku stations had no means of transportation,

they began walking towards Tokyo Station!

This was truly unexpected,

as it was about 10 kilometers from Odaiba to Tokyo Station!

When I expressed sympathy to an acquaintance,

they replied, “It can’t be helped, the head office is worried,”

and hurriedly set off.

They said, “We can’t imagine what’s happening

since we can’t even make phone calls!”

It was unusual to see them feeling so downcast,

as they were usually cheerful.

I occasionally went to monitor the sea because

I was worried about tsunamis! Tokyo Bay was calm,

so I was relieved that there was no tsunami threat!

Since there was no other option, we waited in the meeting room.

Food was provided by the key station unexpectedly,

turning into an impromptu small dinner party!

Additionally,

arrangements were made to use hotel rooms for the night,

but that was rejected!

The reason given was that the walls and rooms

had cracks from the earthquake,

and if another earthquake occurred,

safety could not be guaranteed!

I checked around the hotel to confirm, and indeed,

the elevators were not working,

and there were large cracks around the stairs.

Consequently, we all gathered and slept in the banquet hall

(large conference room)!

Tables and chairs were all arranged,

creating a large hall-like space.

The lighting dimmed slightly,

and we all lay down on the floor of the hall.

It was a so-called “sleepover”!

The atmosphere became quiet.

In the midst of this, everyone quietly checked

their smartphones for information.

I couldn’t sleep much due to being slightly excited.

The next morning, the Yurikamome service resumed,

but public transportation was disrupted.

I realized that while it’s natural to prioritize one’s own safety

in the event of a major earthquake in Tokyo,

there are limited options and actions one can take.

Three pieces of advice from experience!

NO1,Observation skills!

I remembered that a significant tremor is preceded by

the small decorations on the chandelier rustling!

Then comes the big tremor! I experienced that

the chandelier can sense even slight tremors,

which may not be perceivable by humans!

This might be applicable in our daily lives. For example,

if the small calendar or accessories at home,

which usually remain still, suddenly start rustling,

it might be a precursor to a major earthquake,

but I can’t say for sure.

NO2,Physical strength!

The lesson from this earthquake is that in the worst-case scenario,

public transportation and cars are unusable,

so you have to walk by yourself.

For that, you need to maintain the physical strength

to walk at least 20 kilometers, or for about 5 hours.

From this experience,

I have stopped using my car for daily life to manage my health and

save money, and I now use a bicycle.

Fortunately, I haven’t been sick for over 10 years.

NO3,Cash!

As I mentioned before, when the power goes out and

smartphones are unusable!

This was a significant problem even in the Noto Peninsula earthquake!

So, having a certain amount of cash is necessary!

To be continued! Since it’s the entrance exam season,

I will introduce

the actual situation of American universities next time!