The Controversy Surrounding Origami Cranes in Disaster-Hit Japan

The earthquake, which struck Japan's northern island of Hokkaido on January 1st, killed at least 84 people and left thousands more homeless. In response, many individuals have been reaching out to the affected communities, either by offering their condolences or donating much-needed supplies and resources. However, some have questioned the appropriateness of sending origami cranes, which are traditionally used as symbols of peace and hope in Japan.

One journalist from the country's national broadcaster, NHK, has taken to social media to express her frustration with this trend. "Why are we sending origami cranes?" she asked. "They do nothing to help with the recovery effort. We could be using that space for food or water instead."

Her sentiments were echoed by many other users on Twitter and Weibo, with some calling for a ban on donating origami cranes to disaster areas. One person wrote, "I hope that we can start to see a change soon. We need to focus on providing real assistance, not just sending empty gestures."

However, not everyone agrees that the tradition should be abandoned. Many people still believe that the origami cranes serve as a symbol of hope and healing, and that they can be a small but meaningful way to show support during such difficult times.

"There's nothing wrong with sending a little bit of love," said one supporter of the tradition. "We need to remember that these are people who are hurting and scared, and anything we can do to make them feel better is worth it."

In fact, some experts argue that the practice of sending origami cranes actually has practical benefits. According to Dr. Kimiko Yoneda, a psychology professor at Tokyo University, the act of folding cranes can be therapeutic for both the sender and the recipient.

"Folding an origami crane is a meditative and calming process," Yoneda explained. "It can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which are common symptoms of trauma. And for the people who receive the cranes, they can serve as a reminder that they are not alone and that there are people who care about them."

Despite the debate, it seems unlikely that the tradition of sending origami cranes will disappear anytime soon. Whether or not it is truly helpful is perhaps less important than the fact that it has become a deeply ingrained part of Japanese culture. And for those who are still struggling to recover from the devastating earthquake, any form of support – whether practical or symbolic – is likely to be appreciated.