RE: Kobe earthquake
Regarding Elizabeth Uhlig's request for information about damage to
historical bldgs., etc. from the earthquake, I don't knw any more than
she does at this point.  People from our organization are supposed to be
going to Japan as part of a "reconnaisance team" to survey the eq. damage.
I have asked about any damage to ancient bldgs, etc. but no  one has heard
anything.  I think if there had been serious damage to important shrines,
it would have made the news. I haven't seen anything on NHK about Kyoto
or Nara.
If I learn anything of interest when our team gets back, i will be glad
to post it to the list.  Most of the damage in Kobe was to residential
areas built after the war (Kobe was heavily bombed), with very narrow
streets which hampered relief efforts.  Osaka apparently had very little
damage--Osaka Castle from what I have heard had no damage at all.
 
Regarding the thread on WWII, atomic bomb, etc. I probably shouldn't
add to an emotionally-charged thread and I do not mean to fan any flames.
But as appalling as the Bombing was and the horrifying loss of civilian
life, ending the War this way instead of invasion probably saved a great
many Japanese lives, too. (This came up in a discussion here at work with
people slightly older than myself)  The J. propaganda machine had convinced
the population that the American soldiers were even more vicious than the
Japanese soldiers (of course they didn't phrase it that way), that the
Americans would certainly kill anyone they found and apparently there were
hints or rumours that they would *eat* them!  There may very well have
been mass suicides if the US had invaded.  Also the civilian population
was literally starving...*everything* had gone to the war effort and they
were at the end of their resources.  And the govt. would probably never
have surrendered if it hadn't been for the bomb.
It's a very painful subject for many people, and I meant no offence.
(My dad was a Marine on Iwo Jima, so I heard all about that viewpoint
as I grew up. He did have great respect for the people themselves, tho'.
If he hadn't gotten back safely, of course I wouldn't be here now!)
 
Anyway, I will post any info. about museums, etc. in Japan, if I learn
anything.  If any of you hear of this type of damage, I would also
appreciate hearing about it and I can pass it along.
 
Susan Fatemi
Earthquake Engineering Research Center Library
U.C Berkeley
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