An emergency situation can take many forms. It is any event during which individuals, places and things are put in danger. The danger can be immediate and severe or it can be gradual. Floods, tornados, too much snow and tsunamis are just some of the examples of dangers that face people all over the world. However, earthquakes can be particularly devastating in many instances because they not only are often sudden, they forever alter the very fundamental aspects of a geographic area. Still, it is important to have priorities even in times of duress. Every leader knows this. So, when a powerful earthquake hit in the northern area of Akita in Japan, someone had to step up to the plate. Or not, as was the case with Takashi Chiba.
Akita is a state-like area in Japan; it is not the largest area of Japan but it is not the tiniest, either. Takashi Chiba was a deputy governor for this area at one point in time and got through the majority of his time without much excitement or conflict. As the governor's deputy, when the governor is out of town the deputy would assume his place as acting governor. In most instances all over the world, this type of event would go off without a hitch, as not much would be needed from the governor/acting governor for limited periods of time. But not all emergencies can be predicted and sometimes individuals are at the wrong place, at the wrong time.
Earthquakes are ranked depending on their magnitude. The scale is between one and ten. The more severe the earthquake, the higher the number. So when a seven magnitude earthquake strikes, that's pretty substantial. At least, it is to those of us who have normal priorities. And perhaps lack a gambling addiction.
So, Takashi Chiba was acting as the governor and a seven magnitude earthquake struck the region. Shortly after this happened, Chiba resigned. While his reasoning was based on personal issues, the real reason was much more interesting: Takashi Chiba decided that after the earthquake struck, it would be a better idea to continue playing Pachinko for more than thirty minutes than to attend to his people. The slot machine pinball game is said to be pretty addictive, but really? Is it that compelling? Apparently if you are Takashi Chiba, it sure is. Here's hoping it was all worth it for the politician.
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