Been on the telephone and internet chatting to friends in Tokyo and the surrounding area. Mixed feelings there. Some are staying put, reassuring themselves in various ways that the situation is not one which requires evacuation. Others have taken the decision to leave and head further west in Japan, to wait out the situation, or with intentions of heading out of the country.
What would you do?
Here on this island (CHICHIJIMA), we lie 1000 kilometres south of Tokyo.
This island is so physically removed from Tokyo and the main island of Honshu that it would seem unaffected by unfolding events to the north.
However, the one boat (25 hour journey) which connects Tokyo is the only way in or out of here. There is no airport.
The boat which comes an average of once a week is a lifeline to the people living here. Every week when the boat brings in the fresh produce, it's mostly snapped up the same day.
Local agriculture, fruits included, are surprisingly limited. Even locally caught fish is not profuse by any means. (Reasons and solutions to this need definitely, not only discussed, but acted upon.)
So what does this mean in light of current unfolding events?
The boat arrived late last night, instead of Monday, meaning the food was out on the shelves two days later than was expected. Bearing in mind that people are timing their provisions and stocks according to the boat schedule, this would have already created problems.
This morning too, as the produce was unpacked in the island's 3 shops, it was as quickly placed in the shopping baskets of those lucky enough to be there to do so. What of the elderly, those working, child minding or with other responsibilities who couldn't make their way to the shops?
The boat is due to leave tomorrow and return again on Sunday.
In light of food shortages and panic buying in and around Tokyo, in light of the current nuclear dilemma, in light of there being much more needy people in the areas completely obliterated by the earthquake and tsunami, whether the boat will keep to it's schedule is something to wait and see.
Whether the boat should stick to it's predetermined route, or dock in a more westerly city such as Osaka or Nagoya, is also worth considering. Whether this is being considered or not is unknown.
As for now, this morning here we are busy readying the first of many spaces to grow fresh produce.
The owner of the land on which I'm living is also busy doing the same thing.
Two days ago we created an earth oven, which, with a little wood we can cook slowly and efficiently.
On Friday there will be a live music event in the village.
Donations will be collected and sent to those worst hit by last week's events.
To all those in or near the affected areas, much love and best wishes.
