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Subscribe to RSSToshihito Aisawa's father, mother and grandmother are all missing. For days the 9-year-old has been desperately searching for them at evacuation centers in the Japanese city of Ishinomaki, holding up hand written signs pleading for information. On one is written their names, on the other the simple message "I will come again tomorrow."
Kuniaki Nishio / Asahi Shimbun via EPA
Nine-year-old Toshihito Aisawa pictured at an evacuation centre in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan on March 15. He is holding two handwritten signs as he continues his search for his father, mother and grandmother lost in the quake and tsunami of March 11. On one is written their names, on the other "I will come again tomorrow".
Toshihito's father picked him up from school shortly after the earthquake struck last Friday, and the family were driving towards higher ground when the tsunami struck.
Toshihito and his teenage cousin Yuto managed to crawl out of the car's broken window, but they became separated and the younger boy then lost consciousness. When he came to, a man fished him out of the water.
Kuniaki Nishio, a journalist with Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun, met Toshihito on Tuesday as he searched for his missing relatives. The boy remained determined that he would find his family. "When the roads clear up, I'm going to check our home," he said.
A family friend, 64-year-old barber Mitsunari Kitahara, who is looking after the boy, said Toshihito had not shown any emotion since losing his family. "I'm sure that it has been tough on him," Mr Kitahara said.
Asahi Shimbun reported that Kitahara repeatedly told the Toshihito to "stop worrying so much" and to "come back home as soon as you can."
"Yes, I'll do as you say. I won't worry about it," Toshihito replied, although the paper said "his face betrayed his show of bravery."
Kuniaki Nishio / Asahi Shimbun via EPA
Nine-year-old Toshihito Aisawa pictured at an evacuation centre in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan on March 15, searching for his missing father, mother and grandmother.
However, as flagged by Newsvine user acidrain, The Australian newspaper, citing Asahi Shimbun, reported some good news Friday: Toshihito has been reunited with his cousin. Another cousin, Yuna, who was also in the car, is still missing.
Read the original story, written before Toshihito found his cousin, at Asahi Shimbun.
Follow the latest developments in Japan and see more images in our slideshow.
Find out how you can help victims of the Japanese quake.
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Of what little I can remember of myself at nine, I can only imagine how terrified I would have been. This little boy's bravery is is beyond many adults'. He will probably grow up to be an upstanding adult his family will be proud of.
This brave young boy is dealing with this the best way he knows how by searching for his family and not giving up. As are all of those who were affected by the earthquake/tsunami. My heart goes out to him and all the citizens of Japan. I hope that those, missing family members, affected by this are found. If not, may they have the strength to continue their own life and bring honor to those they have lost.
I have faith, you will find your family! Dont give up! I am sure they are looking for you too. Best of luck and best wishes! ♥♥♥
-I am sorry for all my Japanese peeps out in Japan! Prayers go out to all the individuals in Japan!
My heart breaks for this little guy. So brave in the face of devastation. I pray for a miracle for Toshi. It breaks my heart looking at him and seeing the determination and conviction that he has that just conveys to you that he WILL find his lost family. Regardless. Lord, I come to you now not for myself but for little Toshihito. He is lost in a grown-up world and needs his parents right now. Father, please... reunite Toshi and his family in a way that can only be done by you. He is too young to have to face this life alone. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
The people are an awesome example of grace under fire. I hope they all find their loved ones and can soon begin to rebuild their lives. May God Bless.....
I can only hope and pray for all of the people who are suffering because of the events of the past few days. My heart goes out to this little boy and all others like him. It amazes me how there are times when mankind can act civilly even in the face of extreme hardships, whereas other times there is nothing but chaos during relative calm. May God help them all.........Peace.
i read the news online all the time , i read so much that i seldom become sad and emotional except when i saw this story and saw the picture of this boy i was really touched by this :( i had to hold my crusifix and say a prayer for him. i really hope he finds his family or i hope that the lord helps him find a new good family to care for him :(
It doesn't matter what you believe as long as you believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every being. I doubt my 9 year old could be as resilient as this little boy but who knows how one would act when faced with this kind of devastation. I read this story and just started to cry. I really feel for this boy and for all the Japanese people. It's when something like this happens that you are reminded how alike we all are. We're all trying to survive and do the best for our families. If only we would realize this on a daily basis maybe wars would end...and maybe we would show more compassion to our brothers and sisters in this world. The world is a big place with many cultures and beliefs but a tragedy like the one in Japan reminds us all that it could happen to you, anytime, anywhere. So, maybe people could stop posting malevolent comments and just focus on how we all need to behave in this world. Whether you believe in God, Gods or not..............
IS THERE A GOD???
If it makes you feel safer, or happier, or what ever, then feel free to believe what you want. BUT the point is this: Just because YOU believe something no one can see or prove exists, DOES NOT MAKE YOU RIGHT. Don't confuse YOUR OPINION with FACT!!!
Your opion is just that, an OPINION
The thing is, the true believer does not see that belief as opinion, but as Truth, with a capital "T", irrespective of point-of-view. Kind of like believing in air; you can't see it, just its effects. To a believer, the effects are there to see, even though another observer might not agree that what is seen is nay such thing. That is one reason we humans have so much trouble: one man's truth is another man's fantasy, and some believe hard enough to kill anyone who disagrees. On the other hand, I believe in this young man's determination; even if the end is tragic, he is unwilling to give up. That is one wonderful attribute.
New puppy -- It doesn't matter if there is a god or not.
Given that, we as humans are still enabled to extend compassion to others who suffer. What will you do besides lecture us all about how people express their faith and hope for abandoned kids?
what a brave little soul this child is....and for all you negative people if thats what you want to be called wake up and dont be liberal's anymore your ruining my country!!! you slobs could not even fight your way out of a wet paper bag and to comment about a little 9 year old child like that you would be sitting in a corner crying and waiting for someone to change your diaper what a bunch of loser's god bless this little dude and i hope he finds his family!!!!
I don't know where you feel the need to get off with that "liberal comment and how we're ruining YOUR country and that we're slobs" but keep your ugliness to yourself and the last time I checked this is ALL OU R country and my family works, pays taxes and are NO slobs toots.
That crap has NO place here.
Dearest viper --
Your name is spot on.
My oldest daughter is only 9 years old herself and I cannot imagine for a minute how she would be handling the same situation when I still won't let her walk up the block to school by herself with her 7 year old sister because I protect them so much. This poor little boy is being so brave, so level headed and resilient in his search for his family. I can only hope for his sake, this has a happy ending for him. Please.
The point is not what or who's opinion, n the facts to believe. FACTS IS N TRUTH OF THE TRUTH IS OUR DEAR 9 YR OLD TOSHIHITO AISAWA is in a dilemma n in a predicament. Desperate, lost, alone n fearfull. I am sure there r many out there w similar situations n plight without being thrown to light. Plz just respect kind n nice remarks as it is, plain n simple.
People are blaming god, but accept it. "God is everywhere", but he can't answer everyone's prayers and he can't make the world perfect with little puppies and butterflies, peace signs and green grass. WAKE UP to the real world! He has made people individual and that's why we have wars and tragedies, duh. Mother nature takes her course and there are reasons for everything. I am not a church goer, I don't follow religion like a lot of people do, but I believe there is someone-God, out there, but he can't make everything perfect, and you can't blame him for everything. Why even bother claiming you have faith?
I get frustrated with a lot of religious groups for that reason...they put stupid thoughts into people's heads and make them believe that god will help them out of anything, and he is in control of everything.
He's not. suck it up and move on.
This is so incredibly sad. What a brave and strong boy this young man is. I hope he finds his family. I have a grandson the same age....this just brings tears to my eyes.
Wowed. God Bless you, and your standing up for God. I do as well, but we must remember what the bible says in Matthew 5:39, But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. " Also, Matthew 5:44, " But I tell you, Love you enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your father in Heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." We, as beleivers need to remember that not all of mankind beleives, and there will be many that will try and discourage us, but we must be strong, and continue to pray for these people, that they will see the light before it's too late. Satan is here to Kill, Steal, and Destroy. People are gonna say what they will, but we must remain firm in Jesus, and be like him always. Do not let your anger hinder your own walk with God. Pray for all the people, and just tell them you love them. It works for me everytime I feel like lashing out at others. God always reminds me that children of God need to show love and compassion, and stem our anger. God is the only one who can deal with the non-beleivers. He and He alone will be our judge at the end. He gives us all free will. I choose to do HIS WILL, not my own. Stay passionate for God!!!
Gregj, great post man #79. thanks.
The Japanese people on a whole do not show alot of emotion. And if they do so, it seems they would do it privately, not like Americans, where we WEAR our Hearts On Our Sleeves, which is neither a good or bad thing.
What I respect about this young 9 yr old trying to find his family, is that he is resourceful enough to try and find his family, via the means he has gone about and or trying/using. It saddens me to think that the end-result, will be like so many others, facing that same reality, that their loved-ones are gone.
I am moved reading this little guys story, I will pray lord to find his missing family, Also if any one has information of this boy, I am willing to adopt him. Please contact. I am in california, USA. Thank you.
This brave young boy, is truly a insperration in the face of a devestating tradegy, may our prayers, hopes, and continued efforts from all parts of the world meet together and help the country of japan as best we can, god bless little man your in all our prayers, we hope that your family is safe, and that you find them soon...
Letty22
Beautifully written
I am cautious of any report made by any government regarding radiation hazards. As with oil, the government would like us to continue using nuclear power as a major supplier of energy. Do not be swayed by the NRC or the U.S. government statements. Their best interest are not our own.
They also refuse discussing the real worst case scenarios.
1) If three nuclear reactors meltdown, how large an area will be effected and remain an uninhabitable place and for how long? Remember, it only took one reactor to make thirty square mile completely uninhabitable at Chernobyl. Would affect does three have.
2) When nuclear fuel rods meltdown they basically disintegrate and release into the air. These nanoscopic radioactive emitters are carried by the wind and will undoubtedly be inhaled hear. We are at risk. Why isn't our government telling us?
Do not trust the U.S. or Japanese governments regarding your health. I don't like Obama's handling of this crisis. Educate yourselves.
brave young little boy, my heart goes out to him and hopes he finds his family already, if not found yet.
with times like these our focus should be on how, we as human beings, could be a better person(s) and reflect, regardless of what religion. in time of disaster or tragedies all that comes to mind is the well being of you and yours.
I hope not only the brave young little boy finds his family, but for all of who are in japan find peace and hope to recovery from the disaster.
For over 20 hours after this devistating disaster, I lost contact with my wife and son who reside in Japan. I am one of the lucky ones who was able to contact their family and find out that they are safe. My heart is filled with sadness for those have lost their loved ones. For those who have negative things to say on these boards about this tragedy, shame on you.
jimott -- best wishes. Hope your family stays safe.
jimott, so happy to hear that your family is safe. Let's all continue to pray for all of those families who are still searching, and for those that already know the fates of their loved ones. God Speed to you and yours.
I have to give this kid a lot of credit. He is a brave little soul.
I think about my own grandkids (boys) and wonder how they might have felt and reacted under similar circumstances.
I certainly hope someone is looking after this kid. Knowing the Japanese, I would guess that someone has taken him in. If the same thing happened here in the US, someone would be looking out for him, making sure he had what he needed to survive and search for his family.
What a wonderful lesson. Raise your kids to be strong and brave.
hearbreaking story- i truly hope that he finds his missing family.
On another note, thousands of boys and girls, the same age and maybe younger lose entire families to US bombings and drone attacks in iraq and afghanistan on a daily basis. NO STORIES ABOUT THEM...