March 18 - The new normal for Tokyo?

9:29 PM - For anyone still thinking they can rely on information about safety coming from government sources, this article should put an end to that...Coverup

This article gives some indication of what the people in Fukushima are facing. Tragedy

8:10 PM - The Japanese government is not doing a very good job of managing 2 crises at once.  The people of Fukushima are not getting the help they need in these critical days after the quake.  This article offers some good organizations to consider sending donations to.  http://bit.ly/hykjuh   I'll be looking around to see what other options might be available to plug in to an immediate effort on the ground here.  Gas shortages and disorganization  plague the relief efforts.  Keep you posted.

3:20 PM - Just went for a bit of a look around the area.  Trip to the local mall.  No work today so a bit of time on my hands.  First thing I noticed was the gas station had gas.  Cars were lined up for about half a mile.  Next, trains running to the station where the mall is located were running at about 15 minute intervals instead of the usual 4 or 5.  No train schedule posted either.  Just have to take what comes when it comes.  Then, a bit of a shock, but nearly all of the stores at the mall were closed but for the grocery store, McDonalds, and Starbucks.  Doors shut and locked on the other 50 or more stores in the complex.  This is going to deal a serious blow to the economy if it keeps up much longer. 

11:58  AM - This just posted... US flights to detect radiation show no increase outside the immediate area. NYT article

10:26 AM - I'm thinking we Tokyoites will be faced with the same dilemma as the frog in the cooking pot. The heat (in this case, radioactivity levels) will likely increase incrementally over time and it will be up to each of us to decide if we want to jump or just wait till it all gets a bit hotter.  Too soon to really know what the long term ramifications for Tokyo will be, but living 155 miles (checked it on Google maps) SW of a boiling teapot of nuclear isotopes can't be good for the city.

6:00 AM - The situation at the nuclear plants has "stabilized" although the word 'stable' has to be stood on its end to be applied here.  From news accounts it doesn't appear they will be able to get or keep it under control.  Attempts at restoring electrical power from the grid are ongoing but success depends on whether the pumps and systems in the plant have survived the previous damage and will be operable.  We'll see, but I'm doubtful.  This is a good article summarizing where we are now.  http://bit.ly/eR032S

The US has finally got their monitoring devices here and they are in place.  The Japanese gov has given permission for them to fly the 'pods' with sophisticated monitoring devices through the area.  This is supposed to give a very accurate reading of Cesium levels.  Much needed information and I hope it will be disseminated widely.

A line forms just before opening

.

As for life in western Tokyo, there seems to be a settling in of a new normal.  Work in Tokyo greatly cut back.  Trains operating intermittently.  Rolling blackouts said to be occurring but not yet in our area.  As the picture to the left shows, people line up for food in the morning if they need staple items, otherwise they're gone from shelves quickly.  But the shelves were fully stocked at the opening.  Lines getting shorter, too.   Streets continue to be pretty empty of traffic.  People aren't out and about in large numbers. 

Yesterday after the embassies began making arrangements for people to get out of Tokyo, and after the US increased their exclusion zone to 80km, many friends were questioning their decisions to stay in Tokyo.  I think that today, the mood is that things are playing out slowly enough that leaving is an option but not necessary at this time.  This looks like it will be a long term problem now.  What is needed most for those of us living in the Tokyo environs is a source of clear, accurate information from sources independent of the government.  And we certainly shouldn't forget the plight of the tsunami survivors up north who are homeless, freezing cold, without food and water and heat.  They need everyone's help and concern and should be the focus of attention, concern and aid.