Sendai, Japan
Today I turned on my computer as usual, ready to upload images for another Photo Friday post. Then I saw the news: earthquake in Sendai, tsunami to follow.
In fact, it wasn’t even on the news as I used to know it (an official reporter on the radiowaves or television.) It was six small words at the top of my browser, a space too small to command much attention. Until today, when I learned that six small words are more than enough to both have and describe an impact.
“Earthquake in Sendai; Tsunami to Follow”
Just two weeks ago I was in Sendai. My mind thinks I empathise equally with all victims of natural disasters; my heart realises the difference. News of Sendai felt visceral. Breathlessness raced through my chest and made my eyes sting.
I’d been planning a light-hearted article to introduce some of the performers I’d met in Sendai in their lavish samurai gear. Or perhaps the oyster shellers who worked along the coast or the women who threaded Buddhist prayer beads in full view of the ocean. The ludicrous shot of me forced to pose with maiko dancers and samurai warriors.
But I’ll save that last one for another time.
Instead, here are photos of Sendai and nearby Matsushima Bay. Photos taken before the earthquake. I can only hope that the people in these images, who greeted me with such friendliness and respect, are safe today.
Traditional Tea Ceremony, Matsushima Bay
Learning how to shell oysters
Performing in Sendai
Samurai in Sendai
An Oyster Sheller, Sendai
A Maiko Girl Performs
Serving in Shiogama Fish Market
Threading Buddhist Prayer Beads...
Matsushima Bay
A Folded Prayer in Sendai
Hi, I'm Abi, a journalist who swapped a career as a doctor for a life on the road. 
Wow…amazing that you were there a few weeks before the earthquake and Tsunami hit. Luckily you were gone before things happen. Hopefully they get the support and supplies they need.
I was in Matshuima bay 3 weeks ago and was taken with the place I hope it has not been to badly damaged by the after effects of the quake my thoughts are with the people of the district
PS – If anyone wants to help by contributing to charities near Sendai, you can find a list here:
http://www.insidethetravellab.com/help-japan-recover-from-the-earthquake-tsunami/
Abi – just saw this post, somehow missed it at the time. Wow! We were in Bangkok at the time with access to 24 hour international news channels (how I miss them here in Australia) and I remember watching the tsunami footage live on television. How frightening. I’ve been wondering and imagining what the area must have looked like, so I’m so pleased to see these images, but saddened at the same time. Have you heard from anyone since?
Hi Lara – Just saw this today and realised that for some reason my original reply never appeared…
I heard from my interpreter and the tourist board team from Sendai – all were well, although shaken, with varying degrees of property loss.
As for the individuals in these photos – I’ve never been able to find out properly. Both the fish market and tea house were right by the water’s edge so I imagine they would have been directly affected…
After a little more time has passed, I will get in touch again and see what else I can find out…
So incredibly sad – such a beautiful place with such friendly people.