| HOME Triple Elevens A decade ago, the first “eleven” overwhelmed the whole world with grief from the mainland of the United States. It was what we now call nine eleven; simultaneous multiple terrorist attacks. Since then 9/11 has become a symbolic word for war, hostility, terror, and sorrow. The world seemed to lose mutual trust. Not a day passed without seeing a newspaper article reporting wars or terrorism around the world. We’ve learned from this tragedy that nothing can be solved through hate and retaliation. Rather we must remember the great sorrow while trying to forget hatred. It is our generation that should put an end to war and terrorism for the future; otherwise the same tragedy is sure to come to us again. Half a year ago, the second “eleven” hit the Tohoku region: the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11 followed by a great tsunami and nuclear crisis at the Fukushima No.1 nuclear power plant. This tragedy threw us into the abyss of despair. We saw the unbelievable on the TV screen: cars and houses, even ships were washed away like miniatures. Then we saw the nuclear reactors explode and leak harmful radiation, which I had never dreamed of seeing in Japan. Unfortunate as it was, we were brought together by this tragedy. Many people from Japan and the world volunteered to extend their helping hand to the victims. Four months after the calamity of March 11, another “eleven” arrived at Narita airport. Fortunately, unlike the former two tragic “elevens”, this “eleven” brought joy and glee to Japan. It was “the eleven” of Nadeshiko Japan, who showed their best performance in the Women’s World Cup. Their miracle triumph spurred hope, courage and confidence, especially among those in the devastated Tohoku region who are trying to overcome their suffering to reconstruct their lost towns. The eleven taught us that nothing is impossible, and I came to believe that we would be able to reconstruct our nation in the near future. In a very moving gesture right after the final game and on behalf of the whole of Japan, those eleven conveyed a feeling of gratitude for the support we received from the world. It was the very moment when the world was united as one. Now I assure you that the word “eleven”, which once seemed an iconic symbol of grief, is the clear message of love and peace for the whole world and the magic word of reconstruction for the Japanese people. I believe every Japanese person will be able to be a member of Nadeshiko eleven in our own way and it is our duty to consider what we can do for Japan and the world. As for me, I would like to be one of Nadeshiko eleven by realizing my dream to be a researcher who provides safe food for children to come. Just give a thought what you can do to make the world a better place to live, and you’ll find yourselves a member of Nadeshiko eleven. |
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