Nuclear Power Plant Update . . .

Wed AM - Yesterday morning I woke up to news of another reactor explosion (the third) and they thought this one “might be” the worst possible scenario, but the news remained cautious all day as the fire extinguished naturally. Cooling by seawater continues & all efforts are being made to prevent major radiation disaster. Evacuation area keeps growing wider however, and some of the nearby bases are on alert, but not yet evacuated. We’re receiving live news 24/7 in English from several different countries, so we are well informed. I’ve noticed that all major US networks have now deployed newscasters here in Japan, but keep in mind that (I’m sorry to say) some US shows prefer to incite fear. and But certainly people are anxious. We remain very safe here – 700 miles to the south & west - especially as long as the wind continues to blow from west to east across Japan and out into the vast Pacific where it’s said to dissipate. US military ships that were in the sea east of the affected areas helping with humanitarian efforts have had to move out of harm's way.

Earlier this morning, there was another explosion and fire in one of the reactors in the same location as yesterday, but I understand that this fire is also now extinguished. A Japanese scientist has said that this nuclear problem at Fukushima is nowhere near a "Chernobyl situation" because all the reactors in Japan in the earthquake area were automatically shut off when the major earthquake occurred, which makes it much less risk of radiation exposure. This morning’s fire is being reported as a hydrogen explosion as well. The radiation level is reported as high in the immediate area, so it is difficult for workers to stay in the area very long. I fear that the 50 brave Japanese workers who remain have indeed agreed to become Japanese heroes . . .

We're constantly receiving very detailed, scientific information provided on Japanese TV – (as well as on BCC World) . . . The Japanese government seems very open about releasing ongoing information, but the information is also very cautious. It is important for the public to remain calm. Fear of radiation exposure & sickness is a very sensitive subject, as many citizens are still living who survived the atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki and remember well that horror.

I remain confident that Japan (if anyone can!) WILL be able to solve this nuclear issue without major radiation disaster. Japan has been successfully using nuclear power for 40 years – without previous incident - and successfully providing more than 1/3 of the power to this country. As is the norm across Japanese culture, I believe the nuclear power plant workers here are also professional, competent and conscientious, so I remain encouraged. Please try not to worry! We are still fine.