Please visit Japan!! Japan is SAFE!

On March 11, East Japan was hit by one of the greatest earthquakes recorded in
history. Towns of East Tohoku regions were devastated by the Tsunami caused by the
earthquake. More than 14000 people lost their lives, and more than 10000 people are
still missing. Japan has always been prone to earthquake. However, due to the
unprecedented force of Tsunami, power shortage and consequent radiation leak occurred
at Fukushima nuclear plants. This catastrophe is affecting Japanese economy badly,
which had been on the process of recovery.
I recently visited Kyoto to see cherry blossoms at full bloom. However, I was
shocked that there were so few tourists around. I only saw several groups of visitors
from abroad.
I know nuclear issues are broadcasted as catastrophic in news abroad. It is true that
people living very close to the nuclear plants (20~30km, 12.5~18.7miles: April, 2011)
are ordered to evacuate. However, please look at the map of Japan. Fukushima
prefecture is located in North East Japan. It is more than 200km (130 miles) away from
Tokyo. It is about 600 km (375 miles) away from Kyoto and Osaka. It is more than
1000km (625 miles) away from Hakata. It is also about 600 km (375 miles) away from
Sapporo, which is located in North Japan. (Distance approximate)
Life in the area away from epicenter is going on as usual. Aftershocks have now
mostly subsided. Japan is SAFE. We need tourists from abroad to help us recover. Two
year ago, I published “Japan Magic” here on Scribd. It was about “virtual tour” of
Japan. But now, Japan needs you. Beauty in Japan is not lost by this earthquake.
Beautiful and exciting places of Japan are waiting for you to visit. As the author of
“Japan Magic,” I want to emphasize: Please visit Japan!!
Thank you for reading. I’m looking forward to seeing you, readers, here in Japan.

April 26, 2011 Japan