By Etan Rosenbloom, Membership/Marketing Associate and Blog Coordinator
The earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan late last week impacted me more than most natural disasters do. I’m not sure why exactly, though I have some theories. One of my very good friends was drowned in a riptide in Panama a few years ago, and there are definitely echoes of his passing in the footage I’ve seen of Japanese cars and homes and people being swept away. Same goes for one of my favorite ever drummers, Mieszko Talarczyk of the Swedish grindcore band Nasum, who was killed by the tsunami in Thailand in 2004. I think it’s especially affecting to see a country that we hold up as an exemplar of technological and engineering achievement be ravaged by the same natural forces that have existed since the beginning of time. Mankind can strive for dominion over the earth as much as it wants. Mother Nature will still take her toll.
Like many of you, I turn to music to help in tough emotional times. Here are a few Japanese artists that I turn to for healing. In the comments field, let us know what music has helped you get through difficulty.