Great Hanshin-Awaji quake survivor breaks silenceーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

The Lingering Scars of the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake

Key Concepts:

• Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake (1995): A magnitude 7.3 earthquake that devastated the city of Kobe and surrounding areas in Japan.
• Trauma & Grief: The long-lasting emotional and psychological impact of a catastrophic event, particularly the loss of a loved one.
• Familial Communication & Suppressed Grief: The difficulties families face in openly discussing traumatic experiences and the consequences of suppressing grief.
• Collective Memory & Remembrance: The importance of remembering and honoring the victims of disasters to prevent their stories from fading.
• Emotional Burden/“The Cross”: The metaphor used to describe the heavy weight of guilt and regret carried by a survivor.

The Earthquake and its Immediate Impact

The 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake, registering a magnitude of 7.3, caused widespread devastation in Kobe and surrounding areas of western Japan. The disaster resulted in the loss of over 6,000 lives and the destruction of countless homes and infrastructure. The report focuses on the story of Ch Mimu, a survivor who lost his son, Sugan, in the earthquake. Ch’s home was destroyed when it collapsed, trapping Sugan who had returned home from Tokyo for his coming-of-age ceremony.

Ch’s Enduring Regret

Ch carries a profound sense of regret stemming from a seemingly small decision made the day before the earthquake. He asked his son, Sugan, to postpone his return trip to Tokyo due to a perceived cold. As Ch states, “I said, ‘Why don’t you stay one more night?’” This single sentence has haunted him for 31 years, as he believes his request directly led to Sugan’s death. This regret was never openly discussed within the family, with Ch actively avoiding the topic, stating, “We never really talked about it. I avoided it.”

The Event and Breaking the Silence

An event held in Kobe provided a platform for Ch’s elder son, Subu, to share his experiences. Subu, a college student in Tokyo at the time of the earthquake, recounts the fear he felt while watching news coverage of the disaster, specifically the collapse of Shin Nagata station. He feared for his family’s safety, stating, “I kept staring at the screen and the thought crossed my mind that someone had died, maybe someone in my family.” Subu’s 20-year-old daughter was also present, hearing these stories for the first time. His account highlighted the immediate panic and uncertainty experienced by those outside the affected area.

Subu’s Message to His Father

During the event, Subu delivered a deeply personal message to his father, Ch. He acknowledged Ch’s long-held guilt regarding Sugan’s death, stating, “My father told me that he stopped my younger brother Sugan from returning home on January 16th which led to his death. He says that it was his responsibility but that's not true. It’s time for him to put down the cross and be with my mother.” This powerful statement, using the metaphor of “the cross” to represent Ch’s emotional burden, urged his father to release himself from the guilt.

A Shift in Emotional Landscape

Subu’s words had a profound impact on Ch. He expressed feeling a weight lifted from his heart, stating, “Hearing them, I feel like something heavy from my heart has been lifted.” Subu’s daughter also noted that she witnessed her father crying while discussing the earthquake for the first time, suggesting a long-suppressed emotional release. The public forum and the presence of family members facilitated a breakthrough in communication and emotional processing.

NHK World’s Perspective & The Difficulty of Open Communication

NHK World reporter Shimara Koko, who covered the event, observed the depth of the emotional scars left by the disaster. She noted the surprising fact that Ch had never discussed his feelings with his family despite publicly sharing his story with others. Ch explained that he avoided the topic because the entire family shared the same pain, and he feared reopening old wounds. Koko emphasized that the timing for individuals to feel ready to talk about trauma is unique.

Data & Statistics

• Magnitude of Earthquake: 7.3
• Death Toll: Over 6,000 lives lost.
• Time Passed Since Disaster: 31 years.

Logical Connections

The report follows a clear narrative arc: the initial devastation of the earthquake, the enduring personal trauma experienced by Ch, the catalyst of the public event, the pivotal moment of familial communication, and the resulting emotional shift. The reporter’s commentary provides context and highlights the broader implications of the story.

Synthesis & Conclusion

This report powerfully illustrates the long-lasting emotional consequences of the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake. It underscores the importance of open communication within families dealing with trauma and the challenges of confronting deeply ingrained guilt and regret. The story of Ch and his family serves as a poignant reminder that the pain of disaster can remain fresh for decades and that remembrance and shared storytelling are crucial for healing and moving forward. The event highlighted the need to continue listening to survivors and sharing their voices, ensuring that the memories of those lost are not forgotten.