Page Administrator: Kunio D. KIKUCHI
March 15, 2011
Many of you have seen through the media, scenes of devastation from the Magnitude 9.0 Earthquake that occurred at 2:46 p.m. (0:46 a.m. EST) Tokyo Time on Friday March 11. The quake centered in the Pacific Ocean about 120 km off the coast of Sendai City, 350 km North of Tokyo. A series of massive tsunamis devastated a 450km stretch of the Pacific Coast to the North of Tokyo, claiming over 11,000 lives with another 10,000 people unaccounted for. Over 300,000 people sought safety in evacuation centers. In addition, more than 200,000 residents were evacuated to avoid possible exposure to radiation from a major coastal nuclear power station damaged by the tsunami. While Tokyo escaped major damage, life is far from normal because so many have friends and relatives severely impacted by the disaster.
I am inviting/requesting 1818 Society Japan Chapter Members and all 1818 Society Members everywhere to share their experiences and thoughts on these pages.
Please keep one of our recent retirees (Kayo Nagasaki) in your prayers. She returned to Japan to visit her family just before the disaster struck and is still caught there. She has been in contact but things are extremely difficult there. If there is any help that is being extended, please let me know and I’ll send her contact information.
Thanks.
By: Cleopatra Islar on April 6, 2011
at 2:55 pm
March 20: Update on Japan OFFICIAL NOTICE
Date: March 20, 2011 – 10:40
Sponsor: Office of the Vice President (EXTVP)
As announced earlier, several of our staff have chosen to relocate temporarily to Kobe, while others elected to remain in Tokyo or its vicinity.
Our Health Services Department (HSD) has discussed the recent news of food and water radiation contamination with our colleagues in Japan and provided its recommendations. Our colleagues, Kazu Taniguchi (in Tokyo) and Mika Iwasaki (in Kobe) report that staff are taking the news calmly. HSD will continue to update its site with relevant information.
Given the evolution of the situation, the following decisions have been taken, in concert with our colleagues in Japan:
The Tokyo office will open on Tuesday, with limited functionality. Voluntary relocation, as well as telecommuting, remain options for staff who feel more comfortable working remotely.
Restrictions on transit travel through Narita airport have been lifted. Please note that there will be no outside the airport layovers or rest stops.
All mission travel remains suspended until further notice.
We continue to monitor the situation closely and will adapt our decisions based on the situation on the ground.
We also want to remind you that you can help by contributing to the Japan Disaster Relief through eGive.
Caroline Anstey, EXTVP
on behalf of the WBG Emergency Management Team
By: Kunio D KIKUCHI on March 22, 2011
at 12:33 pm
Dear Shiva,
I, as a representative of members (President) of Japan Chapter, appreciate your cordial
concerns caused by the March 11, 2011 Great NE Japan Earthquake and monster Tsunami that devastated large coastal areas North and South of the city of Sendai
We, Japan Chapter donated 10% of our accumulated member fee to the one of the
most credible and reliable NGO, Civic Force (http://civic-force.org/english/index.html) which is already aggressively helping victims in the eastern regions in Japan.
Even my house which is about 480 miles away from Sendai (120 miles from the
epicenter), experienced big rolling vibrations for approx. 10-15 minutes.
After 10 days, even now (March 21st, 2011), we are experiencing aftershocks big and small.
After 10 days, even now (March 21st, 2011), we are experiencing occasional
aftershocks, big and small.
Luckily, all of our Japan Chapter members are living West side of Tokyo and
so far, I did not hear any specific damage of our members and their
families. however, my two grandsons moved from Tokyo
to Kure city 1,000 Km west of Tokyo, because of fears of radiation from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power station.
In any case, I will transfer your heartfelt message to our members through
e-mail and on our website instantly.
Thank you for your warm and timely e-mail, again.
Masa
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Regards,
Masayoshi TAKAHASHI
By: masayoshi TAKAHASHI on March 21, 2011
at 5:59 pm
My deepest condolences to all the Japanese and other peoples affected by this dual tragedy. You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. May the threat of radiation poisoning be overcome soon.
I’m honored to make a contribution to the Japanese Relief Society.
By: Athena McEwan on March 18, 2011
at 5:16 pm