T+2 -- Moving Forward

2.5 days have now elapsed since the devastating 9.0 earthquake and tsunami hit the Tohoku region of Japan, and in the Kanto region life is slowly returning to normal.

The shaking continues, and we are experiencing aftershocks from time to time. However, the larger quakes appear to be subsiding for now.

Train services in the Tokyo area have resumed regularly-scheduled operation, with the exception of trains running to the Tohoku.

Planned power outages are still a consideration. Today at a press conference, the Trade and Industry Minister, Banri Kaieda, asked industrial sector businesses to reduce power consumption, and also that private citizens only use what is necessary. The earthquake occurred on Friday afternoon, and we have progressed through the weekend, but tomorrow would see the beginning of the work week, and a larger stress on power supply facilities as businesses resume operation.
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/13_30.html

Cold is still a concern in the Tohoku, but here in the Kanto we are seeing the gradual onset of spring weather. Today was quite warm, and it is not cooling off as quickly at night. I don't mind turning off the heater during the day, running it just sporadically at night, and putting on an extra t-shirt to stay warm. If more private electricity customers in the Tokyo area can be similarly flexible, and the industrial sector can adjust operations accordingly, then we can minimize the stress being put on an already stressed power infrastructure.

Right now, as I type, Prime Minister Kan is reiterating the message reduced power consumption, and the Trade/Industry Minister is back on stage repeating what he said earlier and what PM Kan just said. We've been asked more than once to reduce power consumption, so I just hope people listen. But from my experience here, regrettably, locals have to be told something several times before it sinks in.

Indeed, I am a bit surprised with the recent power concerns that businesses are continuing to maintain regular operating hours. Under the circumstances, it would not be a terrible thing for reduced hours to be implemented, even if places operate only primarily during the day when natural sunlight can be used for heating and a light source. Also, it would not be terrible for the heat to be turned down all around. I met a friend at the Doutor coffee shop today, and the coffee shop thermostat was set to Qatar Summer. We're sitting in Qatar Summer, and on NHK they are showing images of people at evacuation shelters crowded around outdoor barbecues, reporting that blankets and kerosene for the indoor heaters are in shortage.

It's official-- we are going to rolling outages as of tomorrow.

I've had e-mails from people asking if I need anything. It is kind of you to ask, but the answer is no, thank you. We still have running water, and power (minus the outages, for which we will know when those are occurring). I still have a roof over my head, and access to food.

I instead ask that you direct that help to the people of the North. At this time, physical items are not very helpful as delivery logistics are difficult. However, cash will help provide the things that are most needed there right now, such as kerosene, blankets, clothing, food, and water.
http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Japan-based-outside-Japan-donations-54168.S.46742801