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Current Affairs

Mar 16 2011 29 Comments

Panic buying, but not panic, in Tokyo

A violent jolt early yesterday, and another worrying shake last night, were a stark reminder that aftershocks are still a real threat, but the continuing uncertainty surrounding Fukushima’s nuclear plant is now arguably an even bigger fear — especially so as radiation, regardless of how negligible, was detected in the capital.

Not that there is any panic. Quite the opposite in fact. Even with the implementation of rolling blackouts. And, as I mentioned yesterday, there is a genuine feeling of camaraderie, with Tokyo far friendlier than it usually is.

Until that is it comes to necessities, then, even though it is done with the minimum amount of fuss, and the utmost politeness, it’s every man and woman for themselves. Meaning rice is now a rarity, as, perhaps more surprisingly, is bread. There is simply none to be had.

empty shelves in Tokyo supermarket

Apart from the really crap stuff.

empty shelves in Tokyo supermarket

Which even those in a hoarding panic won’t purchase.

empty shelves in Tokyo supermarket

And it’s the same with milk.

empty shelves in Tokyo supermarket

Some vegetables and fruit.

empty shelves in Tokyo supermarket

Plus without a doubt, instant noodles. They were the very first to go. All of which isn’t life threatening, and in many ways is merely a minor hindrance, but it does add to the growing sense of unease. Probably further panic buying too.

empty shelves in Tokyo supermarket

Categorized: Current Affairs, Food and Drink

Mar 15 2011 14 Comments

Tokyo after the earthquake

No doubt due to the uncertainty surrounding the increasingly worrying state of the nuclear plant in Fukushima, panic buying has started in Tokyo, with instant noodles in particular all but gone from supermarket shelves. And where I live at least, there’s no point even queuing for fuel anymore, as the petrol stations have not only sold out, but simply closed.

Add into this mix the confusion of scheduled blackouts which all but haven’t happened, but are causing un-Tokyo-like transportation chaos, and it could well be a recipe for upheaval, or at the very least unrest.

Yet it’s not. Far from it in fact. Instead, everyone is going about their business, or at least trying to do, in a calm, dignified manner.

And, for a city that can certainly be very frosty, it’s noticeably more friendly. Nods, smiles and the odd konichi-wa are suddenly commonplace, with a definite feeling of, ‘we are all in this together’, now prominent.

Plus, were once the presence of others would be merely put up with, it’s now happily embraced — sought out even.

Tokyo after the earthquake

Of course it won’t last. No matter how much I wish it would. But it’s incredibly nice nonetheless.

Categorized: Current Affairs, Photography

Mar 13 2011 12 Comments

Tokyo mourns

Blackouts may well be starting from tomorrow, and petrol is suddenly at a premium, but in many ways it was business as usual in Tokyo today; trains were running, shops opened and people were out and about doing whatever it is they do.

That said, everything was understandably subdued, with the horrible events further north never really far away. And, at a fire walking festival that perhaps surprisingly went ahead, but at the same time offered those there a welcome break, prayers that would have otherwise been directed elsewhere, were focused solely on those who have tragically lost their lives, or loved ones.

A gesture that, even for those not religious like myself, was incredibly poignant, and a stark reminder of just how lucky we were in this massive city of millions.

Tokyo after the quake

Categorized: Current Affairs, Photography, Religion

Mar 12 2011 30 Comments

Japan earthquake

In Tokyo, apart from some serious shaking, we were mostly lucky, but in other parts of Japan the devastation is awful — horribly so in many areas.

For coverage, however, all I can offer I’m afraid is my Twitter feed.

Categorized: Current Affairs

Feb 03 2011 12 Comments

Homeless in Ginza

Due to Japan’s extended economic stagnation, and the gradual transformation of the job for life into a temporary post for an unspecified period, the myth of all Japanese being middle-class is rapidly unravelling. A growing gap between the haves and the have nots that could potentially threaten the country’s famed cohesiveness.

And the consequences of these changes aren’t difficult to find, as merely walking through any of Tokyo’s parks, or along its rivers, exposes those very much at the bottom of the pile; the myriad of blue-sheeted shelters and commandeered benches highlighting the city’s growing number homeless.

Yet as sad a sight as these encampments are, seeing someone destitute in Tokyo’s uber-expensive and brand centred Ginza district, really emphasises the growing gulf in Japanese society.

Tokyo homeless

Categorized: Current Affairs, Photography

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