Fukushima Daiichi

Location: ​Ōkuma​, Fukushima

By: Mei and Elijah Twano

 3/15/2011
Dear Diary,
Elijah and I got onto the train a few hours ago. Although we still have 5 more
days to go until we reach ​Ōkuma​, Fukushima​, the town where the disaster had
affected. I’m still kind of worried bringing my little brother with me on this trip. He
has such a curious mind that I’m worried that he will probably set off another
nuclear bomb. Honestly though, if he was dying due to all the radiation that just
exploded, he would be laughing and trying to ‘enjoy’ the moment instead of
screaming in pain as his atoms are literally being ripped out of him. Sometimes I’m
actually scared of him…
As I’m looking out the window, I remember that the streets and flowers in
Japan ​are so beautiful​ were so beautiful. I can imagine the pastel pink cherry
blossom flowers falling off the tree, but now there are no flowers; just dark
down and old broken tree branches lying across the sidewalks. The closer our
train goes near the radiation the more dead plants, broken houses, and surrounded
trash there is around us. Once our train had come to a stop, the Fukushima Daiichi
Nuclear Power Plant was still a mile away. There was no one around. No cars, no
shops, no school, and no police departments. So, Elijah suggested that we would just
walk. I refused and told him to wait for a little until a car would pass by. We stood
there for 10 minutes and still nothing. I begged Elijah to just wait a few more
minutes, but he wouldn’t listen. He stood up and just started walking. He wouldn’t
stop no matter how many times I called him. I even yelled at him in Tagalog, but he
still continued to walk, so of course I ran to him and walked with him. Fifteen
minutes into our walk, our legs started to power down. Next we hear a sound,
almost like a car engine. Our excitement grew as the sound came closer. When the
sound turned the corner, it was to our surprise that it was Sharpay Evans in her
bright hot pink golf cart. She recognized us from theatre class and offered to
give us a ride to the site. We happily agreed and dropped us off to the site. We
were so grateful. Or at least I was. The whole ride, Elijah had a nasty look on his
face and kept whisper complaining to himself that her golf cart smelled too much
like fresh flowers. He’s such a weird kid…
 3/16/2011
Dear Diary,
The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant disaster was the worst nuclear
disaster in history. On Friday, March 11, 2011, the Tohoku earthquake, which is one of
the largest earthquakes recorded in history on the east coast of Northern Japan
damaged the facility. Due to the massive earthquake that generated a tsunami that
completely shut down all radio stations, lights, communication, electricity,
railway-services, water, and food. The earthquake and tsunami together killed
almost 20,000 people and the after effects distructed Fukushima and Japan in all.
The natural disasters also flooded the emergency power system which resulted in
all the cooling reactors releasing radioactive materials being released. Without the
cooling it led to three nuclear meltdowns and a hydrogen-air explosion.
It’s only been 5 days since the explosion. Before Elijah and I entered the
building, we met with ​Masao Yoshida, who is in charge of the Fukushima Daiichi
Power Plant. He discussed all the damage with us. Thousands were killed,
communication and power still wasn’t working completely, only in certain spots, and
that so much was destroyed that it would most likely take decades to rebuild.
Decade. It would seriously take decades to re-build this facility. I couldn’t believe my
eyes. The roof was blown open, the windows were shattered, and there was so
much rubble laying down all around us. Almost the whole front of the building was
destroyed. It looked as if a giant baby monster came to play with their doll house.
Chairs, desks, papers, tools, and metal scraps were all broken into pieces. The
wires and cables were all melted and ripped apart. It seems like the hulk came and
mistook the electrical wires for black licorice.
As I continued to talk with Mr. Yoshida, Elijah started to wander off and
look around. When he came back his face was in amazement. Remember when I
told you how curious my little brother always is, well he also loves to come up with
the randomest ideas. He comes up to Mr. Yoshida and I and starts to pitch off
ideas and says “we could build a water park that connects to the ocean in the
back, or that we could make this into an emergency bunker in case there’s a
zombie apocalypse, we could build an amusement park, or we just scrap the whole
thing and use it to build another island from the ocean up.” It was the most random
Idea that I’ve ever heard and instantly told him no. I look over to see Mr. Yosida’s
face and the look on his face is the most disgusted face in the world. His eyes
are pinched, eyebrows raised, and lips flat. JUst by the look on his face, I was
totally convinced that he was going to kick us out. Then, just a couple seconds
later and the silence was over. Mr. Yoshida’s face was lightening up with joy. You
should have seen my face after I heard him say “I love that idea! Let’s make an
amusement park, we need to get something fun in this town!” I thought I was
dreaming. My heart was literally going to stop. If anyone even steps foot onto the
amusement park with protected gear they will die due to all the radiation they will
be exposed to. The worst part is that I yelled at Mr. Yoshida about how dangerous
that would be and said “what are you going to call it? Death park?” That was my
worst mistake because Mr. Yoshida said “YES! That’s such a great name. It’s simple,
but also cool. It will attract a lot of youngsters.” I think that Mr. Yoshida definitely
was exposed to a lot of radiation. His mind ​was​ is going crazy right now…

3/17/19
Dear Diary,
Having a little brother can be a lot of work. Taking him on this trip is more
like babysitting rather than exploration. When he wants something, he’s gonna get it.
I woke up this morning and noticed that he wasn’t in bed. At first I didn’t think too
much about it; but then an hour later I couldn’t find him anywhere. I searched for
him throughout the camp and still, I couldn’t find him. He never picked up his phone
either. It was almost time to head back to Fukushima Daiichi and I still couldn’t find
him. I honestly was going to blow my head off. He always does this. He just
disappears and goes wherever he wants to. I decided to just go to the site without
him and leave him a voicemail to know that I’m already there. I finish getting ready
and put on my radiation gear. Once I arrive at the site, it looked empty. No one was
in sight. I had a weird feeling. I walked around, looking left and right and still no one.
When I walked into the back of the building… there he was. Standing “tall” and
“mighty”, right next to Mr. Yoshida telling everyone what to do. The constructors
are building a slip n slide near the ocean and the scientists are actually helping the
constructors build a ferris wheel where one of the melted power plants was. I
couldn’t believe my eyes. It’s beautiful!
They got rid out all the metal scraps and re-used them to build chairs, poles,
buildings, and even a slide. It was the most creative and dangerous thing I have ever
seen. Of course I’m still worried about the public actually coming here because it is
not safe at all. But what a beauty they created. As I was looking around, Elijah
came up to me and said “what do you think Ate?” while handing me a cup of war
hot coco. This was the most weirdest moment of my life. Did he really just give me
hot cocoa on a radiation site? Well I politely thanked him and also told him how cool
this place was. His faced was pleased and excited. He continued to show me around
and I was so surprised on how they did this in one night. A couple minutes later
after his little tour the ferris wheel was finished. Elijah gladly invited me to join him
on the ride. The ride was huge. Almost 100 ft. The seats were coushend made
from couch, pillow, and seat scraps and the handles were made out of cut and
bended wire from melted metal poles. It was one of the most fanciest ferris
wheels that I have ever seen. There was even a built in ice cooler made out of the
metal from the power plant. The drinks inside were to die for and the view of the
glowing blue ocean was beautiful.

Try to spot me!

 3/18/19
Dear Diary,
It’s been 7 days since the nuclear meltdown and the building recovery route
has been hard. I woke up really early this morning. I just couldn’t sleep. Yesterday
was crazy and my head just continues to hurt. I stayed up staring at the celine,
thinking about what the power plant or what used to be power plant will turn into
in the future once Mr. Yoshida and Elijah are done. I felt really sick this morning and
I really didn’t want to go to the site today. But Elijah dragged me out of bed and
drove me to the site on a little birdie electric scooter that he rented. I was hanging
on for dear life, he was speeding like no one was on the road. Well, no one else
was actually on the road. But he was speeding. I didn’t even know that you could
speed ride on a bride.
When Elijah dragged me out of bed this morning, he was such an excited look
on his face. I was both worried and excited. His mind is filled with so many random
things that it’s actually scary. Once we get to the site, everyone is already there.
The scientists, constructors, engineers, volunteers, and Mr. Yoshida. Everyone was
working and all the attractions are coming together. Today, a new ride had finished
it’s construction. It was bumper cars. Mr. Yoshida asked me to examine the ride
first to test out if it was safe. Let me tell you something, trying to sit down in a
bumper car while wearing a radioactive protection suit is hard. My toosh was being
squished in the seat and I felt like my suit was going to pop. The first thing that
needed to be worked on… make the seats bigger! Everything else worked fine
though. The cars were made out of metal scraps and the engines came from old
broken cars. They're-shaped melted rubber from wires, building/desks connors,
and chairs; to go all around the bumper car. The original bottom of the building was
re-used for the track and the bottom of the original power plant was cut off
and used as a ring barrier around the track. The ride will differently such a
deathly surprise.
 3/19/2011
Dear Diary,
For the past couple of days all we’ve been eating snacks, crackers, and
rice. I was definitely craving some japanese cuisine. Once I got to the site I helped
the constructors building the slip n side by handing them pieces of metal to
re-shape. Everyone worked hard for hours and hours. We we’re all so hungry and
so sick of crackers. I don’t ever want to see a cracker in my life ever gain,
nevertheless eat one again. Before our lunch break came, Elijah and I left the site
a little early to go check out what restaurants were still open in order for us to
eat. We were starving. Our nutrition level was probably at its lowest. We searched
for miles and most restaurants were closed or evacuated. But we kept looking.
Then finally we smelled something. It was the smell of grilled fish, meat, steaming
dumplings, and as we got closer to the smell, you could feel the hot warm steam
coming from the kitchen that flowed outside.
Elijah and I instantly went inside and we found a full completely runned
restaurant. Apparently some of the apartments next door refused to evacuate
and so did the restaurant owner. The restaurant owner named Haruto Ito was so
excited to see us. Right when we walked into the restaurant he instantly noticed
our badges showing that we were scientists working on the Fukushima Daiichi
disaster. Mr. Ito’s face lit up with excitement and said “scientists! They’re here to
help us and maybe eat some food?!” I thanked him for his kindness and then asked
if it would be okay if some other scientists from the disaster would be able to
eat here also in a couple of minutes. He accidentally said “yes!! It would be my
pleasure to serve you all.” I quickly called Mr. Yoshida and told him that we had
found a restaurant. Only about ten minutes later Mr. Yoshia and two other
scientists showed up to join us for lunch. We all sat down at long rectangular table
and looked at our menus with growing hunger. Everything looked so good and the
options felt endless. Mr. Ito recommended us to try out the temari sushi (ball
shaped sushi). At first we were skeptical since the radiation has affected the sea
life, but Mr. Ito assured us that all of his seafood was caught and protected
before the radiation explosion. We trusted Mr. Ito word so the first thing we
ordered was the temari sushi platter, hot and cold soba noodles, and one large
order of tonkatsu (pork cutlet) curry. One the food came to the table, my
stomach growled with hunger and craving. The food was steaming hot and the
plates were huge and filled with food since we ordered family style. I happily digged
in the food just like everyone else and the first thing I was to fill my mouth with
little ball of sushi. In was in delight. All the food was so deliciously deadly. My
stomach was full and aching, but I still wanted more. The food was that good. I
definitely want to go back again in the future.

3/20/2011
Dear Diary,
Yesterday was so much fun and food… The foooood! It was so delicious. I
forgot how delicious Japanese food is when it’s made in its own culture and
country. I had a dream on the tonkatsu with curry. My stomach was starving this
morning and was craving a traditional Japanese breakfast. I haven’t eaten on since
my last visit to Japan that was in 1999. It been about 12 years! We finally got the
radio, internet, and communication lines back on, so the Wi-FI was working great! I
went on google and looked for good Japanese breakfast spots nearby, hoping that
I could find one, so that Elijah and I could go have a sibling breakfast together
before we have to go back to the site. I’m on google searching for about an hour
and trying to call the restaurants to see if they are open. After searching and
searching, I finally find one! It’s a little restaurant called Cherry Sushi. I called them
in advance to reserve seating. I wake up Elijah shaking him side to side and he
angrily yells at me and says “it’s not even time to go yet! Let me sleep!!” I responded
calming “do you wanna go out to eat?” Elijah turns around to face me and his
annoying little brother sleeping face says “are you gonna pay?” “ugh fine. I’ll pay for
everything. Now get dressed and hurry.” Elijah literally ran out of bed and got
dressed in less than 10 minutes. He looked really hungry.
Once we got the restaurant, the waitress kindly showed us to our seats and
took our orders. We both got a cup of water, one pot of hot tea to share, and
two traditional Japanese breakfast meals. A traditional Japanese breakfast usually
consists of grilled salmon, miso soup with tofu, white rice, a plate of vegetables,
and tamagoyaki (Japanese egg omelet). The food was plated in a cafeteria tray. It
made me feel like I was at school again, but in a good way. The miso soup was the
perfect temperature. The bowl was warm, the soup was hot and soothed my
throat but didn’t burn my tongue and the tamagoyaki tasted almost as good as my
grandma makes it. When Elijah saw the food, his face lit up and it made me happy.
Sometimes I forget that I’m a big sister and worry too much about work or
school. I”m happy that we had breakfast together. It made me happy to see him
happy.

3/21/2011
Dear Diary,
We have less than two days until it’s time for Elijah and I to head back to
California. All of the amusements and rides are almost complete. There are only
finishing touches that need to be done. When Elijah and I arrived at the site,
everyone was working very slowly. It was kind of weird but since we are almost
done, I didn’t mind it. As long as everyone got all their work done today.
With the date of us leaving coming so soon, it’s been mentally very hard for
me. Looking back at this trip, we’ve all had so many laughs, cries, excitement, and
joy, even when in a sad time. Taking this trip taught me a lesson on how I can turn a
tragic event is something good; by building it back up again. When people come
together to help restore the community not only helps the environment, but also
builds strength, positivity, and most importantly, unity. Working together will all these
people and Mr. Yoshida has been such an amazing experience that it’s hard to let it
go. It happy and hard to think that we are now about to finish our project. I'm
gonna miss Fukushima and it’s community. Elijah suggested that in order to
remember our times here we should take a lot of photos and maybe even bring
some souvenirs with us (that are hopefully not covered with bleaming radiation).
When I was on my lunch break, I used my time to go to a supermarket to go
find souvenirs and snacks for the plane. I went to a supermarket called “SUPER”. I
know right, it’s literally just called “SUPER”. When I walked in there were only a few
employes and maybe 2 other customers. I grab a shopping cart and start to stroll
around the illes. As I’m looking around at all the snacks an old, but still young, lady
came and tapped me on the shoulder. She told me about the radiation and had a full
on talk with me telling me about how she refused to leave and how she hid in her
car so that the police wouldn’t find her and take her away from her house. It was
the saddest story that I’ve ever heard. I gave the lady multiple hugs and she had a
bright smile on her face. She offered to help me look for good snacks for our
trip and I happily agreed. She walked me through all the Japanese snacks and with
every snack she had a story for when she ate them as a kid or teenager. As we
continues to walk she quickly stopped by one perticular snack and gasped with joy.
It was a snack called Kininaru Ringo, and had a cover of an apple on it. I asked her
what this snack was and she said, “This snack is a sweet Fuji apple that was dipped
in a sweet sugary syrup that’s covered in a buttery and flaky pie crust. It’s one
of the most delicious desserts/snacks in the whole world. It is especially famous in
Tohoku. “ The old lady was so cute, she told me about how her grandma would
always buy one of these snacks for her on her birthday. She would wake up in
the morning to the smell of warm pie crust and would have it for breakfast. This
was the cutest and sweetest story I have ever heard. I honestly wanted to be her
grand-daughter. She carefully grabbed a few boxes and put them into my cart.
Along the way we also picked up some more snacks like Hagi no Tsuki (spongy
castella cake filled with a soft custard cream), Kinman (castella cake filled with a
white anko jam), and Mamadoru (buttery baked dough treat filled with milky anko).
Obviously you can see a pattern here on what the old lady’s taste buds are like.
Sweet, cakey, and have a lot for jam and sweet pastes. I went to the cash
register and paid for all the snacks and carried them all in one bright red bag. I
looked like Santa Claus in the summertime. When it was time for us to part ways
out side of the grocery store, I thanked her so much for all the stories and her
kind guidance. I asked for her name and she said “My dear sweetheart, my name is
Blossom. But please, call me grandma Blossom.” I thanked her for everything and all
her adventure stories. I picked up my bright red supermarket bag and grabbed
one of my Kininaru Ringo snack boxes. As I handed it to the old lady she had her
hand support toward her chest and started to push away my way to hand it to
her she repeatedly said “no no, you keep it. I don’t need it. It’s for you.” I told her
that I sincerely wanted her to have it. She slowly put her hands down and
gratefully took the box. Quickly Grandma Blossom then said “I don’t have any money
on me, I only have this button pin.” I told her that she didn’t need to pay but she still
insisted that I take the button pin. I gladly took the button in and put in my pocket.
Once we said our goodbyes, I went back to the hotel and emptied out all of the
goods. I reached into my pocket and looked at the pin. I didn’t realize this earlier,
but the pin has a design of a cherry blossom tree. I attached it to my lanyard and
headed back to the site to finish working. Elijah told me that Mr. Yoshida gave him
pieces of metal scraps to keep as souvenirs to increase. They were little metal
squares with ridges from the original power plant construction. The shape of it
was so unique. It is definitely a special piece of metal.

↑ ↑
Kininaru Ringo Grandma Blossom w/

button pin
 3/22/2011
Dear Diary,
I woke up with sadness this morning. Today is our last day in Fukushima,
Tohoku, working of the Fukushima Daiichi project. I’ve gained so many new
memories and experiences here and do not wanna leave. Although I do still have
family back home in California. Maybe one day I can come back with my family
once the area in radiation-free. Elijah and I went to the site to say our final
goodbyes to Mr. Yoshida and crew. We even drove passed the supermarket just in
hope that grandma Blossom would be there so that I could say goodbye. Sadly she
wasn’t there, so Elijah and I caught a taxi to drive us to the airport. Before
entering the plane, not only do we have to go through security protocol, we have
to go through radiation protocol to test if we have any infections or radiation that
can spread. We were put into a containment room and the doctors took our blood.
Elijah and I were very confident that they wouldn’t find anything because we didn’t
feel anything at all. A couple minutes later two guards with radiation suits came in
and grabbed me by the arms. They said that I had radiation sickness from all the
hours at the site. They brought me into a seperate room away from my brother
and brought out a huge needle. They had to take my blood again! But guess where?!
ON MY THIGH! They are going to impale my thigh! One of the most frightening things
ever are needles! Trust me. It did not end well. I”m a 28 year old woman and I still
cry when I get shots from the doctors. They also gave me medication to take. No
matter how much I asked they wouldn’t let me talk to my brother or send
messages to him. I was stuck in a room with a bed and a glass of water. It felt like
a prision. I started to feel dizzy, sleepy, and dreadfully sick. My body was slowly
powering down as I fell asleep quickly on the bed. Obviously we missed our flight
and when I woke up I was already on a plane. Although, no one else was around and
there were still doctors around me. The flight attendant had told me that Mr.
Yoshida had requested Elijah and I to be cured from our sickness on our way back
to California. My skin and bones were aching and I couldn’t move, the plane was
cold and silent. The doctors worked on me and took multiple other tests of my
blood, sylvia, and urine, until we got to California. When we landed, I was
transferred to a radiation hospital, where the doctor told me that I would have to
be there for a couple more days or weeks, just to be sure that all the radiation is
gone. Elijah was stationed in the hospital room right next to me and he was doing all
right. The next upcoming days are going to be real interesting…