Saman talks about ‘Rise again Japan’

The earthquake and tsunami that crippled Japan in March last year saw the departure of many foreign workers and dignitaries in the country. The country which is now recovering from the horrific events was one that lent a hand to Sri Lanka during its own recovery after the tsunami catastrophe in 2004.

Lending a much needed hand during the hard times in Japan, was journalist and lyricist Saman Athaudahetti, who has now published his experience in Japan as “Ganbaro Nipon”. The book which is combined with colourful illustrations and pictures, some taken by Athaudahetti himself, demonstrate the full meaning of the words “Ganbaro Nipon” (Rise again Japan).

Athaudahetti explains the words were a trade mark in many of the programmes in Japan at the time.

“Three weeks after the disaster took place I made my way to Japan and it wasn't with the idea of writing a book. I went there to see my friends and also to see what I could do to help,” Athaudahetti said. It was after arriving in Japan, he says that he saw the magnitude of the disaster.

Houses had been swept away and its foundations were found miles away, while the people were hit by a severe lack of food, water, shelter and healthcare facilities.

Athaudahetti says he along with the newly appointed Sri Lankan Ambassador to the country arrived in Japan, at a time when a majority of the foreigners had left or were leaving, a simple action that many who came in their way have not forgotten.

“I along with other Sri Lankans there, especially Ven. Banagala Upathissa Thera, did what we could to help,” he said. From providing food and beverages to providing sanitation to women and children, they came across.

It was while helping those in need that he started to record their stories and take pictures of the disaster about him. “I had collected a considerable number of stories and pictures when my friends asked me to compile it into a book which was launched in Sri Lanka and then Japan,” he said.

Athaudahetti says the book which was originally written in Sinhala was translated to Japan for the benefit of his readers there by Ayami Nushiyama. The book has been well received in Japan among the small circles it was circulated in.

“I have also planned to launch a few more books which will be centered in East Asia, it will revolve around its exotic cultures, cuisine and most importantly its people,” he said.