Monthly Archive for January, 2012

あけましておめでとうございます、今年もろよしくお願いします！

Feliz Ano Novo!

Happy New Year 2012!

2012 is the year of the Dragon in Japan, it promises to be an exciting, energetic, and healthy year for Grupo Bantus Capoeira.

2011

2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami

2011 was a year we’ll never forget. Japan faced it’s “toughest and most difficult crisis in the 65 years after the end of World War II” Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan said. The 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami affected millions of people and caused billions of dollars of damage across Japan. The official death toll stands at 15,844, 5,890 injured, and 3,451 people missing.

The north east of Japan was rocked by the magnitude 9.0 undersea earthquake at 2:46pm on Friday, 11 March 2011. The consequent tsunami reached heights of 40m and travelled inland up to 10km. It left in it’s path unspeakable disaster and tragedy. Although most of the physical damage by the earthquake and tsunami was confined to the north east, the M9.0 earthquake shook buildings in Tokyo violently for several minutes, it stopped train services affecting millions of commuters. It caused several nuclear accidents that affected power supply reaching as far south as here in Tokyo.

Aftermath of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami

Large aftershocks from the 3/11 earthquake continued for months. Our daily lives were effected in so many ways. Power supply, food and water supply. Approximately 531,000 non-Japanese citizens fled the country.

Closer to home, capoeira classes across Tokyo were cancelled due to rolling blakcouts by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) and power saving measures by public schools, community centres etc. With increased working hours/days Japanese capoeiristas worklives were also effected.

In short, 2011 was a tough year for all of us.

Link to above image

But in the face of adversity, we all had to pull together. The Japanese word “kizuna”, meaning bonds or connections between people, was chosen as Japan’s kanji of 2011. Millions of people across the world donated their time, money, and efforts to help Japan recover from the disaster. Many capoeiristas in Japan and around the world also created programs, events, and efforts to help in the recovery process.

We thank you!

Grupo Bantus Capoeira Japan was able to return to a regular class schedule in April. New GBCJ members showed dedication and an enthusiasm for capoeira higher than ever seen before. Class attendance was better than ever.

After experiencing an M7.0 earthquake on New Year’s Day January 1st, 2012 we still live in uncertain times. We continue to be precautious and are greatful for each day.

Thank you everyone that helped us throughout 2011!

In 2011 we had our 4th batizado and 2nd Kids batizado.

We also participated in several huge festivals, events, and workshops. More about those events and other highlights in the 2011 Wrap-Up coming soon.

Graphics by Japan Post

We leave you on a fun note, with the Academy Award winning episode of Bugs Bunny “Knighty Knight Bugs”. Bugs Bunny takes on the Dragon.

Bugs Bunny – Knighty Knight Bugs 投稿者 Chezmymy