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It seems like the media is a fickle master. Is it just me or does it seem like Japan’s three-fold calamities (earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear radiation) are not getting nearly the kind of response and exposure as Haiti’s earthquake or Libya or Egypt? Additionally, it seems that out of the three, the nuclear ‘meltdown’ seems to be getting all the attention (perhaps because we somehow fear that the radiation could spread over here?) One website commented on the kind of hysteria that news media outlets seem to be generating:
To say – as some news outlets have – that the Fukushima accident was now worse than the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, just shows how bad the coverage can get, and why people get anxious. Chernobyl was a Russian design without a containment vessel and the reactor core was exposed, on fire, and large quantities of the fuel itself released into the air.
TENS. OF. THOUSANDS. Again the question remains, “why are we not hearing about relief efforts or pleas to give to relief work? Why are no celebrities responding and advocating?” Aside from a Japan tribute album on ITunes, I haven’t seen much or heard much, but that could just be me. I overheard one person saying that it’s because of the general notion that Japan is a wealthy nation and can take care of itself. Really? How wealthy of a nation do you have to be to be able to cover the relief, rehabilitation, and redevelopment of a 10.0 scale earthquake, 24 foot tsunami that ate up much of your coastline, and thousands upon thousands dead and/or missing?
- Pray for pastors like Akira Sato. Pray for his strength and protection. Pray for Fukushima First Baptist Church – that God would preserve them, give them strength, and unleash them to be a sacrificial instrument of rehabilitation for the community. Perhaps many will come to know Jesus through their ministry of ministry even at cost to themselves.
- Pray for the generosity of the global church. Japan needs relief aid now. Pray that the church worldwide would be eager to participate in the relief of the saints.
- Pray for the proclamation of the Gospel. Pray that this suffering would open the eyes of those who were complacently trusting in their possessions, self-made security, and comfort. Pray that the God of comfort who comforts us in our afflictions would draw close and manifest his great power and love. “Many waters cannot quench your love.”
- Pray for the return of Jesus. Pray that God would continue the work of new creation, reconciling all things to himself through Jesus. Thus, restoring the created order to its rightful state.
Echoes of the Myth 
>Amen. At least in South Korea, its the history and the feeling of animosity, as you mentioned. There have been some movement on helping Japan, but several days ago, the Japanese gov't announced publication of their newly revised school textbooks which strongly proclaim Dok-do (the disputed small island between Japan and South Korea)as their territory. South Koreans, who were so compassionate until a few days ago are again enraged.
>Yes, there is so much resentment and hurt that still lies between the two countries. Against this, an image from Urbana 1993 lies etched in my memory. It was the sight of 100 or so Japanese students taking the stage to publicly ask for forgiveness from the Korean students for the sins of their ancestors. It was a powerful moment to say the least. Still, I recognize my own sinful ethnocentricism, an ethnocentric (dare I say racist?) perspective that withholds compassion and mercy to those who need it most. God have mercy on me!