Message on the Great East Japan Earthquake
2011/09/21(Wed) 10:55
For all International students outside Japan
The city of Sendai, where Tohoku University is located, and the Tohoku region in general suffered severe damage from the Great East Japan Earthquake. However, Tohoku University remains steadfast, and is working positively toward reconstruction.
It may be difficult to obtain accurate information about conditions in Sendai and Tohoku University outside of Japan. In preparation for your trip, we will try to ease any concerns that may have been raised by inaccurate information, and provide reliable information about the living conditions in Sendai and the problems at the Fukushima nuclear plant.
1. Living Conditions in Sendai
The food and supply shortages that arose after the earthquake have nearly disappeared; sufficient food and supplies can be obtained just as before the earthquake. Supermarket hours are somewhat shorter than before, but the stores are operating normally. With a few exceptions, electricity, water and gas have been restored within the city. City public transportation is back to normal. City buses and trains are operating normally.
2. Fukushima Nuclear Plant
Sendai is well outside the voluntary evacuation area of 30km around the plant set by the Japanese government. According to monitoring of airborne radiation performed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), radiation levels have remained low and stable, and do not pose any health risk. For detailed monitoring results, please see the following websites.
-Tohoku University
-MEXT
Unfortunately, the problem at the plant itself has not been resolved, so we cannot say that the situation is 100% safe. However, at this time it poses no restrictions on everyday activities in Sendai.
We realize that many students overseas may feel uneasy about coming to Japan due to the media's (sometimes overwhelming) coverage of the incident. With aftershocks expected to continue for some time to come, there may be a certain amount of risk. However, as long as you can gather reliable information, and remain calm, your time here will be safe. We hope that you understand the above, and are looking forward to your trip to Japan.
5/9/2011
The city of Sendai, where Tohoku University is located, and the Tohoku region in general suffered severe damage from the Great East Japan Earthquake. However, Tohoku University remains steadfast, and is working positively toward reconstruction.
It may be difficult to obtain accurate information about conditions in Sendai and Tohoku University outside of Japan. In preparation for your trip, we will try to ease any concerns that may have been raised by inaccurate information, and provide reliable information about the living conditions in Sendai and the problems at the Fukushima nuclear plant.
1. Living Conditions in Sendai
The food and supply shortages that arose after the earthquake have nearly disappeared; sufficient food and supplies can be obtained just as before the earthquake. Supermarket hours are somewhat shorter than before, but the stores are operating normally. With a few exceptions, electricity, water and gas have been restored within the city. City public transportation is back to normal. City buses and trains are operating normally.
2. Fukushima Nuclear Plant
Sendai is well outside the voluntary evacuation area of 30km around the plant set by the Japanese government. According to monitoring of airborne radiation performed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), radiation levels have remained low and stable, and do not pose any health risk. For detailed monitoring results, please see the following websites.
-Tohoku University
-MEXT
Unfortunately, the problem at the plant itself has not been resolved, so we cannot say that the situation is 100% safe. However, at this time it poses no restrictions on everyday activities in Sendai.
We realize that many students overseas may feel uneasy about coming to Japan due to the media's (sometimes overwhelming) coverage of the incident. With aftershocks expected to continue for some time to come, there may be a certain amount of risk. However, as long as you can gather reliable information, and remain calm, your time here will be safe. We hope that you understand the above, and are looking forward to your trip to Japan.
5/9/2011
