The powerful earthquake that rocked Japan on March 11, 2011 is big news in the Philippines not only because of the extent of the disaster itself, but also because there are about 300,000 Filipinos in Japan.

The Philippine media have focused their coverage on the plight of Filipinos working in the richest country in Asia. Every day, Filipinos in the Philippines are provided with reports about how much some Filipinos in Japan want to return to the Philippines and how they are coping with the tragedy.

Focusing on Filipino workers in Japan

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Japan and other parts of the world send billions of dollars back home, helping keep the Philippine economy afloat. It’s one of the reasons why they’re called “modern-day heroes” in the Philippines.

Thus, an OFW-related event is bound be an emotionally charged issue in the country. Whether it’s Filipino sailors seized by Somali pirates or Filipino workers fleeing violence-torn Libya, an OFW-related event will get big-time coverage in the Philippines.

This is even more true if the OFW-related event happens in Japan, which is located only a few thousand kilometers away from the Philippines.

This proximity has also raised radiation fears in the Philippines. The Philippine media have reported on the radiation issue, from hoax text messages claiming that radiation would affect the country, to assurances from scientists that radiation would not affect the Philippines.

How prepared would the Philippines be for a similar disaster?

Since both Japan and the Philippines are completely surrounded by water, and lie on what is known as the Pacific Ring of Fire, a part of the world that is prone to earthquakes, questions regarding preparedness have been asked in the Philippines: How prepared is the country to deal with such a catastrophe? What is the government doing to make sure that buildings are structurally sound? Do the people know what to do during and after an earthquake?

The Philippine media have extensively covered the issue of preparedness. They have dealt with earthquake drills in schools, for example, and inspections of buildings.

Leo Gatdula, Manila, Philippines

By Permadi Kencono Wulan

From Indonesia former DW-AKADEMIE trainee Permadi Kencono Wulan writes that almost all of the country’s media have been covering the events in Japan from the moments they began. Focus has been on memories of the tsunami that happened in Indonesia, the strength and fortitude of the Japanese people, the impact of the damaged nuclear reactors and on Indonesian eyewitnesses who had been living in Japan, alongside interviews with celebrities who have lived there.

News also stirred about Japanese adult film star Miyabi who had gone missing after the tsunami. Much news space in Indonesia was devoted to coverage of the evacuation and the impact of the nuclear reactors at Fukushima.

The impact of an exploding nuclear reactor

Permadi, who is head of new media at RRI Indonesia, highlighted early reports by Indonesia’s Metro TV on the impact of a nuclear reactor that exploded and the possibility of radiation. It communicated how this concerns the world community at large and Indonesia in particular because of the effects of radiation that might spread due to wind, sea water, birds and migrating fish.

Although the network noted the speculative nature of such assumptions they were enough to provoke comments on Facebook and Twitter by people worried about radiation.

The public response also impacted debate about government plans to build nuclear power plants in Indonesia. A growing majority of the people reject this development because it fears unforeseen consequences similar to those in Japan.

Living testimony to the tsunami in Sendai, Japan

An Indonesian television broadcaster featured an interview with an Indonesian worker living in the city of Sendai who immediately upon hearing the news of the earthquake rushed 22 kilometers to an apartment where her son was located. She was very worried about her son, who fortunately survived and was immediately brought to safety. Yet the interview partner gave touching testimony about the loss she felt as a teacher and the memories of the elementary school children she instructed, also expressing concern for friends thought to be lost and to date could not be contacted. Many scattered from offices and workplaces when the earthquake hit and have not been heard from since.

Adult film star Maria “Myabi” Ozawa lost post-tsunami

Permadi writes that in the Indonesian coverage of the Japan quake and tsunami focus was also on the fate of actress Maria Ozawa, also known as Miyabi, whose whereabouts were unknown after the multiple disasters. An Indonesian film producer who worked with Miyabi was still unable to contact her.

“I haven’t been able to contact her management,” said Ody Mulya, producer at Maxima Pictures, “I continue to SMS. To be honest I was very worried.” The 25-year-old actress had been contracted to perform in two new Maxima films. She was scheduled to be filming this summer “so I’ve been praying a lot and hope nothing has happened to Miyabi,” Ody said.

Excerpts from public opinion

Permadi filed the following excerpts of public opinion:

“Again, we can learn from this incident. Even if [Indonesia remains] fixed on the desire to build a nuclear reactor, surely it must to choose the safest place from disasters, especially earthquakes. There is a variety of economic considerations, but one must also consider where the waste will be disposed.”

“Japanese society is considered a culture of discipline where honesty is high. This was reflected in the way they faced disaster.”

“The earthquake did not shake Japanese discipline. They're still lining up in an orderly manner to obtain the quake aid rations. Prices in Tokyo are still stable, unlike the experience of the earthquake in Yogyakarta in 2006 when the price of a box of instant noodles increased three-fold.”

Posted on Facebook:

“[We can] learn from Japan as a country that is located along tectonic plates.  Indonesia is also at high risk for earthquakes, and if the country continues to build a nuclear reactor center, then there is a massive threat to people’s lives. Imagine what would have happened had there been a nuclear reactor in Aceh when the earthquake and tsunami happened. We should certainly be innovative, but have to be smart. So REJECT NUCLEAR.”

– Eko Wahyuanto, journalist, News Centre RRI

“We must learn from the community and the Japanese government in dealing with earthquake and tsunami disasters.”

– Putra sang Fajar, journalist, RRI Bogor

Contributed by Permadi Kencono Wulan

Photo credits:

screenshot Metro TV "Earthquake and Tsunami Japan" by Permadi Kencono Wulan

Miyabi filming 'Land of Ghosts Driver' courtesy of Maxima Pictures

Recent events in Japan shocked the world. The magnitude 9.0 earthquake that hit on March 11^th and the tsunami and nuclear disaster it triggered have been top developing stories for media everywhere. But the focus and style of reporting differ from one country or region to the next.

Lee W., a former DW-AKADEMIE trainee from Beijing notes that the massive destruction in Japan was a top story on every website in China. Micro-blogs have become a very popular source of information for the Chinese, especially the younger generation. “It’s changing China by invading the heart of the young,” says Lee. To see an example go to www.sina.com.cn, and log in to become a member of a micro-blog.

Initially the Chinese media were primarily concerned with Japan’s rescue efforts which appeared to be well-organized. Attention was given to the quality of urban buildings and how they seemed to be better than those in China. The Chinese media reported on the orderliness of the post-quake society. But as time passed and images of rural areas were later released, the Chinese noted inefficient efforts for people who desperately need food and water. “Many only have an apple for an entire day.” Then there were the problems with the nuclear plant’s reactors, evacuation efforts that were not time-efficient and news not issued on time which triggered some criticism.

Public fear of nuclear radiation

Now the Chinese media have turned much of their attention to the nuclear crisis. According to Lee that’s because the government has huge plans to build nuclear power plants which have aroused deep public concern. “Our state council has now ceased the construction of the ongoing nuclear plant program and stopped authorizing new ones.”

The fear of radiation surpasses many other issues, so much so that ordinary people have been duped by speculators who released underground rumors that salt helps prevent the effects of radiation. “Today the salt in many Chinese cities is sold-out, forcing the government to come forth to comfort the people.” It’s a pity, says Lee, that people are paying money for something that will be of no use and only benefits the speculators, but it’s also understandable because poor people often have only themselves to rely on and this was at least something they could do that gave them some peace of mind.

Contributed by Lee W. in Beijing, edited by Deborah Friedman