Pico Iyer: The Japanese ‘Have More Resolve and Fortitude Than Almost Anyone I’ve Seen’

Travel Blog  •  Jim Benning  •  03.15.11 | 12:38 PM ET

Like everyone, I’ve been horrified by the news out of Japan following the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear power plant explosions. Among other things, I’ve been wondering how author and World Hum contributor Pico Iyer is doing, and whether he has been home in Japan or traveling as the disaster unfolds.

I just heard from him via email:

By curious chance, and with rare good timing, I actually flew out of Japan last Thursday night, hours before the earth began to move, and so I’m just sitting in placid Santa Barbara now, where nothing seems to move at all. But everyone I know in Japan sounds fine, and is going about her life as usual, for now at least a safe distance from all the horror.

He added:

Let’s hope the Japanese, who have more resolve and fortitude than almost anyone I’ve seen, can put their land together again very soon.

Let’s hope.



7 Comments for Pico Iyer: The Japanese ‘Have More Resolve and Fortitude Than Almost Anyone I’ve Seen’

Roger 03.15.11 | 2:01 PM ET

I am very glad to hear that Pico is safe. That was thoughtful of you to find out Jim. Thanks.

Jennifer 03.15.11 | 2:01 PM ET

Thank God he’s alright. What happened and is still happening in Japan is just beyond words.

CJ 03.15.11 | 5:50 PM ET

Yes, glad Pico is safe! Sending many positive thoughts for Japan’s recovery.

Gary Singh 03.17.11 | 6:15 AM ET

Yes, radiating positive thoughts to our friends in Japan.

Sylvie Bigar 03.17.11 | 9:51 AM ET

Oh so glad to see this. I realized he is the only person I know who lives in Japan.

Melanie@TravelsWithTwo.com 03.21.11 | 6:20 PM ET

“Rare good timing” is a fortunate thing indeed. Now that I’ve watched a solid day’s worth of deeply disquieting tsunami footage, I feel like hugging anyone who’s safe—especially a writer whose work I love so dearly.

Morgan 03.21.11 | 11:46 PM ET

I’m incredibly glad that the world is rallying to help Japan with this disaster, but I have no doubt that they’ll come out of this disaster largely intact. Despite a national tragedy, they will undoubtedly join together to help one another.

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