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.
Apart from the really crap stuff.
Which even those in a hoarding panic won’t purchase.
And it’s the same with milk.
Some vegetables and fruit.
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.
andra says
i think i would do the same: stock up like it’s doomsday. it’s irrational, but then again when has human nature really been rational? it’s the “what if”s hanging above one’s head that really trigger the panic. especially if one has to take care of a family (involving blissfully unaware kids and senselessly anxious elders).
the lucky ones are those that don’t have big appetites to satisfy.
and about the radiation stuff: hey, i was born during Chernobyl, and i’m still around! and there’s no comparing russia with japan! (in a good way for the latter).
DougE says
Wow, never expected to see that in Tokyo!
ameiji says
Orange and “brazilian coffe” milk… hmm… I’d like to give ’em a try. Considering the situation of course. @andra: it’s in Ukraine 😉
andra says
USSR at the time. not much of a difference to me.
Alain says
panic is understanding, hopefully temporary image
Lee says
Yeah, hopefully it’ll settle down soon.
Mr. S. says
The panic is a mild panic in outer Tokyo where I am, but it is nothing like the panic in identical circumstances I could expect in Toronto. Imagine a 9.0 earthquake with Rochester as the epicentre, several metres of Lake Ontario washing up to St. Clair Avenue, and all the nuclear plants in Ontario going bust? You wouldn’t be safe barricaded in your own cellar! The mildly annoying interactions were the pushy ‘obatarian’, and that nobody helped the elderly man in a wheelchair. Sadly, both standard on an unexceptional day in Tokyo. The old here I do not blame for their pushiness in the grocery, as they can remember childhood hunger. As for the old man in the wheelchair, he got around well enough. I kept an eye to helping him but soon realized I’d cause him more inconvenience in communication than help I could offer. Still, some halfwit among the staff in Yokado should have stepped up.
Lee says
That’s a shame. Poor old fella. But yeah, the ‘panic’ is very calm if that makes any sense. Certainly strange times, aren’t they?
domo. says
what is that pastery that remains untouched?
Lee says
I think they are chocolate chip bread sticks. Or at least something like that.
El-Branden says
Domo, no doubt it is a disgusting sausage, covered in mayonnaise, wrapped in flaky pastry. Quite inedible.!
Mr. S. says
You kidding? That was gone first! No accounting for my wife’s taste…
El-Branden says
…Or perhaps, a sweet corn mayonnaise donut.
Marc T says
Donuts & OJ remain. I am obviously not in Tokyo at this time!
Lee says
Haha! An opportunity missed!
domo. says
El-Braden, I understand the level of disgust, but I thought this kind of pastry is a staple in Japanese convenience stores (at least the ones here in China anyways)!
asep says
very nice people in japan.
Tiger Tsuki says
In a similar situation in the US, it would be milk, bread and toilet paper that would be gone!
Lee says
Actually, some places are apparently short on toilet paper too…
Linette says
Sorry to be so dense, but are the stores empty because people are buying in excess or because of the logistics of getting food distributed after an earthquake/tsunami? Or both? Is it like this all over the country? In the news here, it shows no food, water, roads, power… everything really was obliterated in the northern prefectures, especially Miyagi Prefecture, so are all the supplies being diverted to them? The news is also showing food being brought in by other countries. But people are starving in the North and there’s not much in Tokyo, so where the heck is all the food?
Lee says
From what I can see/understand, there is no real food supply problem in Tokyo. The problem is people hoarding rather than merely buying want they need. If everyone shopped sensibly, I suspect things would be pretty much normal.
Linette says
Gotcha. Now that I think back, the same hoarding happened here in America after 9/11. It lasted about two weeks and then slowly – very slowly – got back to normal. Thanks for continuing your work!
Mike in Tokyo Rogers says
Wonderful work, Lee! I mentioned you today: http://modernmarketingjapan.blogspot.com/2011/03/letters-from-tokyo-vol-2.html
Keep up the great work!
Lee says
Cheers Mike!
winnie says
Hi, I have been visiting your blog since 2009. I like the photographs as it like a photo speaks a thousand words.
It had been a dream for me to live in Japan. And last year my husband was transferred to Tokyo, Japan.
My daughter and I were so happy. So together we had lived in Tokyo since Last June. Although Tokyo is not as like Kyoto which have serene feeling, it is an interesting and happening place.
Since the earthquake and Tsunami happened and now is the radiation cause all panic all around Japan.
Many people have away from Tokyo too.
Our family are staying put.
The supermarket , Lawson, many other stores , selling the bread, rice, water, toilet roll fast and finally empty. My nearby supermarket has put One per person notice for rice, mineral water and even toilet roll. Or else it really gone fast.
As long as the people don’t overbuy, it should be enough.
Hope every things will go well in Japan.
I will continue to visit your blog.
Thank you.
Lee says
Thanks Winnie. Glad to hear it to. There are still plenty of us left that’s for sure.
I agree completely. There isn’t so much a shortage, just people buying too much. Hopefully that’ll stop soon.
Look after yourself, and your family.
artchess says
My deep sorrow for Japan after the Tsunami is overpowered by respect [which i always had] for the way all the citizens which are part of the state have reacted and are tying to cope with the BIG PROBLEMS AHEAD.I hope and pray for the minimum damage from the reactors as things have turned out.I propose to the emperor and the prime-minister of Japan to open a window of truth for the future so the companies cannot lie to the public in return for higher profits.What will they do with the money when they kick the bucket and have killed innocent people in return?
Elementary my dear Watson, as SHERLOCK Holmes says.
p.s.Enlightened thoughts,wise decisions .
momo says
Better safe than sorry.
ai says
Great posts. I’m living in China and have been worried about my family in Tokyo since I’ve been getting texts from friends (not in Japan) spreading doom and panic from whatever sensationalist sources they’re reading, watching, listening to. It’s hard to think calmly when others are reveling in the drama of the situation; fear induced behaviour causes more problems I think. My mum is asking everyone she knows to prepare some stuff but stop panic hoarding in large amounts.