I was surprised to read the headline of the Oct. 4 Kyodo article "Disaster-zone population would've fallen 46% anyway: study." It suggests that the loss of life — if not from the 3/11 tsunami and earthquake — was going to occur anyway (by 2040). It lacks any sense of condolence for the victims.

I think it highly inappropriate for a comment that carries the undertone of "they were going to die anyway" to be made to those who are about to lose loved ones to a terminal illness, for example, and I don't think it appropriate that a newspaper should be saying such a thing about the victims of this terrible disaster.

Let's not forget to choose our words carefully and always look for any undertones or inferences in our language.

The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.

andrew morrison