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A Message from Tokyo
IJT tour leader Tom Orsman is concerned about the Wests image of Tokyo right now and slightly perplexed about the current FCO advice for Japan’s capital city. Here is a copy of his email sent on the 31st March;
I have heard some people were concerned about the lack of bottled water. Some stores have sold out from panic-buying and are awaiting resupply, but most are fine.
I have attached a few photo’s from the combini (convenience store) near my house in Shinjuku (central Tokyo). As you can see, there are plenty of drinks.
As for food shortages. Well, there is no need to worry there. Here is another photo from the ’empty shelves’ in Tokyo shops.
Also on the water front, the information in the below link indicates that Japan has much stricter water quality rules than the WHO, radiation levels in the water have rapidly decreased, and that the levels were never damaging anyway. I`ll drink to that!
Here is a link outlining the updated radio-iodine levels in Tokyo
Blackouts are not, and should not, happen in central Tokyo, as this area is too important economically. Here is a link to the power saving schedule which does not affect Tokyo.
Most trains are running with a 90 – 100% frequency now, except for trains like the Romance Car and Narita Express. Even at 90%, the train service in Tokyo would be so many times better than the train service provided in the UK or most other cities in the world for that matter.
Many stores and food and drink establishments are reducing lighting slightly to save electricity. Last week I went to Kunitachi in west Tokyo during a power-out. Conbini staff were recording purchases in a notebook and shops were open by candleight.
There is an admirable and encouraging spirit in the city, small charity boxes are everywhere collecting for the relief effort.
The parks are getting busier as people look for the emerging blossom buds. Hanami party dates are being set.