Posted by This post is (and will probably continue) to be found by many who are searching Google for advice to help them decide whether to leave Japan or not. So please, if you are reading this, do add your vote and leave your opinion below to let people understand the gravity of the situation.
Update from me as of May 15, 2011:
It’s been two months since the disaster, and we now know that reactor #1 of the Fukushima number 1 nuclear plant has undergone a complete meltdown! They said it wouldn’t and now we know that it already had. It’s now known that the situation is worse than that of Chernobyl, with radiation still spewing out into the air, groundwater and the ocean. Food contamination has spread out from the north to far south of Tokyo. For those with common sense, it’s time to get the message.
Well, I logged in to post a quick update from my side. I’ve decided a few weeks ago to leave Tokyo and return home. This is probably the biggest decision of my life, one that will turn my life in a totally new, unknown and uncertain direction. Ironically, here on Secrets of Success, the end of this month is going to mark the beginning of a totally new journey for me, a journey I am determined to make a successful one. How the upcoming months and years are going to unfold will become a real life track record of how someone could start afresh and make success of his/her life. Over the next month or so, I’ll be totally tied up with quitting my job, moving out of the country in which I have spent a quarter of my life, settling back in my home country, and starting all over again on a new road to new successes. Bear up with me for another few weeks as this site remains silent. I’m going to be back with a bang!
—- End of Update —-
Update from me as of April 17, 2011:
I am back to Japan. It’s been more than a month since the disaster, and things are not looking very rosy here.
Tokyo appears must thinly populated now. People seem to be lost in their own world, mentally tired from the crisis. There is lack of trust in the tap water, though they say it is safe to take in the small amounts of radioactive iodine present in it. Tell me, since when did ingesting radioactive material become “normal” for humans? Is “no immediate health problems/death” the new meaning of the word normal?
Sale of packaged water is limited to 1 bottle of 2 liters per shopper per day (though there are ways around it). That means you need to go shopping everyday for water, hunting for shops that still have stock that day (The shelves are mostly empty by the time you come home from office, except for the smaller and expensive bottles). Fears of consuming contaminated food, continued aftershocks, and uncertainty of further impact from the nuclear problem are a way of life here.
Should I continue to be in Japan, considering the long term risks arising from the continued radiations? I have some intuition, and I trust that I will get more guidance from the universe soon.
—- End of Update —-
Update from me as of April 9, 2011:
I have decided that I will return to Japan by myself and leave my family back home. I will be flying tomorrow.
I’ve heard that day-to-day life is a little bit different there, with people mentally tired from the crisis and trying to cope up with power cuts, lack of trust in the tap water, making arrangements for packaged water for daily use, fears of consuming contaminated food, continued aftershocks, and uncertainty of further impact from the nuclear problem.
I’m not sure about my upcoming moves, but I’m contemplating on taking some difficult and important decisions in the next few months.
So that’s it from me for now, and I’ll try to get back into the rhythm once I’ve settled into the new routine in Tokyo.
—- End of Update —-
Update from me as of April 4, 2011:
It’s been an uncertain span of over three weeks, reading between the lines of news releases and calling up friends so as to formulate my own “well-informed” opinion of what could be the true situation in Tokyo, while authorities continued to show the world a rosy picture.
Just today it was announced in the news that the Japanese government withheld the release of computer projections indicating high levels of radioactivity in areas more than 30 kilometers (which was the official evacuation zone limit). This came as no surprise, considering their earlier reputation and also the fact that NGO organization GreenPeace had already released factual data to that effect last week which was denied by government officials then. So much for the rosy picture!
What next? They say that the radiation levels are decreasing, but the uncertainty remains. There are some important decisions that I need to take, including one within the next day or two – whether to travel back to Japan with my family or not.
—- End of Update —-
Update from me as of March 17, 16:30 JST (15:30 Singapore Time):
Friends, many thanks for all your prayers and advice. I am out of Japan. Still a long way from reaching home, but out of any nuclear threats. Let’s pray for the well-being of those who are still stuck in the danger zone, and, for the situation to improve soon or that people may find the grace, courage and guidance to leave the country while they still can.
—- End of Update —-
Quick update from me as of March 16, 18:30 JST:
I am risking my 7-figure income job and leaving Japan for a few weeks. That should tell you something about the gravity of the situation in Tokyo. Many companies have called their employees back, and even booked tickets for them. My firm has asked everyone to stay back, as the situation is not an emergency yet. But, as many people said in the comments too, if (God forbid) it ever reaches an emergency state, there will be no way out. My tickets are booked for tomorrow, and I am leaving against my company’s wish. My advise to people is that they should strongly consider moving out of the country for at least a few days.
—- End of Update —-
There’s a lot to say, but very little time to take care of everything while constantly keeping a watch on as much news as I can, in this extremely busy and critical time.
I’ll assume you are already aware of the details related to the Japan Nuclear Emergency Crisis that followed the massive earthquake noted to be the largest one Japan has faced since record keeping began 140 years ago, and the tsunami that followed after that.
I’m here in Tokyo, with my wife and toddler son, and the last four days have been eventful and stressful, to say the least.
Amidst speculations of a nuclear meltdown, and foreigners leaving Japan, while at the same time reading some updates that state that the crisis is not as critical as being feared, I write this quick post to ask for your advice and opinion to help me take an important decision.
Given the current state of affairs, do you think foreigners living in Tokyo (more specifically, I) should leave the country?
Keeping in mind that Tokyo is 240 kms south of the critical nuclear plants, please take the below poll and help me decide whether I should leave Japan:
Loading ...You opinion means a lot!
After voting above, if you could take an additional moment and leave a comment below to express your view(s), that would be of great help.
Thanking you in advance,
Mark
Hi Mark,
sorry to hear that you are in such a jam. I have been watching the news, but you probably have a better idea of what is going on than we have here in Europe. Anyway, I think there is no chance of nuclear disaster over something like this, japan has been and will be the number one implement of anti-earthquake measures, so there is no worry, they had earthquakes in mind when they build that thing as they did when their built everything else.
Hi Mark:
All this depends on you and your wife’s decision. Because you have to be satisfied with what ever you do for yourself. All decisions made by you are your own and you will not feel as bad following it. Whatever has to happen will happen, any ways. It is your satisfaction that counts.
So write all the negatives and positive in two list, follow which ever is
empowering you. This is the scientific and methodical way of deciding. As every fact is in front of you in black and white and you will choose what works the best for you. If you are there for vacation, the it is better to leave now. If it has financial gain or any other move, write your benefits and and choose.
Be strong and feel it is your life and you have to come up with the right decision and decide.
Take good care of yourself, and if you have any fear, as situation is pretty grim, think about leaving and its consequences.
If you think life and family is all you care for leave right now, you will not lose anything, as you got what you wanted.
Fran A
Wow,
I had no idea you were there now. I think you are probably safe in Tokyo, but unless your need to be there is dire, I would be on the safe side and leave. At least send the family out.
I think Tokyo is far enough away that there should be no worries of “meltdown” directly affecting the inhabitants, I just would just worry about the long terms effects of possible fallout, and water basin contamination.
That is the type of stuff you can never be sure if it was even contributory to any later cancer or sickness. I wouldn’t make a “grab your stuff and run for the hills” level of worry, but if possible…get out and be on the safe side.
By the time they declare an actual emergency it may be too late.
If you have to be there for work/money at least get your wife and daughter out since if something happened I am sure you would never forgive yourself.
Regardless, good luck to you Mark and stay safe!
I don’t know you at all, but YES. Leave!
We just flew my brother in-law and his japanese fiance out of there last night. Three reactors are melting down so far, radiation is already leaking. What is there to “wait and see” about? They can’t practically evacuate Tokyo. There’s absolutely nowhere for 13 million people to go, so they’ll never make that announcement. If they did evacuate, you’d never get a flight (if there were any at that point), and the trains and roads heading east/south would be overwhelmed. If you have the resources and a place to go, why in the world would you stick around and wait to find out whether or not you’re going to get radiation poisoning? At least get your family out of there for a week. Book a round-trip ticket now, and get to the airport.
If I’m wrong, you wasted about $2-3k and a week of your time. If the worst case does happen? Pretty easy decision if you ask me.
As time goes by, the dangers become greater, clean water, power outages, fresh food. It would be better to travel by all means neccassary, to a nearby country.
Contact your Congressman, the U.S. Embassy, use social media.
COME HOME!
Delivered By Smoking Gun Marketing
Hey Mark, as I am not there myself, I would be loathe to advising you. And even if I were there, it’s not your head, your thoughts, your fears, your family that I have to deal with but mine. So again, I would not feel good about advising you on whether to stay or leave.
However, this I can and want to say. Follow your gut instinct. I find that it always takes me in the right direction and it makes life so much easier to navigate. That’s not to say don’t use your head, but use it to serve your gut instincts/intuition, which, btw are informed more directly by information that the rational, logical mind has learned to filter out with its conditioned beliefs, judgments and prejudices.
Once you have made your decision, commit to it unconditionally while always paying attention to the guidance of your intuition. Do not entertain any doubts about it. Act with sureness and faith.
I hope this helps. I have complete faith that you will make the perfect decision! My very, very best to you and your family.
Hi Mark
I wasn’t aware you were in Japan. As I write this I am watching the early morning news here in Perth. One of the Aussie reporters was flying over the affected area to get photos and report back what she was seeing and the Japanese pilot said they had to return to Tokyo because of the radiation risk!
You will ultimately have to decide for yourself and your family. Personally, I wouldn’t stay if there was any risk. Sadly, often the risks become reality years later when people who have been exposed to radiation get ill. With a nursing background, I always think of these things and err on the cautious.
Stay safe Mark and do what you feel is right for you and your family.
Patricia Perth Australia
If something official is declared, it might be too late to leave because panic will ensue. If you don’t absolutely have to be there, I would consider leaving or at least taking a vacation further south.
A friend of mine is taking a taxi to Narita at this moment.
I was in Japan during the last nuclear incident in 1999 and there was some coverup there. I think the gov’t is definitely playing things down.
You can always go back to Japan when things calm down.
The Japanese government are lying about how bad it is. They lied about the so-called Hydrogen explosion. Hydrogen doesnt have an orange flash whenb it explodes. And it emits steam not smoke. The explosion was radioactive oxides. They are using a law called Article 15 Emergency Law to control/gag the media. The US have sent intelligence officials to assist with the disinformation. Check out the movie clip on the link below. Don’t wait for them to say, “Oops, it was worse than we thought, but the damage is done now” just so they can concentrate on damage control to the stock market.
http://www.infowars.com/cia-sends-usaid-to-japan-to-manage-nuclear-disinfo-campaign/
I would leave while you still can Mark. Even if you stay you are bound to be worrying about the situation, so your holiday in Japan is ruined anyway. You and your families health comes first, I would leave.
John
Leamington Spa, England
I think at the very least your wife and child should leave, especially if your wife doesn’t work and they have a place to go after they leave. You can make your decision as you are updated further if you are more reluctant to leave. You can always come back after the major crisis is over. I know it’s a very difficult decision, I’m living in Japan too, just further south than you and am at this point considering my options. Regardless, I wish you luck.
Hey Mark:
I am sure by now you would have made a decision. Yesterday when I cam to your site, I was caught with a surprise, and I had mixed feelings.
Since yesterday I have thought about this scenario. Today, I can say that it is a good idea to leave, if it is not going to create any negative impact on your life. I also say you all leave together, do not stay there by yourself. Where ever you are togetherness is very precious and you all are precious together. You do not have to stay there alone. If it is your job, there, you will have lots more in the future.
Just do what ever is best for you all. It all depends real conditions there. I wish you the best. But make up your mind now. It is time that you decide leaving right away or staying there.
You and your family is in my prayers when I think of Japan.
Fran A
Hi Mark,
Consider this: If you stay put, and remain on high alert (ie: only consider leaving when an emergency is declared) — you might have a difficult time getting out if panic sets in.
Maybe it’s time for an overseas vacation, where you can reassess the situation as it progresses. Do you have friends or family abroad?
Best of luck.
If it were me, I’d be on the next plane out of the country – if I was able to get away from work obligations. This isn’t always possible…. but I would try. If you are able to financially, you have nothing to lose, and potentially everything to gain.
Hi Mark, found you by doing a Google search ” Should I leave japan”.
If you are having any feelings of anxieties, i would start making prepartions now. Doubts and anxieties are telling you something isn’t right. I live Nagoya and this afternoon, 1pm 16 Mar JST I’m going to meet with a friend and we are going to brainstorm and talk about contingency plans.
My biggest fear, is that something will happen faster than the authorities can announce to the public.
What am I doing now. On my Mac I’m checking the Wind direction, I have a japanese site that sends me an ‘alert’ email when there’s an EQ, i’m trying to stay as current as I can with the News, via computer I’m using the NHK website because it has great English support.
What I’ve learned after I typed the above search into Google:
Bulgaria is ‘telling’ their people to get out.
it’s very interesting that the US is advising you (people in Tokyo) to hang for a bit more (yeah, I meant that to be a double meaning). I would call the US Embassy in Tokyo and see what the deal is. I would consider it as a ‘factor’ in the decision process. Good luck, and God speed.
Hi Mark,
I’m in the same boat but a little further south in Nagoya. I feel paralyzed thinking what to do-if I leave I lose my job(s), if I stay my family may get the radiation sickness. If this turns out to be a disaster of epic proportions, there will be no jobs or work left anyway so why stay?
Mark,
I am glad to hear you are getting out. I think odds were you and your family would have been safe, but isn’t even a 1% chance of something horrible happening really too much.
I hope you do not face too many repercussions at your work. Good luck to you my friend.
Hi Mark:
did not Google search, but I knew I will get your news on your blog and now Steve’s comment tells me that you are getting out. You have decided the best. I feel good about your decision. Just plan your journey carefully and I see and hear there are so many problems and airport’s are really jammed.
Fran A
My son, dau-in-law and infant son left Tokyo on Monday and came home. Their reasoning was that if the situation with the nuclear reactors worsens, it may be very difficult, perhaps impossible, to leave at that point. They recognized that they do not have the skills to assist the victims of the earthquake in the north, so there is little of practical value they felt they could contribute that they can’t offer from afar. By staying in the city they felt they were doing the opposite of helping by being unnecessary consumers of dwindling services and supplies. In any case, your first responsibility is to the safety and security of your family. There will be other jobs; other opportunities to return to Japan when things have stabilized a few weeks or months from now. So leave Japan ASAP. Contribute generously to the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders and stay in close touch with friends and colleagues in Japan so that, in the event it becomes necessary, you can respond to their needs from a position of safety.
After posting, I note that you did make the wise decision to leave. A difficult decision to be sure but absolutely the best one under the circumstances. The very best to you and your family.
Hey Mark, I’m posting this here in the hope that it will help.
Japanese mayor urges evacuation after discovering government ignored, misled him and his people about true dangers of nuclear fallout
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/031747_nuclear_fallout_disinformation.html#ixzz1GyDqnMHc
A relief to know you decided to get out, will keep you and the family in my thoughts and prayers. x
K.I.S.S- KEEP IT SUPER SIMPLE
Leave Japan If You Can- ASAP
The rhythm is ALWAYS The Same. FORGIVE “AUTHORITIES” For They Know Exactly What They Do.
DENIAL IS THE NAME OF THE GAME. Check Out The ACCURACY DE-
FICIENCY EVERY SINGLE TIME.
Please BE SAFE, Love, Weny
It’s been a while since we have heard from you, I do hope everything is ok. Get in touch as soon as you possibly can.
If you would really leave a 7-figure income in Japan then you have issues that are far beyond my ability to assist you.
I have no 7-figure income to risk but I am a student working towards my Ph.D degree. I wasn’t here here at the time of the earthquake and came back to Tokyo thinking that things may be be as bad as it seems. After two weeks, there is no sign of any improvement and I find myself constantly worried for my health and safety. I have to make a decision by next week if I choose to take a year off and I would like to know what your intuition tells you. Thanks!
Nicole,
I thought a lot on how to reply to you. I do not want to bias your opinion, as each person’s circumstances could be different.
But having said that, I would like to tell you that my intuition tells me, and everyday events seem to be pointing me in the same direction, that I should leave Japan. Within a week I too will be taking my final call on whether I will leave Japan or not. I think the answer is almost certain that I will leave.
Will I (or you) be able to come back in a year or not? I really do not know. If the food supply chain goes bad (which has already begun), radioactive contamination of food could last for decades. Whether the Japanese government will reveal the true facts or not remains a question. If they do not reveal them now, when people need the facts the most, I do not think they will ever let out the secret files.
I just read today that the government has started to censor the Internet and crack down on all “unofficial” news about the nuclear crisis.
You might want to read the articles here:
Japan Nuclear Crisis
Do not be biased by what I say, but rather trust your own gut feeling. Your own instincts will be your true guide.
Keep safe!
Mark
Mark,
It is good to hear from you again. It is nice to know you are safe and everything is going well for you and your family.
It was a tough decision to leave. Perhaps there was no real cause. But you know what, how can you know that?
The potential risks far outweigh the difficulty you might have in finding a job. etc. back in the states now.
Time may be hard but your family is alive and healthy and hopefully will stay that. That is the real important point.
I wish you good luck, my friend!
[...] friends, I’m back! It’s been a crazy few months since the big earthquake and nuclear crisis shook up my life. A BIG Thanks to you all for your support and prayers as I went through some tough [...]
[...] you would already know from my earlier updates during the crisis, I had taken some tough decisions and chalked out an overall plan that looked something like [...]
[...] I mentioned in my last post, after I moved back home following the nuclear crisis, I had the option to take up a job so as to secure an [...]