29th March 2011
We are open.
On 11 March, a huge earthquake occurred of the North East coast of Japan, and this and the tsunami it triggered devasted coastal areas of North East Japan. Over 20,000 people have died and many more are homeless. Through the [Hotel and Ryokan Association of Ueno] we are contributing to the relief effort, and we would urge you to contribute through the fund-raising in your country.
Though we felt the earthquake in Tokyo, there was only one fatal incident and no material damage. We along with every other business in Tokyo are undamaged and open.
It would be wrong to say Tokyo was not affected:
· Power saving: In the first week after the quake, there were severe restrictions on rail travel, planned power outages, businesses shut early and other power saving measures. As the second week after the quake draws to a close, there effects much reduced. Rail travel is back to near its Japanese best. Businesses are opening longer hours. Power cuts are reducing (we did not suffer a power cut, nor are we expecting one – we are only 100m from a major general hospital).
· Aftershocks: There have been aftershocks from the quake. These though have largely died down, and (in one of the few positive things that can be taken from the day), March 11 showed that Tokyo could take quite a sever shake unharmed.
· Fukushima: The tsunami also caused the on-going incident at the Fukushima power station, 200km (140 miles) from Tokyo. The incident affects those close the plant, and though there maybe issues for long-term residents further afield (and these are being addressed by the Japanese government), we understand from our government, the WHO and the many international websites we have looked at that there are no issues for visitors to Tokyo.
However, a city of [14m] cannot stop and it would add to the senseless loss if it did. We are resigned to having less visitors this year in Tokyo than usual, but for those that come, there will be more space, and even more of a welcome than usual.
Spring is perhaps the nicest time of year in Tokyo. We are expecting the cherry blossoms soon. Please come and share them with us!
