Japan Earthquake : A Scary New Year’s Adventure

I wanted to share with you a recent heart-stopping experience that happened on New Year’s day 2024 when we were in Japan. Little did we know that this adventure would test not only our resilience but also showcase the incredible bravery of my two young boys.

I was unable to join my confident snowboarding sons on the slopes due to a tailbone injury. Opting for the safer choice, I stayed behind while my sons tackled the challenging slopes. 

They were supposed to be back at our meeting point by 4pm. At 4.10pm, when they weren’t there, I started getting concerned. Within minutes of that thought, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit Japan. Everyone evacuated the area. I felt sick. My thoughts were consumed by the safety of my children.

As soon as I evacuated the building, I ran through the thick snow to the patrol office and I showed photos of my son to the officer at the counter. My knees went weak and I felt sick to the stomach. Kudos to the efficient Japanese patrol team-within second, they were on the snowmobile and skis, within split seconds, racing to find my sons. 

The boys were spotted on the chairlift, further down the slopes shouting with pure joy as they saw me. Apparently while on the chairlift, my elder son told off his younger brother for rocking the seat. My younger son said he didn’t. Then they spotted buildings swaying left and right and people running around. My sons realised it was an earthquake. 

Despite the swaying buildings and the unsettling shake of the chairlift, my children remained remarkably calm, showcasing a courage that left me astonished and incredibly proud.

As a mum, I’ve always believed in giving my kids the freedom to make their own decisions, even when it leads to moments of worry. In the face of adversity, my boys exemplified the strength that comes from trusting oneself and embracing life’s challenges.

Their smiles upon getting off the chairlift radiated resilience, bringing tears to my eyes as I hugged them tightly, grateful to have them safe. Syukur Alhamdullillah. They kept telling me, “We’re okay mummy, don’t worry. At least we’ve got an exciting story to tell!”

The challenges continued with aftershocks forcing us to evacuate our lodge. Huddled outside in the freezing cold, watching glasses rattle and smash, their undeterred spirits shone through.

Despite it all, my boys were back on the slopes the very next day, ready to conquer the mountains once again. Their unstoppable determination not only makes me a proud mom but also a witness to the extraordinary courage within us when faced with the unexpected.

My children showed me that even in chaos, there is an unshakable strength within us. This experience taught us to appreciate life’s fragility and the importance of facing challenges with courage and a positive spirit.

Check out more of my travel photos and stories HERE

What a day to begin 2024!