Friday, March 25, 2011

Gambare

"There is no other way that we can survive than we say to each other like a prayer, 'Gambare' — go for it, go for it, be positive, be positive. That's why we say that a lot." 
—36 words from Yoko Kumagai, 59, who is living with her family in a sports hall in Rikuzentakata, Japan, after her house was washed away in the tsunami.

When Melissa at Making Things Up shared this week's topic for Six Word Fridays—"Go"—I had no idea what I would write. This morning, on my way to work, I just happened to catch this story on NPR, about the emotional toll of the tsunami and nuclear crisis on the people of Japan. It was the first time I'd ever heard the word Gambaro—and its variant, Gambare—which, loosely translated, means "Go for it!" Many thanks to Yoko Kumagai, who, in 36 words, gave me another way to look at life, loss and hope.

Listen to the entire NPR story here.

And hop over to Making Things Up to add your own six words!

16 comments:

Caroline said... [Reply to comment]

Gambare! There's nothing like a positive attitude.

Sara M said... [Reply to comment]

Thank you for sharing this. Gambare!

Jen @ Momalom said... [Reply to comment]

This is terrific. Love the tidbits
on the long drive to work.

MillerMix said... [Reply to comment]

Love the word and its translation. Thanks for sharing!

Colleen said... [Reply to comment]

What a profoundly positive outlook from someone who has every reason to dwell in despair. Thank you for sharing.

alovett said... [Reply to comment]

I would love to know how it's written in Japanese! Thanks for stopping by!

alovett said... [Reply to comment]

It was such a coincidence to actually catch the story!

alovett said... [Reply to comment]

Made me think of our conversation yesterday!

alovett said... [Reply to comment]

I like learning things on NPR! Thanks for commenting!

alovett said... [Reply to comment]

Glad to see you here today!

Melissa said... [Reply to comment]

Like a prayer: an uplifting perspective.

Shawna said... [Reply to comment]

How beautiful!

Melany Gallant said... [Reply to comment]

What a beautiful word. Uplifting for sure!

Brook @ To Be Dancing said... [Reply to comment]

gambare- I ♥ words! and language!
I googled it...here's a blog that talks about it:
http://wiredinjapan.blogspot.com/2009/03/do-your-best-ganbatte.html
and google translate gave me :
がんばる

Jingle said... [Reply to comment]

wise words.

ayala zarf said... [Reply to comment]

Wisdom -nice.