Iwakuni Update Wed 4/6/11

Just to let you know we remain safe here in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. Radiation issues are NOT affecting this part of Japan AT ALL. In fact, really nowhere else in Japan is affected by radiation except for immediately around the Daiichi nuclear reactors. Of course this includes radioactive water found to be leaking into the Pacific Ocean, but hopefully that has now been permanently stopped (as of this writing), and most of what has leaked will dissipate into the vast Pacific with no harmful repercussions. Japanese scientists are carefully monitoring sealife at various distances from the reactors. Believe me when I say that no one takes this more seriously than Japan! Most, if not all of Japan's food comes from the waters surrounding this country, so all sources of food are very carefully & continuously being monitored. And remember, Japan has managed its own resources for thousands of years . . .

So, we continue to purchase and consume ALL our fresh foods from local Japanese markets. I believe the scientists and experts who say that radiation exists everywhere all over the globe - which has been occurring long before this disaster. What is happening here (as of right now) is not any higher than what we normally encounter in our daily lives. But of course the sooner the leakage is stopped, the better for everyone.

I'm ambivalent about the future of nuclear power at this point in time - unless we can solve the issue of where to safely store radioactive wastes that inevitably occur (even when there is NO disaster), remains a huge problem. But I do believe we ALL must start taking better care of our earth & conserve its precious resources. And we need to find safe, clean alternatives to power. I hope that the rest of the world's nuclear reactors will be checked and double-checked for possible defects and leakage. But remember, it was a "once in a thousand-years earthquake AND tsunami" that caused this reactor problem in Japan. I still wonder why SO many reactors are built near earthquake faults? Not only in Japan, but all around the world, including the US.

Sadly, inflated reports brought on by fear (real or imagined) are now causing irreparable damage to the tourist business on top of everything else Japan has suffered, causing yet another blow to Japan's economy. It's especially tragic right now, because the cherry blossoms are bursting forth all over the country and there's not a more delicately beautiful, fragrant sight in the world! So - if you've ever wanted to visit Japan during cherry season, there should be some great deals out there right now - amazing beauty awaits . . .