On March 17, 2011, the author reflects on SDF water drops at Fukushima and the market’s sudden rise, while hearing his late mother’s voice: “Keep writing, reveal the truth.” He reaffirms his role as a storyteller born to bear witness, determined to let his words echo across Japan.

On March 17, 2011, the author witnesses the Self-Defense Forces’ water-dropping mission causing a sudden surge in stock prices, reaffirming the market’s callous nature. Despite his reluctance to write about current events, he is encouraged by a record increase in readers and a voice from his deceased mother, reaffirming his role as a “storyteller” of truth. Citing his mother’s words, he renews his determination to continue writing as his destiny, to make his voice resonate throughout Japan.

Kisara’s Brief View.
2011/3/17

Before leaving for work, I watched the SDF water drops on television. The first strike was so precise that I thought at once, The stock market must be jumping at this very moment. Sure enough, when I arrived at the office, that was exactly the case. For the stock of a major listed corporation to rise by more than 3% in an instant is a rare occurrence.

I thought, those who trade stocks without a thought must be making a fortune in this once-in-a-lifetime market.

I do not usually like writing things tied too closely to current events.
But now, in what is happening before our eyes, I feel that essential problems—things I must write about—are being exposed in raw form.

Yesterday, the weight of being too tightly linked to the moment pressed on me. But this morning, when I saw that readers had reached record numbers, I felt as if I heard my mother’s voice:
“Keep writing, Mikio. Your role is to write, to reveal the truth. Write, write, and keep writing. I am reading too. I am always watching.”

That which must be written as a newsletter—keep writing it so. But also write down what only you can see and say in this moment. You were born as a storyteller for this very purpose.

Since you were little, I always felt you were a gift from God. That is why, when the couple of the Toshiba Sendai branch manager—my best customers in my fish peddling—once asked to adopt you, I seriously considered it. I even told you at the time. I thought perhaps you would thrive more in their home, free to study to your heart’s content, than in this house.

But you overcame everything. And now you have begun to exercise the gifts God gave you. So write. Keep writing, and let your voice from heaven resound throughout Japan.

I knew you would not come on the 21st, so do not feel burdened by it. Since childhood you have carried a true radiance. Let your voice resound across Japan.

All of us, and all the people of Yuriage who died with me this time, are listening to your voice. You were, even as a child, Yuriage’s postwar superstar (laughs).

So work hard, for the sake of everyone, and live as if you will live forever.
Write, and write, and keep writing.