Originally Posted By Mr X ***I'm guessing that was partially aimed at me too as I was working in Japan at the time and fled as soon as practicably possible. It must make me cowardly to look after my own well-being*** Was there some purpose for you to stay? It's not as though you live here, you were staying in a hotel in some "on site" capacity right? I wasn't the least bit surprised to read you'd finally gotten a flight out (and happy to hear you were able to, under the circumstances at that time!). ***I'm supposed to be back there next week and I must admit that I've still got trepidation about it. I really don't want to go*** Concerns about the nuclear situation, I would imagine? I certainly have them, myself! Is there anyway for you to reschedule until the situation calms down a bit more? If I were you, I'd look into that (certainly!). Not to mention the fact that Japan is certainly in a mourning/rebuilding phase right now and not a very fun place to visit to say the least. Business is business, I know that, but at the same time it's tough to enter a stricken place when things are still in a state of upheaval and so uncertain! (just riding the keiyo line tonight I happened to glance at the "train closures" board which is normally banal, and I just read line after line after line of "disrupted..earthquake", "closed..earthquake", "disrupted..blackout", "closed..earthquake". It was depressing as hell, honestly. I know Japan will get back on her feet soon enough, but at the moment the wounds are all too fresh and real (and having to travel back to Shin-Urayasu on business matters tonight was just such a reminder of the gravity of the situation here, even though what's going on up North is even a million times worse!).
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< I'm supposed to be back there next week and I must admit that I've still got trepidation about it. I really don't want to go >>> I'm curious as well - what's troubling you the most? Nuclear fears? Aftershocks? General unease at being there at this time given the totality of the situation?
Originally Posted By leemac <<I'm curious as well - what's troubling you the most? Nuclear fears? Aftershocks? General unease at being there at this time given the totality of the situation?>> Two-fold: 1) TEPCO's general ineptitude to provide timely and accurate information relating to their activities at the plant; and 2) Not really appreciating what folks have been/are going through locally - there is still a lot to do.
Originally Posted By leemac And I should add that my lack of confidence in 1) means that I'm not sure I'd be comfortable going to sleep at night. Irrational or not it is all down to perception.
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< Irrational or not it is all down to perception. >>> I think that's the key to the whole thing. Different people are reacting differently to the situation, and I think that that's just fine. It comes down to a personal decision.
Originally Posted By MagicalNezumi ^^ True that SD. Just trying to keep normal as best we can here. Personally, I haven't seriously considered leaving or even getting the potassium iodide tablet the US embassy is providing. The way TEPCO handles things has been well known to Japanese for years. At least we now know an international team is keeping a close watch on them. Things will work out eventually. Until then, there isn't much else to do for the 40 million plus that live in the region besides doing their daily thing. -- MagicalNezumi
Originally Posted By Mr X MN, your home is more than 100 miles away from Fukushima right? From my limited research, it seems you should be okay even if things worsen considerably. Of course, long term health concerns are a worry for us all. Lee, thanks for your feedback. I can tell ya that I know exactly how you feel!
Originally Posted By MagicalNezumi MrX, actually both my town and TDR are roughly the same distance from the Fukushima plant. I didn't mean to sound insensitive to people who are quite worried about the state of things around her currently. One has every right to do what they legally/morally can do to protect themselves and loved ones. For long-term residents like MrX and me, it's not always about taking the next plane out of here. We have to consider other family we have in the area, jobs, etc. As for me, while it may "seem" that I'm taking it lightly, there's a lot going on here that many of us choose not share online. For short-term visitors, such as leemac, it's very understandable to have trepidation about the situation here. Not sure what the UK is advising its citizens, but the US has a travel advisory against non-essential travel here. Presumably, his employer has decided it is safe to return to work here. So we're all in the same boat, so to speak, once we're all in the same region. SD said it best, it's a matter of perception and I'll add...obligation. -- MagicalNezumi
Originally Posted By MagicalNezumi Hmm, I just checked the distance again. I was a little off. Fukushima plant to my home in Saitama: 205km (128 miles) Plant to TDR (Maihama): 223Km (138 miles) -- MagicalNezumi
Originally Posted By Mr X ***For long-term residents like MrX and me, it's not always about taking the next plane out of here. We have to consider other family we have in the area, jobs, etc. As for me, while it may "seem" that I'm taking it lightly, there's a lot going on here that many of us choose not share online*** You too, huh?
Originally Posted By Mr X fwiw, the capital city of Kiev is some 60 miles from Chernobyl, and they managed okay. A lot of it depends on which way the wind blows, of course.
Originally Posted By mawnck >>there's a lot going on here that many of us choose not share online<< >>You too, huh?<< Aww, c'mon, spill it! ;-)
Originally Posted By Roger55 I think they are chosing to "gaman". A very Japanese trait likely picked up because they have lived so long in Japan. Ganbatte ne!
Originally Posted By MagicalNezumi Hehehe. Good one Roger and perhaps not too far from the truth (at least in my case). Another term that could be applied to me is "shikatagai" or "shouganai". Thanks for the encouragement. Let's meet up on your next visit. -- MagicalNezumi
Originally Posted By DlandDug It would seem to me that it would be best for non-essential people to leave in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. There are limited resources, and others who have greater needs. I see nothing "cowardly" about stepping away from a situation like the one at hand.
Originally Posted By SingleParkPassholder "A lot of it depends on which way the wind blows, of course." Very much so, quite literally.
Originally Posted By Mr X Well aware of that fact, Passholder. And keeping a close eye on it! Worst case "blowup" aside, even in the best of circumstances I've purchased a new home that is 120 miles or so from "the zone", which is not a good thing at this point.
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORDDU: MR. X, duckling, my sisters and I heard a recent report that some schools are going to be starting up classes soon, since the month of April is supposed to be when the new school season starts in Japan. Is this true?
Originally Posted By Mr X Yes, that is very true. Here in my hometown, the new school year begins on April 7th. And Little X will be entering the first grade!
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORDDU: What a time for a small child to be entering first grade. With all the many distractions going on in Japan, it will no doubt be difficult to concentrate on lessons. This is so beyond what is normal for children to have to deal. At least your little duckling is fortunate to have you as her father. ORGOCH: So, Mr. X is a Father Goose, now?
