So today in Tokyo the trains were running fine but not normally (less frequent & intermittent). The grocery stores are very busy and there are empty shelves.
The nuclear plant problems in Fukushima are causing a huge amount of distress and the rumours are wild.
As a result of the unclear news of the nuclear risks and much disinformation, many expat wives and children have left or are leaving. (Some are just leaving a few days before international school spring break starts and would be normally travelling anyway.)
We have been encouraged to leave and stay with friends in Singapore, London, Calgary, Hawaii, etc..
We have had some vigorous debates about the reality of what's going on with the nuclear power plants and have deferred so far to calm. An overseas trip would be good though.
The highlight of my day was going to the local liquor shop looking for bottled water which is sold out everywhere in our area. I asked the shop master if he had any bottled water and he said no but as the only other customer in the shop left he quietly said Chris-san you are a good/special customer so here is a box of water I had in the back room.
It made me proud to know that my local liquor shop master thinks of me as a good customer - hahaha.
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