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Japan is a land marked by frequent and devastating earthquakes. History bears witness to such tragedies—the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and the Great East Japan Earthquake stand as solemn reminders of nature’s unforgiving force.
In the wake of such disasters, certain phrases echo through society:
"We must help one another."
"Kizuna—our bonds will see us through."
On the surface, these words paint a picture of unity and resilience, a noble testament to the Japanese spirit. Yet, for individuals with developmental disabilities, these very words carry a burden—an unspoken condemnation of those who, by their nature, cannot conform to the expectations of collective solidarity.
-When "Bonds" Become Shackles-
At the heart of developmental disabilities lies difficulty in human interaction. Many of us struggle with communication, social norms, and unspoken expectations—challenges that are already a source of daily hardship.
In times of disaster, these difficulties only intensify. When survival hinges upon communal cooperation, those of us who cannot easily integrate into social structures face profound disadvantages.
We may find ourselves isolated in evacuation shelters, struggling to navigate unspoken social rules.
In some cases, our presence may be deemed disruptive, leading to pressure to leave.
Public assistance is often structured around human interaction, leaving us marginalized in resource allocation when aid becomes scarce.
Ultimately, those with visible "abnormalities" are often labeled as troublemakers rather than as individuals in need of help.
The reality is clear—disaster relief in Japan is built upon the assumption of social conformity. Those who do not fit within this mold are left behind. While in an ideal world, public assistance should be structured to accommodate all, the limitations of emergency response mean that individuals like us are often deprioritized.
Thus, the fundamental solution is simple, yet complex in execution—relocating to a country where disasters are less frequent.
This, however, is not a journey we can undertake alone. It requires the support, understanding, and compassion of the international community. To those who read these words, we humbly ask for your guidance and assistance in forging a future where survival is not contingent upon conformity.
In times of hardship, true "kizuna" is not found in exclusion, but in the willingness to uplift those who struggle in ways unseen. May this message serve as a reminder that genuine resilience is built not upon uniformity, but upon the strength of diversity.
This is why your warm 'support' is so vital. Even the smallest gesture can make a meaningful difference.
We humbly ask that you share this blog or website with others to help spread awareness.
Thank you deeply for taking the time to read this to the end.
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