Japan.

I wrote a post on Japan the day after the quake hit. I didn't post it; it just doesn't feel right. There's not really anything that I can say. Thousands of people have died and more are injured. And after the twin tragedies, the quakes and tsunamis, Japan sits on the precipice of radioactive meltdown. And yet on my side of the world, my itinerary hasn't changed. In a way I feel like it should have, as if it's perhaps irreverent to run things "business as usual" in the face of such a tragedy. My anticipation, fear, and excitement about going to Japan is supplanted with a sort of nothingness because I don't know how to feel.

On March 31st, I'm boarding a plane and heading to... to what? What state will Japan be in when I get there? It's true that Osaka is a good distance from the Fukushima reactors, and even further from the quake; but though Osaka and in fact most of Japan may be physically untouched, the spirit of Japan - a country of immeasurable national pride and self-assurance - must be hurting.

Personally, I am going to donate through UNICEF to support the relief efforts. My donation won't be substantial because I don't have a lot of money, however if everyone were to donate even an unsubstantial amount, it will make a difference. For example, if even 0.01% of the U.S. population were to donate only $1, that would be $3,070,065 in funding to help. You can donate to UNICEF here. Also, if you're concerned (as you should be), the most recent numbers I found for UNICEF state that 92% of their funding goes directly to people in need. And hell, if you don't donate through UNICEF, donate through the Red Cross or something. There are plenty of charities out there, so pick your favorite.