Thoughts on Tuvalu and my hometown, Futaba County.

My thoughts after visiting Tuvalu. Tuvalu is said to be the first country to disappear from the world map due to the effects of global warming. It has an average elevation of just 2 meters and is the second most densely populated country in the world. Yet, despite the many obstacles to their lives, these people refuse to leave their homeland. This is despite New Zealand's comprehensive efforts to welcome all its citizens. I wonder if this sentiment, not entirely, but in a reverse sense, can be applied to our hometown. They are the only place in the world where natural and global conditions could force them off their land. Our Futaba County is the only place in the world where, since the earthquake, we have lived with great anxiety over the invisible damage, unable to return even if we want to. This is a world-first effort to find a way to endure and reclaim our homeland. The choice between losing it or staying put is perhaps a similarity between Tuvalu and Futaba County. This is a world-first effort, and a challenge. We must leave something to be proud of for the next generation. Since we're here, let's do something that will astound the world. That's how I feel.