The mayor of Minami Soma appeals to the world for help

Heart-warming moment of the day comes from Japan

A soldier clutches a four-month-old baby in Ishimaki, Japan

The events in Japan are affecting me deeply. I had bookmarked visiting Japan for my around the world trip in two years' time after qualifying but now the dream of visiting this wonderful country seems a bit far out of reach.

A newspaper was today relaying the words of one of the survivors. He was reported saying no looting or rioting has taken place in the affected areas because 'this is not in the Japanese mentality, where everyone helps out each other and carry themselves with a sense of dignity and respect'. After all it's the country that has artfully mastered those every day's life acts that other cultures, mostly Western, would simply see as utilitarian. An example that comes to mind is the tea ceremony.

This picture warms my heart and represents, to me, one of the few moments when humankind's grace and gentleness reveal themselves. What hurts me the most of this tragedy is the thought of the more fragile people like the elderly and the children left behind to fend for themselves.

A tragedy, which will change the life of all the affected ones. The Japanese do not tend to show their pain and despair outwardly. They do suffer in silence. But I wonder: for how long will they suffer in silence? When will the collective pain rush come? What will be of the next generation? Of all the orphaned children?

The fragility of a baby, lost and alone, rescued and sheltered.