I am not a Daily Mail reader at all, but this article (minus the really patronising opening three words) is a worthy testament to the nature of  Japanese people and help from around the world. United by tragedy and determined in the wake of disaster, the recovery efforts up north are nothing short of incredible.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2099811/Eleven-months-tsunami-earthquake-ravaged-Japan-new-pictures-incredible-progress-multi-billion-pound-clear-up.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

in other news, I am really busy, went snowboarding and went to Tokyo again, and am formulating plans A,B,C and D for everything.