"The media has focused in the problems of some of the larger relief centres but has tended to ignore problems of many of the smaller shelters and, until recently, the foreign communities of Kobe. There are many Koreans, Filipinos/as, Thais, Vietnamese, Indonesians, Chinese and persons of Hispanic descent in Kobe, in addition to many Europeans and Americans. These groups have perhaps struggled the most since the earthquake as they live in areas not easily accessible and have received the least amount of assistance. The groups of foreigners often receive the last of supplies and have had to survive on only onigiri (rice balls) long after other groups had different foods in their diets.

The further complicate their lives, many foreigners have expired visas and are afraid to come forward for fear of being arrested. Unfortunately the media has claimed that foreigners who had overstayed their visa as a result of the quake may go to the police without facing arrest. In most cases the police, whether they like it or not, must report foreigners who have overstayed their visa and there is no legal guarantee that they will not be arrested as a result. The exact number of foreigners who fall into this category is unknown, but is believed to be very high.

On several trips into Kobe, even within the past week, we have witnessed some people still only eating ramen, some without shoes, and some who go for a week or more without bathing. Clothing has arrived at some shelters and some places are indeed well stocked with relief supplies; but further into the city, in areas which much of the media has not entered, daily existence still remains a struggle. Victims of the earthquake walk great distances each day for food and water supplies; many still lack clothing, particularly undergarments, and medical care. There is no aftercare as many volunteers show up only once. Few people have heat of any kind. Rubble and garbage are strewn everywhere, and many people still live in buildings on the verge of collapse. A medium strength aftershock could cause considerable damage.

The money that has been contributed to relief funds generally falls into the hands of relief organisations not designed to help foreigners specifically. While contributions made from governments or foreign residents might eventually reach Kobe, they may need to wait a little longer than other groups before their lives can approach anything we might consider normal. For the next few weeks they will have to struggle, and do not expect the Japanese media to give more than a passing word to their plight."

Alfred Wienzerl was a major contact point for FICAG. He still lives and works in Japan. Reprinted by permission.

Written by Alfred Wienzerl of the Foreigner's Information Earthquake Centre, Osaka for the Gaijin Gleaner, Feb 18th 1995.®