Japan's Earthquake - Stories Told in Utaite's/P's Twitters

[fascinates]

It has been two weeks since the Great Earthquake in Japan, and we're witnesses to them starting to rebuild from the damages of both earthquake and tsunami. Of course, there are still some unresolved problems they're facing but so far, their optimism is unparalleled.

As a last post (hopefully) regarding this earthquake, we've compiled a collection of earthquake-related tweets written by utaite and producers during and after the earthquake. Some of them are funny and entertaining, some are encouraging, some are complaining, some are even desperate/depressing, but all of them show what these people saw/experienced and how they felt at their time of crisis. This post is not meant to make people sad/guilty, by the way. It's merely a representation of what happened in Japan and how they're interpreted in the eyes of these people we respect and love.

Not all of the utaite/producers have meaningful, earthquake-related tweets, so I'm sorry if you didnt' see your favorite ^^;. I went through all of the accounts and hand-picked the tweets and I might have missed a few better ones. But anyway, there are only 100 tweets (with the utaite first and then Ps by order of names) but the post is a bit long, so I hope you don't mind and read through the end!



♥ 5comasuberi

I wish people who buy up a lot of things would think of other people who are troubled. Well, there are only a few of such people. I wasn't able to do it before, and now I'm just starting on buying emergency stores. But I was only able to buy 1 bottle of water. I guess I'll buy little by little every day.

♥ A24

If we do not have Twitter or Nico Nico when we experienced this terrible earthquake, we probably won't be able to have thoughts like "What can I do?" or "Is everyone alright?" With that, I think the term "net otaku" is not really bad after all.

♥ Agya

Even if I cannot do anything directly for the people in the devastated area, I still frantically think about what I can do for them. Even if it's just a small thing, as long as it reaches them, I think it will be good.

♥ Airi*

Next week I'll go donate blood, too! (serious) It sounds a bit stupid but I still have blood, so even if they take some there's no problem at all! It wouldn't be a thing to be happy about unless my blood is being helpful in someone else's body!

♥ Alilem

Those people who are already in a safe place are doing everything they could by fund-raising, conserving electricity, RT-ing reliable sources and encouraging everyone to keep their spirits up. You might think it's a measly thing to do as an individual, but it is important, especially if millions of people do it with you. So do not feel sad if you feel useless because you are not.

♥ Amatsuki

I'll do fund-raising and be popular. I'll do fund-raising and be popular. I'll do fund-raising and be popular. I'll do fund-raising and be popular. I'll do fund-raising and be popular. I'll do fund-raising and be popular. I'll do fund-raising and be popular. I'll do fund-raising and be popular. I'll do fund-raising and be popular. I'll do fund-raising and be popular. Yosh!

♥ Anima

Seeing everyone in unity like this gives me goose bumps and makes me teary-eyed

♥ ASK

Anyway, I will be sleeping soon. To those in the disaster area, tonight is probably a mixture of pain and anxiety. But please, if you can, rest your mind and body. Good night.

♥ AtarimeP

I think it will take a long time before I can go back home. I'm sorry. But, I will definitely come back. Thank you, everyone.

♥ Chachako

Because I was carrying such a large luggage, I was having a hard time carrying to the elevator. And then I stumblingly went through the station's stairs. Then an old man I don't know helped me. Somehow I feel like crying now. Maybe it's because I'm so mentally weak right now, but I was really happy. To that unknown man, thank you.

♥ Chano

The heating is off, so in order to ward off the coldness, I heated the bath water and dipped the tea kettle in it. Tomorrow, it's going to be cold, isn't it?

♥ che:Sakurai

I went with my grandmother to buy supplies and the parking lot was literally flooded with cars. Even the road was so congested, I can't even get off my car even if I was supposed to be accompanying my grandma. From the car, we can see the warehouse had become a mountain. I couldn't help but cry.

♥ Chibita

I wonder how the expectant mothers in the damaged areas are doing? They can't help but give birth when it's time, right? I'm so worried about them.

♥ Creamzone

(In reply to HJ Freaks) Glad you managed to go back home safely. Japan will be alright. Please believe in it.

♥ Da-little/Hiradon

Rather than a negative chain, I want to start a heartful one. I want to use Twitter to the most. Watashi wa Nihonjin. I am Japanese. We are Japanese. Nothing else matters. I think we should be proud just of that fact.

♥ Dasoku

The earthquakes werelong. Anyway, I embraced Moka and left the autolock door open.

♥ Fukuwa

The things that we can do now is to participate in fund-raising and blood donation. Blood donation at this point will continue for a while. I estimate the peak to be approximately a week. We only have limited times to donate blood and the blood itself will last only about 21 days. We have to eat properly. Only healthy people can (donate blood). It going to be alright, even if we have to wait for a long time. It'll be a while before this dies down.

♥ Gero

Blaming other people is rude when everyone is suffering! Let's stop thinking about all the negative things. If we have so much free time to entertain negativity, let's offer that time to hoping and sending positive tweets. Let's do our best, everyone! Oppai!

♥ Gom/FernandoP

Without overdoing ourselves, let's think about the things we can seriously support. "Now" and "After".

♥ Gurumi

Today, I was supposed to eat yakiniku with a friend from work to celebrate her graduation. She is from Sendai. On the day of the earthquake, she was in Europe so she was safe, but she came upon her hometown like this. I didn't know what to say in such a time like this, so our conversation ended just like that.

♥ Halyosy

Taking a walk, I reached the town and everyone from convenience stores to restaurants are saving electricity! The surrounding is dark, but the feeling is bright!

♥ Himawari

I just found out that my favorite uploader of cat videos is alright. The cat is okay, too. I'm so happy....

♥ Hitori

Music can't save people, and even though I think it's so useless at this time, I want to listen to music. Music that can lift up hearts. I really think it can save our hearts.

♥ Iciko

It's gonna be alright, so please, let's not give up

♥ Inakamono

I was feeling powerless and angry with myself. Then I received this message saying, "If you visit the places you usually go, you will have peace of mind!" It's a small thing, but, it made me think that if there's anything I can do, I want to do it. No, I will do it!

♥ Jack

The people in the damaged areas must be thinking of all the pain, but what they see and hear will change with time. Even just a little they will be able to create a time when they will have peace of mind. It would be nice if they would try little by little to face forward and be positive in order of the anxiety to disappear, even for a bit. Sixteen years ago, I was able to do the same thing.

♥ Jonyh

I have witnessed many things and info and I've personally gathered them. If you can do something, go forth and do it even if you suck at it. But if you cannot find anything that you can do "at this time", don't criticize yourself.

♥ K-ta

Everyone! I'm relieved because there are many understanding people! Please be really careful! If you live, we'll be able to go to karaoke! That is why everyone! Live!

♥ Kakichoco

I'm resuming work today despite being in the capital. I think there's a lot of people again, but in this status of transportation and communication I'm concerned about everyone maintaining their spirits. I'm not saying anything about the call to conserve electricity nor am I against it. It's just a personal thought.

♥ Keisen

It might be a bit imprudent of me, but I really want to upload a song I sang yesterday. In my own way, I sang for hope with all my might. I will be very thankful if you would take time to listen to it. (http://nico.ms/sm13857055)

♥ Kettaro

Shibuya is so dark! Everyone, let's go out some more, get a change of mood and improve! If we let out our energy, Japan will truly become stronger.

♥ Kunkun

We're in the middle of a tragedy, but right now I can feel the sense of unity we Japanese have in facing this huge problem. Minus the international bouts, the time we unite our feelings might be the time we begin to feel alive. We are in a terrible state, but if we overcome this wall, Japan will probably become stronger. That is why we have to do our best.

♥ Kushi

Donating necessities, fund-raising, donating blood on location are things I am not prepared to do, but my intentions alone cannot reach them. So in my own way, I think I will start with conserving electricity and calling out to people. How about you? What is your purpose here?

♥ Mi-chan

Even if the people in the damaged areas have lost everything, you still have hope and your lives. You have strong companions.

♥ Nayugorou

Please be thankful for being able to live a normal life. That said, please live your ordinary life carefully.

♥ Neko

But since I am in Tokyo, I witness everything that has happened here. Kansai and everyone else is needed, and I understand that fact. Even if they're just small things, if everyone can do something, it will be good, I think.

♥ Nero

If the each person of a nation donates even just 1 yen, they can collect up to 100,000,000 yen. In comparison, if each of us give up even just a little to conserve energy, we'll be able to save up a large quantity.

♥ Nodoame

I tweeted "Good morning" like usual but that is usually with really happy feelings. I hope that the victims of the earthquake will soon be able to say "Good morning" with the same feelings.

♥ Noir/Nowaru

Sometime ago, I tweeted "I want to hear everyone's strong voices!". It was selfish of me, but actually when not one person replied, I was actually very worried. Everyone, are you alright? Are you safe? How difficult are the things there? Are there many people here from Tohoku? I'm worried.

♥ Nomiya Ayumi

Even if I'm not thinking of anything right now it doesn't mean I'm not moving. I don't want to be someone who thinks of scary thoughts. But there are people who think like that. I am also scared now.That's why I'll never talk about what's coming or reaching us. Even I know that I want to cherish what I have. But even after knowing, I can only keep on moving. Thank you for all your encouragement.

♥ Pagodes

Is this why the yen doesn't depreciate? A Japanese company overseas goes "I will support Japan by selling dollars and buying yen". And then a foreign company will say "This Japanese company bought yen, let's also do that".

♥ Panyo

As expected, there is no good way to put into words condolences for a deceased person's family. Expressing is too difficult, you can only swallow your words. I can only try my best in praying that people will finally smile again for themselves even when they're alone.

♥ Pupi

I wasn't able to go home, but I was able to find a space to stay. In the news, it seems the casualties are increasing. Praying for them and hoping that one by one, lives will be saved.

♥ Puruto

If, for example you're around a lot of people and you feel faint or about to collapse, I think it's good if you let yourself faint or fall by all means. It's not the best thing to do, and you might think it'll be troublesome to the people around you. However, trying to act strong and bracing yourself will just make the feeling drag on. It might be hard to depend on anyone just like that, but someone will definitely help you.

♥ Re:

I pray that everyone will do what they can with their best. I pray that everyone will recover each day. I want to exert effort even just a little. That is my real dream now. Our dream.

♥ [REN]

For a month or so before the earthquake, I've planned to give all the profits of my ringtone sales to charity. I've been discussing it with Animate, too, but it's just now that I got the go signal. It might be small but I hope it will be useful. The producers involved have also aired their approvals.

♥ Riseha

I cannot sing as well as other utaite. But if I can be of help in my place, please listen to my a little. If there is someone who is willing to give energy to the people, I will gladly receive their cooperation. As long as we'll be able to support people who also have the same scared thoughts as we have.

♥ Shin Shakaijin

If I am a victim of the quake, I feel that I will be saved by my Twitter connections. Thank you to everyone who were worried about me. Instead of worrying about me, please worry about yourselves. I might not be able to do anything, but maybe if I tweet things there might be people who will have peace of mind. Is there anything I can do?

♥ Shito

People who laugh about the earthquake or think of how to make money from it are rude. However, spending each day like a normal day is not imprudent, I think. Trying to live like each day is a peaceful normal day will keep the people's imagination from thinking of the disaster. In this sudden event, we should also not part with the hope to live a normal life again. I wonder if neither is important...

♥ Sorako

I have realized how inconvenient lack of electricity could be. From the bottom of my heart, I pray that those in the affected areas will soon be able to lead the lives without anxiety.

♥ Tabun Jibun

Even if Japan suddenly changes its geographical structure, I would like to think of how I want to live my life. And during that time I'm living, I will cry and laugh with all my might while trying to enjoy life to the fullest. I'll do my best not to hurt the heart that's proud to live in this country. For that reason, I'll first go take a bath. Yosh yosh.

♥ Tane

I know everyone is dealing with a lot of things right now and cannot sleep at all, but please rest. Even just lying down and closing your eyes is enough.

♥ That

Shibuya's darker than usual, but it is not inconvenient at all. I thought my hometown also has pitch-black episodes, but as expected, Tokyo normally does use electricity excessively.

♥ Tonon

Everyone, let's do our best. We might not be together physically, but we are all together right now. It's going to be alright, let's believe in it and settle down.

♥ Toriko

(EXACT) Sorry if my answer is wrong, because my English skills are still not highly developed. I really appreciate your being so thoughtful.

♥ Valshe

I've personally experienced this earthquake myself. Nevertheless at that time, I compared myself to other people's. There really are various situations for different people, each of them doing a different way to face foward and fight. It's awesome. The feeling of wanting to do something...none of them are useless. Because even if it's just feelings, they save your heart.

♥ Vip-tenchou

By the way, I'm tweeting about every little thing I think of to keep my mind off things and be relieved. In Tokyo, I'm indebted to a lot of people and I cannot do anything for them. Extreme self-satisfaction.

♥ Vivienne

If oppai can save Japan then somehow I will do my best too! Oppai!

♥ Yoppei

Finally there's a fund-raising up. Finally we have support. While on the phone, my mom was watching TV and was crying hard. We put our money together. This is a nonsensical message from me, but people in the disaster area please hang in there.

♥ Yuuto

Even now the provisions are still not enough. There's no electricity and water. Help is still not arriving. There are a lot of people like that, that is why we should report such conditions. With that desire, let's do what we can.

♥ 40mP

Tonight's extremely cold. But the people in the affected areas are spending the night in even colder conditions...

♥ AVTechNO!

People in the damaged areas, please hang in there! Abe is also preparing to extend help! I pray that soon you will be able to have peaceful sleep...
Abe (or AV) is AVTechNO!'s nickname

♥ Baker

When I heard of Shizuoka, my spine froze.
- Shizuoka was struck by a magnitude 6 earthquake on March 15.

♥ Vocalotus/BungaP

I've seen people's messages of support saying "Let's do our best!". It is better than just "Do your best!" isn't it? Victims who have survived and reached safety are aware that they absolutely have to hang in there.

♥ Eshi Ja Nai KEI

"My TL is still the same as usual, but everyone have you forgotten about the earthquake disaster? Until now, there are people in danger, you know!" I understand the intention of the RT but...there's no way we can forget, right? There are people who want to protect their daily existence. In addition if they are able they contribute to fund-raising. What else could be done?

♥ Gyari

Some time ago, I talked to my loved ones on the phone and I was finally relieved. However, yesterday at work there is already a serious resignation to death when the tsunami struck. I am not in the tsunami-stricken region but the damage was wider than expected. Tsunamis are scary. We must continue to be vigilant.

♥ Ginsaku

Doing what one is good at, whether doing it by yourself or with the support of someone; it is just for our own self-satisfaction that sometimes leads to choking other people. Giving up or keeping quiet is also a good decision. Someone's life hangs in a balance, that is why you move because you want to help, right? "Relief" is for self-protection and self-satisfaction, not a word used for advertisement.

♥ Hachi

I realize how powerless a single person is. Can't do anything but spread information and news.

♥ HachioujiP

I've confirmed the safety of my family so for now I'm relieved. However, I don't know yet if my grandparents in Sendai are okay so I'm still a bit anxious. I don't know the prospect of getting electricity back, too. The room is too dark it makes me cry.

♥ Hikari Syuyo

I kind of want to say that the people who say that it's imprudent that the whole Japan can live a normal life is imprudent. People are trying to live their lives as normal as possible because if they do not, they won't be able to pick themselves up after the disaster.

♥ HitoshizukuP

Right now when the circumstances aren't too good, we realize the fact that we have been living too conveniently recently. We know it with our heads, but experiencing it gives us a sinking feeling. I think that starting tomorrow I will try to have a more grateful attitude.

♥ Ie no ura de manbou ga shinderuP

The whole Japan is emotionally strained so I think the aid and support shouldn't only for the direct victims of the disaster. Of course we also have to think about priorities. But we also advance together. Everyone's thoughts, position and abilities are different though so there's really no right thing to do.

♥ Iroha(sasaki)

One part of the staff cannot move from the shelter, too. There's also a hospitalized person. We're in a negative condition here. Each time I find it painful to go to work even if I'm on night shift. But we can't do anything but persevere. As for me, I'd persist until the end, but it would be nice to hear encouragements from everyone.

♥ JounetsuP

To those who RT dubious information, please remember the state of danger right now. It would be good if it can save lives, yes, but by doing it you're just asking for the opposite.

♥ Junky

There's really no stock in the supermarket or gas stations, but I think we all buy too much stuff. Won't you catch the people around you? The stocks might not reach the people who really need them. It won't be right to panic when one's not in a stricken area, so even just a little let's think about our actions more.

♥ Kaoling

Me, too. I also want to do whatever music I can and I've been thinking hard about what kind of music I can make. But the fear of the nuclear problem freezes me.

♥ Kous

I haven't tweeted about it much, but my family and I are all okay. I think there are also a lot of people in serious situations here but as long as you are alive, you'll be able to manage. Please fight to live. I will give support as much as I can. Okay, it's time to conserve electricity.

♥ KulfiQ

I don't know what caused the earthquake just now, but because of it, the undies I'm drying fell into my curry. Anyway, are you guys alright?

♥ KuwagataP

I salute the people who are working right now on the very site
(in reference to the nuclear plant)

♥ Kz

Even if I can't do anything for them, the supermarket employees are amazing. Good work, really. It was really worrying not having anything to eat, so thank you.

♥ Mayuko

Good morning. In reality, I wasn't able to sleep, but I still decided to lie down and rest my body. The aftershocks won't stop...

♥ MineK

I think starting tomorrow I need to prepare for the aftershocks. Bring down the things that might collapse or break and fix things. Then I need to carry with me my important IDs and basic necessities when I go out. Until the aftershocks stop, I think I'll never be at peace.

♥ NataP

In this certain namahousou the broadcaster himself was absent and the comments just exceedingly overflowed. I cried for a lot of reasons.

♥ NatsuP (SCL)

After four hours of non-stop walking, I somehow manage to come back. It was a state of panic here. So scary. It's like doomsday.

♥ Nekomushi

ヾ川＾ω＾川ﾉｼ よぉ
relevant because he tweeted it to show he's okay after missing for days

♥ Niki

I wonder if there will be rolling blackouts in Hokkaido, too? Because we'll gladly participate.

♥ No.D

Thank you! I plan on walking until Shinjuku or riding the train until Seibushinjuku to go home. But it's cold and then there's the public anxiety too, so I'll just have to wait and see (in reply to several people)

♥ Oster Project

Hey guys! It seems that saving electricity will make you popular, you know!

♥ OwataP

Everyone, do you remember? Soon it'll be half a month since the earthquake. At the time, we'll be seriously needing blood donations.
OwataP actually has a lot of insightful tweets related to economy to manners to dealing with other people, etc.

♥ ZanioP

I walked from Tokyo Big Site to Ginza. But now I'm safely home. I'm so tired. I don't think I can do Madoka Magica.

♥ Papiyon/ChouchoP

An earthquake just before I sleep. I thought my house is going to fall apart (in Nagano).

♥ rlboro

A sad face will only cause more sad faces, so smile, smile! Smiling is one of the things you can do.

♥ Ryuryu/BinyuP

This White Day instead of candies, say "Thank you" to the people important to you.

♥ Samfree

Disaster really strikes when you least expect it. To be honest, we haven't even prepared for this at home.

♥ Sasakure.UK

Everyone is probably feeling the same anxiety as I do, right? My close relatives and my grandparents live close to the epicenter and I can't contact them at all. Honestly, I'm sweating funny here, but I will do my best because of your encouragement.

♥ SuketchP

There are only a few shops and convenience stores open and they're all with long queues of people. We keep seeing in the news the Imperial Palace, the tsunami and the nuclear plant in Fukushima, but I realized we have a crisis here in Ibaraki, too.

♥ TookaP / monaca:factory

It's alright. Scary thoughts are just the work of our defensive instincts, right! We all have strong hearts. Let's think that if we have scary thoughts, then we become stronger! We'll be alright if we calm down.

♥ XionP

At this time of night, there seems to be less activity than usual, as expected. It's absolutely not a good idea for women to walk alone in the streets.

♥ YanagiP

I guess I should put my shoes at my bedside just in case (there's an earthquake).

♥ YuuyuP

I used to think that it's okay if people who can see my silly antics will be cheered up. But now it's the opposite and I ended up getting cheered up by all of you. Thank you.

Thank you for reading this far! We hope that by this post, you got to know more about some utaite and Ps and have learned to appreciate them more :).

Comments

[bibian]

;3; i didn't read through them all yet (so sad)

but-" If we do not have Twitter or Nico Nico when we experienced this terrible earthquake, we probably won't be able to have thoughts like "What can I do?" or "Is everyone alright?" With that, I think the term "net otaku" is not really bad after all. "

so true so true!!!!!

[stephieku]

I love the positivity in many of the tweets ;;; Everyone is trying to be so cheerful and supportive....

Oppai!

[jakuu]

i kinda teared :'D

besides these tweets, i've seen so many other tweets, not just from utaites/vocaloidPs.

it's really so amazing and inspiring ;;

[pockymonster25]

I haven't read all of these, but at the time of the earthquake, it was just heartbreaking and jarring to read everyone's tweets... Afterwards, I continued to translate tweets whenever I was online, sometimes in real-time, other times afterward... It really takes you for a ride, through their fears and hopes.

[namenamo]

I CRIED. Nikki thanks for this I really appreciate it!! The accounts were scary and sad, but there are positivity too, I am so glad they are moving on alright! about electricity the food and helping out strangers, I feel like this is some of the values that we might have forgotten ourselves. It's good to remind each other once in a while.

Yosh Go Japan!

[southerncross]

I teared up reading all of them. They are truly inspiring people. We'll support all of them even in our own little way.

[suzalogy]

>The earthquakes are long. Anyway, I guess I'll go embrace Moka, go out and leave the autolock door open.

I can't help but laughing hard. am i a bad person :C ?

anyway, i read most of the tweets and especially che:sakurai. i almost cried the moment i read it ;AAA;

[maidrouge]

Vivienne-san and your oppai XD

[raining-candles.livejournal.com]

;w; I'm really glad they all are alright...

Gerorin and Vivienne, lol. Why are you talking about oppai?! XD
And there's someone whose undies fall into curry too lol.
Moka's alright... >w<
;w; Cats... are alright...

Thank you for posting this, it makes me think that we shouldn't lose hope in everything. XD I'm a pessimism, so gonna save the post somewhere in my computer for motivation. >w

[meltthecloud]

I remembered reading A24's tweet and smiled idiotically. So touching and cute :)

And Hachi's almost made me cry ;;

Thanks for this! This is really touching and inspiring :D (and I just killed my eyesight reading all the tweets in both English and Japanese. LOL)

BTW (not to be rude, but) I spotted some mistakes in your translation.
@[REN] actually said 'about one month BEFORE the quake' not after. (Also, it is the profit from his Ringtone d/l that he will donate)
@Dasoku's tweet is actually in past tense.
sorry if I'm being nosy. >

[fascinates]

Nope, it's fine! With all these tweets I am bound to miss translations of some. Thank you! Will change them after I post this comment~

[paranoid_sheep]

Thank you for translating these. I cried all the way to the end. ;-;

[crystaligems]

Thank you for these ( ; A ; ) . Them utaites and producers are the first ones who entered my mind when I heard of the earthquake ( ; A ; ) . I hate on how I'm so biased. kjabhsjkbgfasgf

Japan managed to pull through anyway, right? They're a strong country. I'm sure they're gonna recover in no time ( > 3 < ) ! *they finished a road in 5 day FTW*

[marvelous_molly]

.....I cried over this...their word are positive and touching
"It's gonna be alright, so please, let's not give up" iciko-san make me crying hard 555
Thank you very much ~ Nikki

[(Anonymous)]

Um, I don't know if this is the right place to put this
But I wanted to let you know about the Yoyogi Park Charity Live event if you hadn't heard already

http://www47.atwiki.jp/niconicolive_yoyogi2/

[fascinates]

Thanks for the link. I've written a short summary of that issue in a locked entry here. :)