Letter Writing

Shawn Chan
33 Hume Avenue #06-11 Symphony Heights
22/03/11

David S. Abraham
Hitachi International Affairs Fellow
Council on Foreign Relations
14 Pellet Road #11-77, Tokyo


Dear David,

How are you holding out in Tokyo right now? Was there any major destruction caused by the Earthquake in Tokyo? I hope that all is well in your area.

I am Shawn Chan from Singapore and I have read your article about the effects of the Japanese Earthquake in Tokyo. The experience must have certainly be not a very pleasant one, and I understand that you are indeed very worried about the current situation in Japan. However, please do not worry, for you have our support and encouragement.

You have the rest of the world cheering you on, urging all of you to not give up and move forward. Do not worry so much about the current situation in Tokyo and always look on the bright side of things. Be aware that there are people in other parts of the world that experienced even worse conditions. However, they are able to tide through these extreme conditions with a strong will-power. If they could do it, you are no exception and I believe you can still carry out your daily life without any difficulties. Do not give up!

Yes, Tokyo may be slightly more chaotic nowadays due to the earthquake, and your lives may be affected slightly, but look at how little the impact is on Tokyo. It would definitely take some time for the people to recover and resume their usual activities. However, I can be sure that the streets of Tokyo would be bustling with people again after a few months.

You also do not need to waste your time worrying about whether other people think another earthquake would hit Tokyo. As long as you feel that you are safe, just carry on with your life and not let this incident scar you for life. You need to live and let live. Once you have assured yourself that the worst is over, you would feel better. Ignore the other people, let them think for themselves, just do what you deem fit. After sometime, things will go back to the way they used to be.

Just take this incident as a lesson to everyone - we must all be vigilant even during a time of peace, for there is no telling when a pandemonium would break out. Remember, always look up for the whole world will be with you in these dark days.

Yours sincerely,
Shawn