Various friends have been reaching out to me to ask if I was impacted by the huge earthquake on the west coast of Japan. While there has been no real impact near me, I was surprised that I felt it strongly considering I live all the way on the other side of the country, in Tokyo. At my house it was mainly a matter of swaying ceiling lights. It was obvious. And long. But not very strong here.

The fact it could be felt here though is an indication of what it must have been like near the epicenter. And it’s actually looking worse than first reported, in the hardest-hit area. See this article for example: Japan in ‘battle against time’ to rescue New Year’s Day quake survivors

Pao did react to the earthquake.

We are in the middle of the new year holiday, and planning hatsumoude (first shrine visit of the year) this afternoon, and then again on Thursday when some friends visit.

I hope everyone has a good new year – a better one than the start here in Japan. Be well and stay safe.