Is Optimism Going to Kill Me?

More and more ex-pats are leaving Japan.  Our apartment building is practically empty.
It's eerily quiet. (I guess the good news is I don't have to worry about Ranger
disturbing the neighbors.)  The park is devoid of ethnic variety, except for Ranger and I.

Check out this video from the guy who interviewed me yesterday:

http://ianthomasash.blogspot.com/

But people are playing tennis in the park today.  And guys are working at the construction
site next to our apartment.  Trains are running intermittently due to scheduled blackouts
to conserve energy.  Yes, some of the grocery store shelves are empty, especially at the
International  Supermarket.  The produce section is fully stocked but they're short on
eggs, water, TP and meat.  But it's not like there's an angry mob out front trying to
bust down the doors.  There's not even a line.  Plus Russell and I have enough cans
of beans (refried, black and white) to last for a long time, not to mention rice and Cliff
bars and plenty of wine, even for us.

Starbucks is doing a bustling business and the bakery is fully stocked.  Hell, even
Baskin Robbin is open and it's 40 degrees outside.

What do these ex-pats know that we don't?  Why is everyone leaving?  The evacuation
area is still only 30 kilometers around the distressed power plant and we live 250
kilometers away.

Russell is working from home today because the train disruptions are exasperating
people's commuting time.  So they're allowing everyone to work from home.  Nissan
headquarters is open.  Businesses in my neighborhood are open and I live in the gaijin
ghetto, aka, ex-pat area.  And the best thing is, our neighbor showed me how to get the
local Japanese newscast translated into English.  Unlike CNN and BBC there's absolutely
NO sensationalism - just the facts.  In fact, it's almost boring.

The U.S. Embassy released this statement today:

From: American Embassy Tokyo [mailto:tokyoacs@state.gov]

Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2011 2:34 AM

Subject: Message to American Citizens from Ambassador John V. Roos

March 15, 2011 02:30

Today our hearts remain with our Japanese friends who, after suffering 

this devastating tragedy just four days ago, have to undertake recovery 

and reconstruction and address the ongoing nuclear emergency. 

We understand that many of you are anxious and have questions in the 

shadow of the Fukushima emergency, since we are in the midst of a complex, constantly changing, and unpredictable situation.  In this fluid situation, 

our commitment to our citizens is to accumulate accurate information and 

assess it sufficiently in order to make important judgments. 

Since the first reports of trouble with the reactors, American nuclear 

experts have worked around the clock to analyze data, monitor developments, 

and provide clear assessments on the potential dangers.  While at times 

we have had only limited access to information, I am personally committed 

to assuring that our experts have as much access and information as possible, 

and the necessary resources to understand the situation.  I have personally 

been deeply engaged in these efforts.

After a careful analysis of data, radiation levels, and damage assessments 

of all units at Fukushima, our experts are in agreement with the response 

and measures taken by Japanese technicians, including their recommended 

20kms radius for evacuation and additional shelter-in-place recommendations 

out to 30kms.

Let me also address reports of very low levels of radiation outside the 

evacuation area detected by U.S. and Japanese sensitive instrumentation.  

This bears very careful monitoring, which we are doing.  If we assess that 

the radiation poses a threat to public health, we will share that information 

and provide relevant guidance immediately.

The United States will continue to work around the clock to provide precise 

and up-to-date information supported by expert analysis to ensure the 

safety and security of our citizens and to help Japan in its time of 

great need.  U.S. citizens in need of emergency assistance should send 

an e-mail to JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov with detailed information about 

their location and contact information, and monitor the U.S. Department 

of State website at travel.state.gov.

Russell and I keep reassessing the situation.  If we leave there's no guarantee we
can bring Ranger and there's no one here to leave him with.  If we can bring Ranger
he won't be able to come back to Japan for another six months again.  Not ideal.  But
neither is radiation poisoning.   Nothing has changed with the nuclear reactor situation.
The evacuation area is still over 200 kilometers away from us.  Businesses in Tokyo
are open.

That said we have secured a car and a hotel room further south (Kyoto) just in case we
have to evacuate.  Frankly, I feel we would be safer staying put and sealing ourselves
into our apartment.  We already have supplies, food and water.

Plus the Maytag repairman is coming tomorrow to fix my washing machine.  No joke.