The Phil in Japan

[french frank]

I read the news story of the BBC Phil being caught up in the Japan earthquake and I'd wondered how they had coped. A report from an orchestra member is on the R3 blog.

Encouraging to see at least how successful their tour had been before the tragedy struck.

[Mr Pee]

That's a beautifully written and very moving article; thank goodness the orchestra all made it back safely. Although the events in Japan have rather slipped down the news agenda in recent weeks, I think that the one positive that has come out of this appalling disaster, and that is remarked on in the column, has been the way the Japanese nation has reacted. A lesson in calmness and stoicism- we could learn from them. It rather makes the antics of some British protesters in recent weeks even more pathetic.

I toured Japan for 3 weeks back in 1989, with the RAF Central Band, and I still recall the incredible generosity and warmth of the people. Everything that could be done to make our time there easier and more enjoyable, was done. I know Japan will come back from this.

[amateur51]

That's a beautifully written and very moving article; thank goodness the orchestra all made it back safely. Although the events in Japan have rather slipped down the news agenda in recent weeks, I think that the one positive that has come out of this appalling disaster, and that is remarked on in the column, has been the way the Japanese nation has reacted. A lesson in calmness and stoicism- we could learn from them. It rather makes the antics of some British protesters in recent weeks even more pathetic.

The difference being that the Japanese people were responding to the impact of an earthquake and massive tsunami, and the protesters were highlighting the impact of the policies of a government that no-one voted for. You can see the difference ... can't you?

I toured Japan for 3 weeks back in 1989, with the RAF Central Band, and I still recall the incredible generosity and warmth of the people. Everything that could be done to make our time there easier and more enjoyable, was done. I know Japan will come back from this..

Well if Japan can cope with Mr Pee & the RAF Central Band for THREE WEEKS ....

[doversoul1]

Thank you for the link, ff. I have been avoiding reading personal experiences coming from over there, as it sounds far too…well, real. The article gives an enough distance to make it not too painful.

Mr Pee

I know Japan will come back from this

It will eventually as there is no other way, but the enormity of the damage is simply beyond comprehension. With an earthquake, which they are quite used to, the damage can be cleared and things can be rebuilt but this is different. The acres and acres of farmland that went under the sea water will be no use for many years, if at all. I hear that massive donations are pouring in but where do you start…?

Still I am very glad that BBC Phil and all the instruments managed to come back safely. Oh, and that the members had a chance to sample 'unidentifiable delicacies'. They are brave!!

[french frank]

There was something chillingly 'real' about the the detail of how they managed to make it to the concert hall after the terrifying experience on the bridge and actually rehearsed the programme they were to play without realising what had been happening all around.

[Mr Pee]

The trauma goes on. Japan has just been hit by a 7.1 earthquake, thankfully with relatively minor damage- although one can only imagine the state of fear that must exist in the country at the moment- and there are still in the region of 28,000 dead or missing from the earlier catastrophe.

Amateur, I have no wish wish to turn this into a political debate about the rights and wrongs of the cuts or the coalition- I feel that would be in extremely poor taste; my point was simply that the Japanese have reacted to an unimaginable disaster with calmness, dignity, and courage. Whereas we seem -particularly post Diana- to react to any minor problem or even perceived danger with much "wailing and gnashing of teeth."

All our problems are as nothing compared to those facing Japan.

[amateur51]

Amateur, I have no wish wish to turn this into a political debate about the rights and wrongs of the cuts or the coalition- I feel that would be in extremely poor taste;

Mr Pee I was merely responding to your term 'pathetic' referring to a political march. You invited the comparison and I reponded to it.

Methinks the tankhead doth protest too much

[doversoul1]

ff
I hope you didn’t think I meant the article did not sound real. I meant it was less direct or painful, as it was in English and by someone who could leave it all behind. It is an excellent article all the same.

[MrGongGong]

This is very moving stuff
and I was holding off commenting on MrP's nonsense
but this bit

"Whereas we seem -particularly post Diana- to react to any minor problem or even perceived danger with much "wailing and gnashing of teeth."

WE ??? Speaking for everybody now
and
for many people there are dangers that you dismiss as "perceived" that are very real (and i'm not talking about pension changes) lets hope YOU never become disabled and have to claim benefit to enable you to work or even get out of the house

and WHO on earth is Diana ????

is this an advert for the Daily Express ?

[french frank]

ff
I hope you didn’t think I meant the article did not sound real. I meant it was less direct or painful, as it was in English and by someone who could leave it all behind. It is an excellent article all the same.

Not at all, ds! I didn't even have your post in mind. Sorry if the use of the word 'real' suggested that.

It's an aspect of life (hence 'real') which fascinates and depresses me: how we can be working our little socks off for something completely unaware that already some event has taken place which makes our efforts absolutely pointless . We'd lost the battle even before we began.

[Please stop squabbling - this thread is about the BBC Phil's tour in Japan.]

[MrGongGong]

ok boss

[Mr Pee]

[Please stop squabbling - this thread is about the BBC Phil's tour in Japan.]

I apologise for inadvertently starting said squabble. It was not my intention.