We offer our deepest condolences to those who lost their lives in the Great East Japan Earthquake,
I offer my deepest condolences to all those affected by the disaster.
We pray from Mindanao for the earliest possible recovery and reconstruction.
My father, who experienced the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in the Kansai region, once consulted me about 'I've been recommended to switch to an all-electric system. What do you think?'.
My answer at the time was 'No'.
I explained that diversification of infrastructure is fundamental to daily life.
I saw on the internet news that three nuclear power plants supplying electricity to the Kanto region have suffered significant damage, and that rotating planned power outages will be implemented.
Given Japan's heavy reliance on electricity, especially in urban areas, we understand that the damage caused by such issues is unimaginable.
I imagine the difficulties faced by those living in apartments are particularly considerable.
In Mindanao, too, planned power outages lasting six hours a day continued for about six months during the dry season last year and the year before.
However, the Filipinos were surprisingly calm.
That means they don't rely on electricity for their daily lives; they get their water from wells.
And they had learned how to cook rice and other dishes using firewood and charcoal.
If they don't have any dishes, they'll cut up banana leaves and use them as plates or pots – they're very resourceful!
I'm the only one in my family who makes a big fuss when there's no electricity.
'I can't use my computer.' 'I can't use the internet.' 'The air conditioner is not working.'