MESSAGE FROM KIYO AIZAWA, AIM FRIEND AND ASSOCIATE IN JAPAN

We survived safely in spite of incredible and inexperienced shaking, although some material damages for glasses, plates and pots etc.
were unavoidable at our home.
The earthquake of unusual level of 9.0 magnitude originated about 300km north of Tokyo, yet we suffered from a serious disruption in transportation system, required for safety check and went on out of service until next day. Massive commuters in center of Tokyo were obliged to walk a long way back home or stay for overnight at work places. Luckily, we stayed at our home at the time of incidence.
Now, we are confronted with a serious concern about spread of radioactive owing to damages of nuclear power plant, at some 250km
distance north-east from Tokyo. We still need watch carefully further development.
Further, we encounter with short supply of electricity (reportedly 25% reduction of supply capacity due to quake damages). It started from yesterday morning to implement electric power sharing program by
suspending electricity service couple hours a day in rotation by region and time zone. It caused quite serious confusion for railway operation, retail services and industrial activities.
Most schools and retail outlets went on closing yesterday.
Stock exchange market yesterday and today marked a significant dip consecutively. Everything so far appears unpredictable.
We hope to keep ourselves a positive attitude for an early return to normal life as soon as possible, but at the same time we realize a need for good patience to tackle the confronted difficulties ahead.
Best personal regards,
Kiyo