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On March 11, 2011, Japan experienced one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded. The magnitude 9.0 quake and the devastating tsunami that followed left a profound impact on the country and on everyone who lived and worked there. At the time, I was based in Tokyo, and like many others, I will never forget the moment the ground began to move and the long days that followed.
In the immediate aftermath, news organizations around the world were trying to understand what was happening on the ground. I had the opportunity to speak with Russ Mitchell on the CBS Morning Show, sharing my firsthand experience from Tokyo and helping provide context to viewers as the situation continued to unfold. It was a surreal moment to be balancing the safety of colleagues and friends while also describing the events to a global audience.
Japan’s resilience in the face of disaster has always inspired me. In the days following the quake, I saw people support one another with calmness, discipline, and a deep sense of community. Infrastructure was damaged, transportation systems halted, and supply chains disrupted, yet the country came together with a level of unity that left a lasting impression on me both personally and professionally.
I remain grateful for the chance to share that perspective at a time when the world was searching for information, and even more grateful for the strength and spirit of the people of Japan during one of the most challenging moments in modern history.