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One Japanese-American family has made a tough decision to leave their home in Japan, hoping they can one day return.
Josh McKible, a 46-year-old illustrator, will leave for New York on Friday with his wife and two children, a 2-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl. McKible has lived in Japan for six years.
“The plan is to return, but we are going to wait and see how long it takes with the reactors and basically what the long-term outcome is going to be,” he said Thursday be telephone. “If it goes full meltdown, then it’s going to have longer lasting impacts than just a few weeks and who knows how widespread the radiation will be.
“It was not an easy decision because this is where we live,” he said, noting their home is in Chigasaki near Yokohama, about 170 miles south of the Fukushima nuclear plant.
Courtesy of Josh McKible
Miyuki McKible, Nico McKible, Josh McKible and Ike McKible
They made their decision after reactors at the plant began leaking radiation and feeling a strong aftershock. McKible also said he didn’t feel there was enough transparency or information about the nuclear power plant crisis. “For this reactor business, it’s such an unknown and you can’t see it and you can’t feel it and you can’t smell it,” he said.
So the family has packed up clothes, passports, medical papers and McKible’s computer.
“Our attitude is basically better safe than sorry. We have two little kids. ... If it was just me and my wife, maybe we’d be willing to take more chances but it’s just not worth it,” he said.
He said other neighbors also are leaving.
“There’s been kind of an exodus,” he said, and some emotional goodbyes. “There’s been some tears, and I mean we had a friend pretty much just basically crying saying, ‘Please come back, don’t leave forever.’”
They will stay at his mother’s house about one hour north of New York City.
“We just want to monitor the situation,” he said. “So it was hard leaving our house because we don’t know if … it might be the last time we live there.”
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I hope you left behind no pets, since you felt you must leave.
it is best just to get the kids out of there
Pets? Let them go! They will get rid of any mice and rats etc.. There has been no mention of any pets.. how rediculous this is getting.. next someone will say this family will be on Oprah!! Stupidness!
How about take the pets too. You are a moron. Learn to spell.
I'm sure if they even had a pet they left it with a neighbor, friend, or sold it to a local restaurant.
this is Japan...not China, you moron
What an idiotic thing to say...You must be one of those morons who things the cat is as important as a human being....
not idiotic...just humane..only a moron would imply a total stranger is a moron...apparently so, you cannot spell.
Chill out Mazan :P
I bet you have it all ............ so let other ppl feel dude1
da,mn...
halleluya
Ii agree with the idea of caring for your pets...but WHERE in this story does it say that the family even HAS a pet...I do not understand the drama here.
I live in Yokohama; taking my family to my mothers in Massachusetts and am leaving my 4 cats behind.
Taking pets with you is a BIG deal. There are a multitude of issues. Instead, in our case, we are hiring the company that we use each week to clean to have someone come twice a week to care for and checkup on the cats and I will call her when she is at our place to hear the status on the cats. A difference perhaps than the family in this article, is that we are planning on returning. The only thing that would change that would be a major meltdown at the plant that would make it remain unsafe even several weeks later or perhaps one of the extremely major earthquakes expected in Yokohama occuring and causing a similar situation in Yokohama as Sendai. But, anyway, I am unhappy about having to leave my cats behind but one has to be practical in life and do the best they can. When choosing between the safety of our children or the cats, the kids win.
That is a relief that "the kids win" With people who have lost their family members, total destruction, have lost EVERYTHING, you are talking about some company to come in to your house and checkup on some cats? Well la dee da! How disgusting you are! let the things go free and put the money you would pay a company towards relief efforts for your adopted country Japan! I am surprised there is a company around who would be bothered checking up on cats twice a week! Sick!!
Most cats have more compassion than mazan the moron
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm I have to tell you I have met many animals that I hold in higher regard than a lot of people I know!
Gill that was the most idiotic thing I have ever read. Clearly you have no pets and must hate animals for such a thing to come from you. I have a cat whom I love dearly and I would never just let her run wild and fend for herself if I left the country. I would do everything in my power to make sure she is taken care of at least to a basic survival degree. I know there are many animals in the wild but my cat is not one of them and I can totally understand why some people don't want to just let their pets die after these disasters. Good for them for trying to do the best they can with their children AND their pets. I think they made a great decision.
Wow! All of you....................... Really? WOW!
Hey Gill, you don't have a clue what this person has, or hasn't done to help the people of Japan. Thats a bad statement Help comes in all sort of ways.
It's great that your family has this option. I hope that we as the United States of America open our arms to any Japanese citizens that need this option. Perhaps it will save the American auto industry? It certainly would inject an element of respect back into our culture that is badly needed. Hopefully, if there are many relocations then we will get some in Oklahoma as I would love for my children that are about this same age to have that privilege. My Uncle served many years in Japan and had many good things to say about the Japanese people. God bless all of the good hearted folks facing this crisis.
Read the story.They are Americans not Japanese and they have the option of leaving.
Lots of people run away from disaster.Japanese will stay to help other Japanese.
The way I read the story...the husband is American ( It says McKible(not the Mckible family) has lived in Japan for 6 years...looks to me like he met her there in Japan) and even if they ARE Japanese citizens...would that make YOU stay there in Japan, possibly exposing your young children to cancer or worse, through radiation sickness?? If this were happening here in America, and my daughters (who are grown with children of their own) had the option of moving to a safe country...believe me I would be URGING them to do it.
Why is it that the fact that we can be anonymous on the internet make some of us think it is alright to make hurtful and ridiculous statements???
I don't see anything wrong with them leaving. I don't see it as running away from disaster. First, they have the kids to think about. And second, I think people who have another place to go should try and go. Why waste the few resources the country has right now? If you don't need to be there using energy that is not available, or consuming the small amount of clean water and food, why do it? Save it for those who have no other options.
He's American, she's obviously Japanese. Of course it was a difficult decision, but it was the right one! As an American he probably has relatives in the USA that can help! Radiation will affect the young more than it will the parents. I hope they will be able to return to their home sooner rather than later.
I'm always amazed at how callous people can be in their comments at this site!
Are they going to single handedly stop the reactors from melting down? He's a cartoonist, not an engineer, one family less in Japan, is one family less using up limited resources.
To all of you that seem to be making hasteful remarks about things that really hold no weight right now I feel sorry for you. This is a major catastrophe and all you can do is criticize people, you really need to grow up and better yet get some morals and values please! These individuals are dealing with enough with all the tragedies they have endured and everyone over there is trying to do what they feel they need to do to protect their children and families do they really deserve criticism at a time like this? Think of this, if all of the events took place here what would you be doing? How would you feel if people from other countries were ridiculing you for your decisions.. People over here in the states seem to think that these events can't happen here just the way it did over there get a grip people!!! We are not indistructable, we are not invincible and mother nature has no furey.
One other thing, were you never taught that if you didn't have anything nice to say to not say anything at all.......For all the humaine people out there lets pray for Japan and their people in hopes of better days to come for them..
I agree with Vicky - If you don't have anything nice or good to say don't say anything! That is what we were taught when we were children - I am 78 years old and the teachings are still with me!
A lot of judgemental posters on this thread! A lot of rock throwers that live in glass houses!
It makes sense to me to leave with your children to protect them from the radiation. Letting cats just wander around without food seem less humane than having someone take care of them for you. I would assume that the couple with the cats are planning in going back to Japan relatively soon. The cats would also be protected from the radiation if they are indoors.
Please be respectful of others, it isn't nice to be so nasty.
Talk about overreacting.
You see, this is what the fearmongering of the US media does. It uproots families from their homes and lifestyles, needlessly causing suffering.
The fact of the matter is that even if the reactors go full meltdown, it will not have ANY significant public health effect on Yokohama or anywhere outside about about a 40 mile radius for that matter.
Fleas,you are the only person with ANY perspective on whats going on where I am right now.
You others have no idea of Japanese Culture and must get lost when you go around the block.
The world does Not rotate around America. Keep relying on msnbc for your news.
Why is this a hard decision? You take care of your family. Easy.
Why is this story compelling at all? No family members were split. They had the resources, they have families in the States. Leaving friends behind? Whoop-deep-doo, everybody do that now and then for lesser reasons. The parents' first duty is the safety of their children and they exercised it, and good for them.
you are the only one that makes sense on all these comments. the other people must not have any children. when you are a parent your first concern and obligation, are the safety of your children...that's it!!!! well said john smith!!!
Mazan, you are the one with an attitude problem. It is not only humane but responsible to have emergency plans for pets who should never be left behind to simply perish when prior planning could save their lives. Only a hard-hearted slob would begrudge care to animals in emergencies. You should try expanding your circle of compassion to include all living beings -- along with learning to spell as well.
I couldn't have said this better...We humans are the voices for our animals! One has to have had the experience of loving a pet to fully understand this.
I hope all goes well for this family, and for all the others. One has to do what one needs to do for self and family.
I find it very interesting that many people are open to Japanese refugees. I am NOT saying that I am not open to Japanese refugees. I am saying it is interesting in that many Americans are not as open to Haitian, Brazilian, Mexican, Libyan, etc. refugees. The openness speaks well of the Japanese culture and their apparent respect for self, others, and property. Are those who are ready to accept new immigrants friendly with their immediate neighbors? I believe love begins at home, in our literal home, in our neighborhood, then community.
...and I can say that living in Asia and coming back stateside periodically can be a SHOCKER for an American, let alone any Japanese refugees. Our culture is rude, disrespectful for self, others, and their property too! Whatever it takes to be the boldest, loudest and rudest appears to be the goal to achieve.
Just read the responses to one another in this column. People who don't even know one another attack back and forth with little advancement other than out doing each others rudeness. It's pathetic.
If you dislike our culture so much leave.....not everyone is rude, loud and disrespectful..maybe only the folks you know and attract..ya get what ya give...
A person has to do what he thinks is best for him and his family, it is like he is losing everything, except the most important thing his family. The belongs can be repaced, but it is still not easy loosing a place you call home and have worked hard for... I pray for you and your family and only wish you the BEST! I myself would leave too, Better safe than sorry says it all!!!! Who can you trust anymore with telling you the truth about things??? Not the people you think, true in Japan and the United States!
Bless you and your family!
I am amazed at some of the things that have been said here. Can't you all think about the people and of course the animals who have perished in the tsunami instead of throwing insults around at anyone and everyone. All sad that you all have the desire to have the last say about people and their decision(s).
Spelling- not everyone is a professor- and maybe we should all be nice to one another, after all, who knows what's around the corner. GOD BLESS US ALL
Yes.. throwing insults is definitely not a solution. I completely understand Susan's reaction to Mazan's post, though, as I am a champion of animals myself. The focus right now, however, should be on the sadness and tragedy that is taking place in Japan and how we as Americans can help and support her people!
Yes, we aren't here to compete in a spelling bee. I am still crying for these people and what they have been/going through.
susan and mazan -you both need to grow up - we are concerned w /the people not your silliness- -go to your rooms and don't come out till you are sorry!! itamazes me how differently the japanese are handling this terrible series of events -i wonder -if okinawa has been or will be affected - they are only 35 miles long and have nowhere to go - they are closer to china but i believe n of japan- i have friends there having lived there for 3 years w/ the US AIR FORCE- GOD BLESS THEM ALL!!
Break out your maps and take a look at the location of Okinawa compared to Sendai in Northern Japan. It's like saying, "There is a problem in Vancouver, I wonder if San Diego will be affected?"
I lived in Japan for eight years, and I'm glad everyone is now familiar with Sendai, but hope that they learn how nice of a city it was. It was a beautiful city, nicknamed "City of Trees" for its greenery. The summer festival there is one of Japan's best. God bless Japan and the workers at the Fuhushima nuclear plants. They are sacrificing their health and maybe their lives to try and control it. Remember that when you look at all of the foreigners leaving on the next plane out of Tokyo. CNN showed an ESL teacher who only spoke of how he tried to help his students and neighbors. As a former teacher at AEON, an ESL school in Japan I was so proud of him and other teachers for their commitment to Japan and the Japanese people!
Rob, I have many friends who did the ESL teaching gig in Japan over the years. They are all just heartsick.
While I understand your comment about what is happening to Okinawa, remember, there are such things as ripple effects. The nuclear power plants taken off the grid has caused a major strain on the power supply to much of the country, even those not directly impacted by the earthquake or tsunami. The company I work for in the U.S. has been hit hard b/c two of the plants that supply some of our parts are shut down for lack of power, several hundred miles away from ground zero. That's why I don't blame anyone for leaving right now - while things may look normal outside the quakezone, there will be nationwide infrastructure problems for the next few weeks or months. Why drain resources unnecessarily?
Ok. so he chose to leave...i bet he isn't the first to flee. Probably wont be the last. How could this be considered important news. I am still here and will be here until the end.
Lets have some real news.
I am still here too with no thoughts of fleeing.
Heard wind bag Hillary say that Embassy staff was out on the street trying to contact Americans.
That was the funniest statement I have heard related to this nitemare.
I applaud you for staying in Japan, but you didn't mention if you have children, that is the big difference. I guess, I believe that not all news has to be spectacular or gory. It is what you call human interest story. And Bruce we do not need to bring your political persuasion into this. If we can't see something it doesn't mean it isn't true. The nastiness of Americans and the idea that I am better than others, isn't just in America.
It is funny that people condemn them for "fleeing" the country and those same people would be condemning them for staying and their children having life long problems because of the exposure. I applaud this couple, their children are the most important thing they have.
I can understand their feeling but it appears they are leaving as the tide is turning on the situation in Fukushima. Being near Yokohama, they were not yet facing any immediate danger.
ralph-856838 - I live in Yokohama. The radiation has already reached Yokosuka where the USS George Washington (aircraft carrier) is moored and has reported radioactivity and taken precautionary measures. Yokosuka is south of us which means, we have higher radiation. The family of this article have children. So, do we: 6 week old, 4 yr old and 2 yr old. Even low levels of ionized radiation (i.e., from a nuclear power plants) is NOT safe for little kids. Their cells are rapidly dividing and are much more susceptable to mutations that can lead to serious illnesses years later. Further, the state department has already begun evacuating American employees who live in Tokyo AND Yokohama. The family of this article are acting prudently and responsibly for their children. You should become more informed before posting your "beliefs".
They are being responsible parents, only I would have left Sunday. Cats ARE as important as humans. The American auto industry DOES NOT MATTER at all at this time. Finding those who are still alive and missing, preventing any further nuclear meltdown, keeping the elderly and the children warm and fed and comforted... that is all that matters right now.
They are being responsible parents. I would have left Sunday. Cats ARE as important as humans. The American auto industry DOES NOT MATTER at all at this time. Finding those who are still alive and missing, preventing any further nuclear meltdown, keeping the elderly and the children warm and fed and comforted... that is what matters right now. There are no safe levels of radiation. The government and the electric company have historically withheld information. The US could learn from the Japanese, who are brought up to value the greatest good for all, not for the individual.
I just want to let everybody to pray for the people of japan in this dangerous situation, God bless them all.
Feel so sorry for any family that has to make life changing decisions and leave what has been their home. I'm wondering if we Americans are openly accepting of the Japanese because of our history with their country. This is not the first time they have dealt with radiation and total loss. The last time was from our hands. Maybe their is a little guilt involved with wanting to help them. Just a thought. I believe the statement about not knowing how much radiation is too much is so true. Only time will tell. Bless those sacrificing themselves for the good for all. They are true heroes. So much loss of life in an instant is truly devastating. Imagine thousands washing up on shore. No home to live in,searching for lost loved one's and a nagging fear of more devastation to come in the form of radiation, a silent killer. These people need so much support and help. Just with the basics. I am hoping some of the top notch scientists from all over the world reach out to Japan and help them solve this meltdown situation. Here is a example of how we can learn from each other,for no one knows what will happen next with natural disasters. Maybe in assisting with cleaning up the problem, a protocol for all other natural disasters with nuclear repercussions can be developed. Yes, it's nice to be American and have a place to come to in the face of a disaster. Imagine as American, what we'd do if the situation was on us and involved a larger portion of our country. Would we flee to other countries and be accepted with open arms. Such terrifing choices. At the cost of a ticket out of Japan to American running near 5 grand how many of us could leave. All I can do is pray for these people and hope that somehow they are give as much help as soon as possible. If all of us were able to donate funds to help them maybe that would help them get through their immediate issue with the basics. How sad for all of the people from all over the world who have dealt and are dealing with natural disasters. Iam grateful I have a home with food warmth and the basics. I wish I could do more to help than pray and give money. So sad.
It is always vaguely amusing to see people commenting on the lack of newsworthiness of an article and yet have obviously read the entire article, spent time thinking about it, and then compose what I am sure they see as a small piece of clever riposte that takes issue with this being totally devoid of any news interest. Then there are those who need to comment about their specific interests that are only mildly associated with the article...and then there are people like me who like to twit people like me! All that aside...I hope each day for a better day for all the souls in Japan...this is a triple whammy that no citizens, of any country, should ever have to endure...I can imagine it feels as if their world is crumbling about their feet. This couple had the unique ability to leave the country, even though it is their home of register...I would do the same, particularly when there are young children to consider...I only wish we could evacuate all of the affected citizens. I hold them in my prayers and hopes for healing.
OK, so being an animal lover myself, I get it- provide for them also, don't leave them behind, and all that, am I just sleep deprived, or was there NO mention what-so-ever that these people had any animals to think of- no CATS- what the heck???? At any rate, I can't fault them for leaving, in the same situation, I would do the same. I feel for everyone there that don't have the resources or option to do so. May God hold them all in His hands, what a horrific nightmare- they need all the help they can get. I have little to offer, made a couple contributions to Save the Children and to Red Cross- seems like just a spit in the bucket, but I do hold all of them in my heart- my thoughts and prayers go out to all.
What is all this fuss about pets? Nowhere in the article did I see anything that said they were leaving their pets behind or if they even had pets. As for the people who feel that they are abandoning Japan - they are taking care of their children - that is their first priority and I don't blame them. You people should quit carping about these petty things and tend to your own business.
right on!!!!
There is a volutary action in Japan right now to send military dependents back to the states. Is this any different than what Mr. Kilbe and his family is going through?
This is so heartbreaking :( but am I the only one who could see another person in the background? She looks really creepy. Anyway, my prayers are with you Japan.
Well, I've been living in Japan for over 8 years now so I'm pretty use to seeing Japanese nationals every day. I don't think she looks creepy at all. She looks normal. Her hair blends into the dark background behind her -- maybe that's the source of your comment about her?
Yeah. I had to go back but finally saw her. Looks like she is in the orange tree but probably just a neighbor watching what's going on in her neighbor's yard. Maybe she's stealing their fruit??? LOL
But really, your first thought is getting your children out of harm's way. That had always been my concern when my children were so dependent on me. Without the children, there is no future for mankind.
Didn't think about this when I posted before.
Did you ever think about the Jewish families who got their children out of Europe during WWII? Thousands of adults couldn't get out but found people who took the children, hid them or got them out. Your first and only thought is to protect them.
It is a different matter when there are no children involved.
I had to scroll back up & look after you mentioned that & OMG yes! There IS a creepy-looking woman's head btwn the father's & the little boy's heads! Check it out! How odd is that? It's probably just a tree branch, but still.
And as for you, bsgcic, way to jerk your knee there w/ implicit racism, huh? Just the grammatical construction of Mochi-3194870's commentary alone should've told you she was not speaking about the American guy's Japanese wife. Look again & you'll see what we saw. There really is a creepy little face in the tree.
Aaaaah! Now, I see what you were looking at. Not his wife but apparently a young girl climbing a tree behind the husband. Almost looks like there is also a flashlight there located just below and to the right of the girl's chin and which is pointing down and to the left.
scar_tissue - I was not making any judgement or implications of mochi... I was simply stating my own perception. If I were to make a statement like that, then it would be clear and direct; you would not need to infer some between-the-lines meaning. But, I personally don't like to judge people and certainly would not do so based on mochi..'s comment which includes "heartbreaking" and "my prayers are with you."
Ruth... - I have thought of my own step-grandfather (who passed away a few years ago). He escaped Poland 6 days prior to Hiltler's invasion with his wife and 3yr old son (my step-father). He left behind a great business, cousins and siblings who wanted to stick it out and who were just hoping for the best. But, he took action and left. He and my step-father were the only ones of his family in poland that survived. I actually have briefly thought about him and the decision that he made then during this past week which may have contributed to my decision to take my family out of here. My brother-in-law mentioned to me yesterday -- "hope is not a plan". He is right!
It's definitely a woman's headshot slanted sideways.....probably some type of double exposure issue...or someone being onery and photoshopping it in to get a response out of us....it worked. :)
I agree whole heartly with this family getting outta there...I don't know what the wife does for a living but an illustrator is not likely to be a useful trade when it comes to the current situation. And as others have mentioned...four less bodies to consume precious resources already strained.
Okay, I saw the creepy looking lady.. I hope it's someone they know.
In the end the choice this family and all the familes make is the best for them at this time. My prayers go out to all of them.
Hopefully, sooner than later, more of us will acquire the attitude that "We are all Japanese", just as many Europeans (and perhaps others in various parts of the world) stated and showed "We're ALL Americans, given the horrendous act of terror perpetrated against your country". For a family with 2 small children choosing to leave Japan, some of the circumstances & reasons are immaterial at this point & time. I admire them for using common sense, and taking the atttiude & approach of "better to be safe than sorry".
I just wish like hell that I could actually go to Japan to do something as a professional healer, to help as many of these folks as possible. They are gentle, smart, admirable human beings who are terrified, homeless, hungry, and devastated, in general, with the unfathomable things that happened to them.
anyone who can leave, should leave....
#p/a/u/1/kwqhd-b05Gg
So much damage and heartbreak for the people in Japan who have lost EVERYTHING and cannot leave! This American family guy has a right to leave and take his wife and children with him back to America.
From the way most people from foreign countries get treated when they get to America, it is amazing to me that he would want to subject them to the racism and high levels of hatred for anyone other than the white race! Look at how the President is treated! There is so much paranoia and anger towards other people from different cultures I would be concerned how my mixed race children and Asian wife would be treated upon arriving back in America. There is no tolerence or respect for other cultures in America! This guy has been away for how long? Things have changed for the worse in the USA.
I wonder if he was a bit too quick jumping on the paranoia panic wagon with his decision to move back instead of looking for another place in Japan to work and live. Just a thought. It is almost like when the crap hits the fan.. lets all bail and run!! Kind of cowerdly behaviour! Leave Japan and don't bother to go back! If you can't stay and support your adopted country then why bother going back when/if things improve! I would not want to be dependant on a person like this family guy..