worldstallestpygmy: March 2011

Some strange “rationing”

As a result of the 11 March 2011 earthquake most of the supermarkets and conbini (convenient stores) in the local area are low on stock (mainly due to delivery and servicing difficulties).

While some of the standard items you would expect to be in short supply, like bread and milk, are being “voluntarily” rationed (that is, supermarkets only have limited stock and are restricting peoples access). Some unexpected items, like toilet paper, are also being rationed with most of my local stores limiting people to one packet of toilet paper per transaction. Good thing I'm not eating anything.

Following the detection of radioactive contamination in the Tokyo water supply local media reported this evening that supermarkets are now limiting the amount of water that shoppers can purchase.

1:58 AM | Category: Living in Japan | 0 comments

11 March 2011

On 11 March 2011 a magnitude 8.9 earthquake shook the main island of Japan (Honshu) generating a huge tsunami of, reportedly, over 14 metres in height at locations along the Pacific ocean coast.

In the week and a half since the major quake there have been numerous aftershocks and ongoing concerns over nuclear contamination from the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

Recent reports indicate that over 25,000 people died in the earthquake and subsequent tsunami (though that figure is expected to rise). Tokyo is amazingly quiet with many people having left the city and now that radiation has been detected in food, milk and drinking water it is likely that Japanese people (and those in Tokyo) will be further on edge.

Details from the Japanese meteorological agency regarding the earthquake are below.

Date and Time: 11 March 2011 14:46 JST (05:46 UTC)

Magnitude: 9.0 (interim value; the largest earthquake recorded in Japan)

Hypocenter: N38.1, E142.9 (130km ESE off Ojika Peninsula) Depth 24km (interim value)

Mechanism: Reverse fault type with WNW-ESE compressional axis (by CMT analysis)

JMA Seismic Intensity: 7 (Max) Kurihara City of Miyagi Prefecture

6+ 28 cities and towns (including Wakuya Town, Tome City, Osaki City, Natori City) in Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki, and Tochigi Prefectures

6- or weaker Observed nationwide from Hokkaido to Kyushu

Tsunami Warnings and Advisories: Issued 11 March 2011 14:49 JST (05:49 UTC)

Lifted 13 March 2011 17:58 JST (08:49 UTC)

Observed Tsunami: 7.3m or higher at Soma (Fukushima Pref.), 4.2m at Oarai (Ibaraki Pref.), etc

1:56 AM | Category: Living in Japan | 0 comments

Ueno Toshogu shrine

Just beside the Ueno zoo is the Ueno Toshogu Shrine. This shrine was built in the early 16th century and is one of a number of shrines across the Japan dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo Shogunate.

A pathway with 256 bronze and stone lanterns on either side leads up to the temple with the copper lanterns being gifts of various Daimyos.

The grounds of the temple also contain a Hiroshima flame that was said to have been lit originally by a relative of victims of the Hiroshima atomic bombing from the flames at their home.

Part of the folklore surrounding the temple is that the two dragons carved on the front gate are said to be so lifelike they go drink at the temple pond every night.

There is also a wall containing wooden pallets where people have inscribed their best wishes and hopes.

2:53 PM | Category: Living in Japan | 0 comments

Best Ramen?

Located just a short walk from home is this Ramen restaurant. I walk past this building a couple of times a week and there is always a queue out the front. One day I’m going to have to get there early and try it out.

11:32 AM | Category: Living in Japan | 0 comments

Tokyo National Museum

On a wonderful spring day (well the last days of winter) we visited the Tokyo National Museum. Located in Ueno park the museum houses a number of different collections in several building including the Japanese gallery, the Asian gallery and the gallery of treasures.

After having a coffee in the sun and soaking up the warmth we visited the Japanese gallery. The gallery includes displays of pottery, lacquer ware and samurai artefacts.