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Norikazu Tateishi / AP
In this March 22 photo, Manami Kon, using Japanese hiragana characters she just learned, writes a letter for her mother who's still missing after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami at the devastated city of Miyako, northeastern Japan. The 4-year-old Manami wrote, "Dear Mommy. I hope you're alive. Are you okay?" It took about an hour for her to finish it. Twenty days after the disaster that hit Japan's northeastern coast, her parents and a sister were still unaccounted for.
Norikazu Tateishi / AP
In this March 22, 2011 photo, Manami Kon, 4, waits for her parents and younger sister who are still missing after the March 11 massive earthquake and tsunami, in Miyako, northern Japan.
Norikazu Tateishi / AP
In this March 22, 2011 photo, 4-year-old Manami Kon exchanges a high-five with her grandmother at the devastated city of Miyako, northeastern Japan. Manami Kon's mother is still missing after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.
Read about the latest developments in Japan and see more images in our slideshow.
Related content: 'I will come again tomorrow': Boy, 9, desperately searches for missing family in Japan.
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So much tragedy. I can but pray that this child and many others find happiness again after such a loss.
So adorable. A grandmother who has lost a daughter but life is brightened by the granddaughter...
Wish you the best in life..
Clicked this yesterday. It was soul crushing. Still, I had to revisit it. I will never forget this beautiful young lady...
The pictures speak volumes of the sadness and pain Manami must feel at the loss of her family, especially her mom. My heart goes out to her and the Japanese people who have lost soo much. I love the last picture of Manami "High fiving it !" with her grandma. At least she has someone who is with her :-) I pray the two of them will get to be together. Their road will be harsh and the loneliness long. To see them smile together dried my tears I shed when I saw the pictures. Manami, be strong and hold your head up dear child. In the mist of great sadness, you will be the stronger. The Japanese people will endure no matter what the tsunami, earthquake or the nuclear crisis throws at them. The greater gift is to see a child smile and laugh, that is like the flower blossoming thru the rubble. That is "HOPE" and hope is a very good thing !
May God bless your grandma and you Manami sama and to all the Japanese People, whether living or dead.
P.E.T.A.
People Eating Tasty Animals
AngieS Is a Total Moron!!!
what more can be said!!
Great to see on a smile on a childs face after all that has happened.
You just assume your view is correct. Ever consider what your situation will be if you're wrong about God and faith? Those who believe lose nothing; those who don't, lose everything.
hope MSNBC follows this story, no matter what the outcome.
I agree with Rachel. I hope this story is follow up....would love to hear how this little girl recovers as a symbol for all Japanese...
I've revisited this everyday since it first appeared. I just can't forget this...
I only heard about this story on Sunday and I haven't been able to get the images out of my head ever since, especially the picture of her looking over the city. Mr. D. Chung said it best (page 5), seeing the little girl with that innocent hope of finding her parents and sister....it breaks my heart everytime.
I'm now constantly been checking back in hopes to see updates or a follow up story. Obviously I would love to see a happy ending, but regardless of the outcome a part of me wishes Manami would to get some closure so that she can move on.
The Wakana Kumagai photoblog today made me come back to re-read Manami Kon's one...
The sad news has arrived that Manami Kon's mother, Yuka, was identified 30 June through DNA analysis. The funeral was this week. Her sister and father are still missing.
Friday's update in The Yomiuri Shimbun is here: http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110707005877.htm