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USA State Department - Travel Instructions, Contact numbers - Support for Americans in Japan

Pathfinder

Pathfinder

Editor, Senior Moderator
Travel Alert
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs

Japan

March 13, 2011

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the situation in Japan in the aftermath of a powerful earthquake, measuring 8.9 magnitude, that struck northern Japan on March 11. U.S. citizens should avoid travel to Japan at this time. This Travel Alert supersedes the Travel Alert for Japan dated March 11, 2011, to provide updated information, and expires on April 1, 2011.

The Department of State requests all non-essential official U.S. government personnel defer travel to Japan and also urges U.S. citizens to avoid tourism and non-essential travel to Japan at this time. Flights have resumed at all airports that were closed by the earthquake, with the exception of Sendai Airport in Miyagi Prefecture, which remains flooded. In Tokyo, most public transportation including trains and subways are operating. Many roads have been damaged in the Tokyo area and in northern Japan. In Iwate Prefecture toll road highways are restricted to emergency vehicles only.

Strong aftershocks are likely for weeks following a strong earthquake such as this one. The American Red Cross recommends that in the event of aftershocks, persons should move to open spaces away from walls, windows, buildings, and other structures that may collapse, and should be alert to the danger of falling debris. If you are indoors, DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON: If possible, seek cover under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If there is no table or desk nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases or tall furniture that could fall on you. Avoid damaged buildings and downed power lines. Great care should be used with matches, lighters, candles, or any open flame due to the possibility of disrupted gas lines.

U.S. citizens currently in Japan should contact family and friends in the United States to confirm their well-being at the earliest opportunity. Where internet and telephone services are not available, it may be possible to contact people using SMS (Cell text message) or other forms of social media such as Twitter and Facebook. U.S. citizens may contact the Department of State at JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov and the emergency contact numbers below.

U.S. citizens in Japan are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at the following website: https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulates. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy/Consulates to contact them in case of emergency.

Updated information on travel and security in Japan may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the Country Specific Information for Japan, as well as the Worldwide Caution, which can be found at www.travel.state.gov.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_5377.html
 
Re: Japan - Travel Alert U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs

Re: Japan - Travel Alert U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs

Warden Message

<!-- begin position 1 -->Information for Americans in Japan - March 14 at 8 a.m.

This warden message is being issued by the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo to U.S. citizens in Japan to provide prefectural office telephone numbers, information regarding rolling blackouts in Tokyo, and other information.

For information regarding tsunami warnings issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency, please see the JMA website or also this site.

TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company) announced that rolling blackouts in parts of Tokyo and the following 8 prefectures: Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa, Shizuoka and Yamanashi will commence Monday morning, March 14. The wards affected are Taito, Suginami, Shinagawa, Meguro, Ota, Setagaya, Toshima, Kita, Arakawa, Itabashi, Nerima, Adachi, and Katsushika. All of Tokyo?s 26 cities and Tama-gun are also affected. Neighboring areas may experience partial blackouts as well.

TEPCO has a website in Japanese listing the schedule for blackouts. Information in English about the rolling blackouts is available online here.
The Japanese government is asking the public to reduce the amount of electric power usage as much as possible and not to go out unless necessary. TEPCO advises residents in the Kanto area (comprising the seven prefectures of Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Saitama, Tokyo, Chiba, and Kanagawa) to avoid traveling, to conserve electricity as much as possible even outside of the Kanto area, and to avoid driving because traffic signals may be out.

Due to the blackouts, trains and subways in Tokyo are cutting back on their service. Availability varies by train and subway lines. Reduced service will impact commuters during rush hour as well as throughout the day and night. Information is available on local TV and the website for each subway and train company. For more information in English about train schedules, please see this online page.

Flights are departing with some delays from Narita and Haneda airports in the Tokyo area. If you are flying from Tokyo, please contact your airline.

For information in Japanese about missing persons:

Miyagi Prefecture: 022-221-2000
Iwate Prefecture: 0120-801-471
Fukushima Prefecture: 0120-510-186 090-8424-4207 090-8424-4208

We encourage you to try to contact your family and friends. Possible ways to inform your family of your situation:
  1. While we understand that there have been disruptions in communications in Japan, including the interruption of internet and mobile telephone service, we encourage you to continue your efforts to be in contact with your loved one(s) using SMS texting and other social media (e.g., FaceBook, My Space, Twitter, etc) that your loved one(s) may use.
Other possible ways to inform your family of your situation:
  1. Google
    Google has created the site, "Google Person Finder".
    If you are in Japan, you can post messages about your whereabouts. A person looking for you can type in your name to find out if you are safe. Similarly, your family or friends may have posted a message that they are looking for you.
  2. Cell Phone Messages


    If you have a cell phone in Japan, you can post messages via your cell phone provider. Family and friends who know your cell phone company can check the cell phone company's website below and type in your phone number to see any message you have left. The available areas are Aomori, Miyagi, Yamagata and Fukushima prefectures.
  3. Family Links website of the International Committee of the Red Cross
    This website provides a way for you to inform your relatives that you are alive. Your relatives can look for your name.
    http://www.icrc.org/FAMILYLINKS or
    http://www.icrc.org/Web/doc/siterfl0.nsf/htmlall/familylinks-japon-eng
  4. Person Finder: 2011 Japan Earthquake (English)
U.S. citizens in need of emergency consular assistance should send an e-mail to JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov with detailed information about their location and contact information. We also recommend U.S. citizens in Japan make contact with loved ones in the United States.

Please continue to monitor the Embassy's website for updated information. For telephone inquiries, please call 202-501-4444 or 1-888-407-4747.

U.S. Embassy Tokyo

http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-warden20110314-02.html


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Re: Japan - Travel Alert U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs

Re: Japan - Travel Alert U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs

Warden Message

<!-- begin position 1 -->Earthquake Information for Americans in Japan - March 15 at 4:30 p.m.

This warden message is to inform U.S. citizens of important information related to the earthquake and recent events. The Japanese government issued an additional advisory on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. stating that residents within 20-30 Km of Fukushima Dai-Ichi Nuclear Power Station should remain indoors.

The Japanese government had previously announced on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 7:33 p.m. that all residents within 20 Km of Fukushima Dai-Ichi Nuclear Power Station must evacuate the area. American citizens should continue to observe all instructions given by Japanese authorities. Below is important information regarding airports and transportation, methods on how to contact relatives in the United States, and other information.

U.S. citizens in need of emergency consular assistance should send an e-mail to JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov with detailed information about their location and contact information. We also recommend U.S. citizens in Japan make contact with loved ones in the United States.

Please continue to monitor the Embassy's website for updated information. For telephone inquiries, please call 202-501-4444 or 1-888-407-4747.

How to Communicate with Your Family in the United States

We encourage you to try to contact your family and friends. Possible ways to inform your family of your situation:
  1. While there have been disruptions in communications in Japan, including the interruption of internet and mobile telephone service, we encourage you to continue your efforts to be in contact with your loved one(s) using SMS texting and other social media (e.g., FaceBook, My Space, Twitter, etc) that your loved one(s) may use. Other possible ways to inform your family of your situation:
  2. Cell Phone Messages
    If you have a cell phone in Japan, you can post messages via your cell phone provider. Family and friends who know your cell phone company can check the cell phone company's website below and type in your phone number to see any message you have left. The available areas are Aomori, Miyagi, Yamagata and Fukushima prefectures.
  3. NTT emergency voice message board:
    Dial 171. View message board here.
  4. Family Links website of the International Committee of the Red Cross:

    This website provides a way for you to inform your relatives that you are alive.
    Your relatives can look for your name either here or here.
Flight Information for Narita and Haneda Airports

Flights at Haneda Airport and Narita Airport are departing with some delays. For the most up-to-date flight information, we recommend you contact your airline. Limousine buses and trains are running with limited service. The U.S. Embassy recommends that travelers budget additional travel time to reach these airports.

Flight Information from Fukushima Airport

Fukushima Airport has nine flights available to Haneda, Itami, Nagoya, and Shin-Chitose airports. For ANA flight information and reservations, contact (0570-029-222) or visit www.ana.co.jp. For AirDo Airlines flight information and reservations, contact (0120-057-333) or visit www.airdo.jp.

Information about Missing Persons

For information in Japanese about missing persons:
Miyagi Prefecture: 022-221-2000
Iwate Prefecture: 0120-801-471
Fukushima Prefecture: 0120-510-186, 090-8424-4207, 090-8424-4208

Counseling Services

Counseling Services for JET Program Participants
JET Program website
AJET Peer Support Group: 050-5534-5566

Other Counseling Services
Tokyo English Life Line (TELL): Tel: 03-5774-0992 www.telljp.com

http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-warden20110315-01.html
 
Re: Japan earthquake - Travel Alert, information for Americans in Japan

Re: Japan earthquake - Travel Alert, information for Americans in Japan

A Message to American Citizens from Ambassador John V. Roos

March 16, 2011
Today our hearts remain with our Japanese friends who, after suffering this devastating tragedy just four days ago, have to undertake recovery and reconstruction and address the ongoing nuclear emergency.

We understand that many of you are anxious and have questions in the shadow of the Fukushima emergency, since we are in the midst of a complex, constantly changing, and unpredictable situation. In this fluid situation, our commitment to our citizens is to accumulate accurate information and assess it sufficiently in order to make important judgments.

Since the first reports of trouble with the reactors, American nuclear experts have worked around the clock to analyze data, monitor developments, and provide clear assessments on the potential dangers.

While at times we have had only limited access to information, I am personally committed to assuring that our experts have as much access and information as possible, and the necessary resources to understand the situation. I have personally been deeply engaged in these efforts.

After a careful analysis of data, radiation levels, and damage assessments of all units at Fukushima, our experts are in agreement with the response and measures taken by Japanese technicians, including their recommended 20 km radius for evacuation and additional shelter-in-place recommendations out to 30 km.

Let me also address reports of very low levels of radiation outside the evacuation area detected by U.S. and Japanese sensitive instrumentation. This bears very careful monitoring, which we are doing. If we assess that the radiation poses a threat to public health, we will share that information and provide relevant guidance immediately.

The United States will continue to work around the clock to provide precise and up-to-date information supported by expert analysis to ensure the safety and security of our citizens and to help Japan in its time of great need. U.S. citizens in need of emergency assistance should send an e-mail to JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov with detailed information about their location and contact information, and monitor the U.S. Department of State website at travel.state.gov.

http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/p/tp-20110316-01.html

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Japan earthquake - Travel Alert, information, warden message for Americans in Japan

Japan earthquake - Travel Alert, information, warden message for Americans in Japan

Warden Message

<!-- begin position 1 -->A Message to American Citizens from Ambassador John V. Roos - March 17

The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Department of Energy and other technical experts in the U.S. Government have reviewed the scientific and technical information they have collected from assets in country, as well as what the Government of Japan has disseminated, in response to the deteriorating situation at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant. Consistent with the NRC guidelines that apply to such a situation in the United States, we are recommending, as a precaution, that American citizens who live within 50 miles (80 kilometers) of the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant evacuate the area or to take shelter indoors if safe evacuation is not practical.

We want to underscore that there are numerous factors in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami, including weather, wind direction and speed, and the nature of the reactor problem that affect the risk of radioactive contamination within this 50 mile (80 km) radius or the possibility of lower-level radioactive materials reaching greater distances.

The U.S. Embassy will continue to update American citizens as the situation develops. U.S. citizens in need of emergency assistance should send an e-mail to JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov with detailed information about their location and contact information, and monitor the U.S. Department of State website at travel.state.gov.

The United States is continuing to do everything in its power to help Japan and American citizens who were there at the time of these tragic events. To support our citizens there, the Embassy is working around the clock. We have our consular services available 24 hours a day to determine the whereabouts and well-being of all U.S. citizens in Japan and we have offered our Japanese friends assistance, including disaster response experts, search and rescue teams, technical advisers with nuclear expertise, and logistical support from the United States military.

http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/p/tp-20110317-01.html

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Re: Japan earthquake - Travel Alert, information, warden message for US citizens in Japan

Re: Japan earthquake - Travel Alert, information, warden message for US citizens in Japan

American Citizen Services

<!-- begin position 1 -->Travel Warning

  • The U.S. Department of State warns U.S citizens of the deteriorating situation at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) recommends that U.S. citizens who live within 50 miles (80 km) of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant evacuate the area or take shelter indoors if safe evacuation is not practical. The State Department strongly urges U.S. citizens to defer travel to Japan at this time and those in Japan should consider departing. On March 16, 2011, the Department of State authorized the voluntary departure from Japan of eligible family members of U.S. government personnel in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Yokohama. This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Alert dated March 13, 2011.
  • In response to the deteriorating situation at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Department of Energy, and other technical experts in the U.S. Government have reviewed the scientific and technical information they have collected from assets in country, as well as what the Government of Japan has disseminated. Consistent with the NRC guidelines that would apply to such a situation in the United States, we are recommending, as a precaution, that U.S. citizens who live within 50 miles (80 km) of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant evacuate the area or to take shelter indoors if safe evacuation is not practical.
  • There are numerous factors in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami, including weather, wind direction, and speed, and the nature of the reactor problem that affect the risk of radioactive contamination within this 50-mile (80-km) radius or the possibility of lower-level radioactive materials reaching greater distances. For the latest U.S. Government information on the situation in Japan, please go to travel.state.gov. Information about nuclear radiation exposure risks can be obtained from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and from the Centers for Disease Control.
  • As a result of this assessment, the State Department has authorized the voluntary departure from Japan of eligible family members of U.S. government personnel assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, the U.S. Consulate in Nagoya, and the Foreign Service Institute Field School in Yokohama. U.S. citizens should defer all travel to the evacuation zone around Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, areas affected by the earthquake and tsunami and tourism and non-essential travel to the rest of Japan at this time.
  • Commercial flights have resumed at all airports that were closed by the earthquake, except Sendai Airport, and commercial seats are available at the time of this posting. In Tokyo, most public transportation including trains and subways are operating. Many roads have been damaged in the Tokyo area and in northern Japan, particularly in the Miyagi prefecture where government checkpoints have been established on damaged roadways. In Iwate Prefecture, toll road highways are restricted to emergency vehicles only.
  • The Department of State is working to assist U.S. citizens to depart from affected areas. U.S. citizens in Tokyo should review our Japan Earthquake/Pacific Tsunami webpage at travel.state.gov for updated departure-related information.
  • Hardships caused by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami continue to cause severe difficulties for people in the areas affected by the disaster. Temporary shortages of water and food supplies may occur in affected areas of Japan due to power and transportation disruptions. Telephone services have also been disrupted in affected areas; where possible, you may be able to contact family members using text message or social media such as Facebook or Twitter.
  • Rolling power outages continue in the Tokyo Metropolitan area and areas in northeast Japan affected by the earthquake and tsunami. The Tokyo Electric Power Company reports that three-hour outages may occur in various regions, including Tokyo. Please monitor the Tokyo Electric Power Company website and local news media for specific information and schedules for the planned outages. Radio stations in the Tokyo area that have emergency information in English include the U.S. Armed Forces station at 810AM and InterFM (76.1FM).
  • Strong aftershocks are likely for weeks following a massive earthquake such as this one. The American Red Cross recommends that in the event of aftershocks, persons should move to open spaces away from walls, windows, buildings, and other structures that may collapse, and should be alert to the danger of falling debris. If you are indoors, DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON: If possible, seek cover under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If there is no table or desk nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases or tall furniture that could fall on you. Avoid damaged buildings and downed power lines. Great care should be used with matches, lighters, candles, or any open flame due to the possibility of disrupted gas lines.
  • Due to the continuing possibility of strong aftershocks, Japan remains at risk for further tsunamis. Japanese authorities have issued a warning for people to stay away from low-lying coastal areas. If a tsunami alert is issued by Japanese authorities, evacuate immediately to higher ground. Further information about what you can do if a tsunami occurs can be found at the National Weather Service's TsunamiReady website, and the International Tsunami Information Center's website. Current tsunami alerts can be found at the Japan Meteorological Agency website, and the website of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.
  • The U.S. Embassy continues to deploy consular assistance teams where needed; these teams are actively working with our taskforce and local authorities to locate U.S. citizens, visit shelters and assistance centers, and help U.S. citizens identify public and commercial transportation options away from affected areas U.S. citizens requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the Department of State at JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov or through the emergency contact numbers below. U.S. citizens in Japan should contact family and friends in the United States to confirm their well-being at the earliest opportunity. Where internet and telephone services are not available, it may be possible to contact people using SMS (Cell text message) or other forms of social media such as Twitter and Facebook.
  • U.S. citizens in Japan are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulates. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy/Consulates to contact them in case of emergency.
  • Updated information on travel and security in Japan may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the Country Specific Information for Japan, as well as the Worldwide Caution, which can be found at travel.state.gov.
http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-travel20110317.html
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Re: Japan earthquake - Travel Alert, information, warden message for US citizens in Japan

Re: Japan earthquake - Travel Alert, information, warden message for US citizens in Japan

Warden Message

<!-- begin position 1 -->Travel to Safehaven Locations in Asia

The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo informs U.S. citizens in Japan who wish to depart that the Department of State is making arrangements to provide transportation to safehaven locations in Asia. This assistance will be provided on a reimbursable basis, as required by U.S. law. U.S. citizens who travel on US government-arranged transport will be expected to make their own onward travel plans from the safehaven location. Flights to evacuation points will begin departing Japan on Thursday, March 17.

There will be a limited number of seats available on evacuation flights departing from Narita and Haneda airports on March 17. Priority will be given to persons with medical emergencies or severe medical conditions.

Persons interested in departing Japan via USG-chartered transportation should proceed to Narita and Haneda airports or contact the US Department of State and Embassy Japan by sending an e-mail to JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov or by calling 1-202-501-4444. Please provide the following information:
  • Name
  • age
  • place of birth
  • U.S. passport number, and
  • any special medical needs.
Immediate family members (spouses and children) who are not U.S. citizens must be documented for entry into the safehaven country and/or U.S., if that is your final destination.

Frequently Asked Questions
  1. I'm ready to go. What do I do?
    Documented U.S. citizens may proceed to Haneda or Narita Airport as of Thursday, March 17 at 6 pm.
  2. My child is a U.S. citizen. Can my whole family be evacuated?
    A U.S. citizen child may be escorted by one adult, preferably a parent, who has appropriate travel documents. If a family has more than one U.S. citizen child, the one-adult rule still applies.
  3. Do I need a U.S. passport?
    All U.S. citizen travelers and their spouses and children, are required to have valid travel documents. The U.S. Embassy in Japan will assist U.S. citizens with travel documents. U.S. citizens who do not hold a valid U.S. passport or visa and are interested in departing Japan via USG-chartered transportation should contact the US Department of State and Embassy Japan by sending an e-mail to JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov or by calling 1-202-501-4444.
  4. What do I do if my child is a U.S. citizen, but hasn't yet been documented?
    Contact the U.S. Embassy in Japan. U.S. citizens who do not hold a valid U.S. passport or visa interested in departing Japan via USG-chartered transportation should contact the U.S. Department of State and Embassy Japan by sending an email to JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov or by calling 1-202-501-4444.
  5. My family members aren't U.S. citizens. Can they travel with me?
    The scheduled evacuation flights will transport U.S. citizens and their immediate family members. Immediate family members - defined as spouses and children - who are not U.S. citizens will be required to have travel documentation that will permit their entry into the safe haven destinations. At this time, flights are expected to travel to Seoul, Republic of Korea and Taipei, Taiwan. Safe haven destinations may change. U.S. citizens requesting evacuation will not be able to select their safe haven destinations.
  6. Will you fly me to the United States?
    Our goal is to get people to a safe place, where they can make their own onward travel arrangements. Travelers will be responsible for their own onward travel arrangements and accommodations in the safe haven city. Consular officers will provide travelers with information on airlines and hotels.
  7. What should I bring?
    Travelers should bring valid travel documents and any necessary medications. Each traveler may bring one suitcase and a small personal carry-on item. U.S. citizens seeking evacuation should be prepared for a substantial wait at the airport. Travelers are advised to bring food, water, diapers and other necessary toiletries with them to the airport.
  8. What about my pets?
    Evacuation flights will not be able to accommodate pets.
  9. Do I have to pay for the flight?
    U.S. citizens requesting evacuation will be asked to sign paperwork promising to reimburse the U.S. Government for flight costs at a later date. Exact flight costs are not yet available, but should be comparable to a one-way commercial flight from Japan to the safehaven location.
  10. How do I get to the airport?
    Public transport to include taxis is still operating in Japan.

    http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-warden20110317-02.html
 
Re: Japan earthquake - Travel Alert, information, warden message for US citizens in Japan

Re: Japan earthquake - Travel Alert, information, warden message for US citizens in Japan

Travel Information

<!-- begin position 1 -->Bus Seats Available from Sendai

The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo has arranged for over 600 seats on several buses for transportation from Sendai City Hall to Tokyo. Priority for seats will be given to U.S. citizens and their immediate dependents. No reservation is required. However, passengers will be required to sign a promissory note to reimburse the U.S. Government for the normal bus fare from Sendai to Tokyo.

The first buses will depart at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, March 18 in front of Sendai City Hall (仙台市役所前広場). If there are extra seats left over, then the remaining buses will depart on 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 19 at the same location.

http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-travel20110317-02.html

<!-- end position 1 -->
 
Re: Japan earthquake - Travel Alert, information, warden message for US citizens in Japan

Re: Japan earthquake - Travel Alert, information, warden message for US citizens in Japan

Information for Travelers

<!-- begin position 1 -->Transportation Options from Affected Areas

Note: You may need to communicate solely in Japanese when you call to make reservations with the bus companies listed below.

Reports from Ibaraki inform that Jobando Highway is closed north of Mito City, but is open south of Mito City. There are also reports that public transportation is extremely limited. Regular roads from Iwate to Hanamaki are open.

In Miyagi, the expressway is only open to emergency vehicles. To get to Tokyo from Yamagata, it is best to take the bus to Niigata City, where there are many buses and trains to Tokyo. You may also take the Yamako bus to Tsuruko City in Yamagata, and then board the JR train to Niigata.

JR Bus - http://www.jrbustohoku.co.jp/. Tel: 022-256-6646 (Japanese)

Starting 03/17/2011, the following buses will be operated:

From Sendai to Shinjuku
Departure times: 8:00, 9:20
Tickets required?contact JR Ticket Office (Midori no Madoguchi)
Please note that all seats are booked through 3/26, but seats may be available if there are cancellations. Reservations are required.

From Sendai to Morioka
Departure times: 08:30, 15:30, 16:30 and 17:30
No reservation required. Scheduled to operate from 03/17-03/19

From Sendai to Furukawa
Departure times: 18:00 and 18:40
No reservation required

From Sendai to Niigata
All buses operating on usual schedule
Tickets required ? Please contact JR Ticket Office (Midori no Madoguchi)

You may also catch JR buses from Akita to Yuzawa and Omagari, and also from Yamagata to Yonezawa. As of March 16, there are various buses running from Sendai to Tokyo. Please note that there is no public transportation to access Sendai City from other parts of Miyagi Prefecture.

Miyagi Kotsu (宮城交通) bus 3/17 schedule
<TABLE style="HEIGHT: 107px" class=paragraph border=0 width=422 align=left><TBODY sizcache="0"><TR class=odd nodeIndex="1"><TD>Sendai ? Yamagata line:</TD><TD>7:00 am and 20:30 pm timetable unknown</TD></TR><TR nodeIndex="2"><TD>Sendai - Fukushima line:</TD><TD>Sendai to Fukushima 8:00, 8:30, 15:30, 16:00
Fukushima to Sendai 10:35, 10:50, 18:35, 19:05</TD></TR><TR class=odd nodeIndex="3"><TD>Sendai - Morioka line:</TD><TD>Sendai to Morioka 8:30

Morioka to Sendai 15:30</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>




Fukushima Kotsu (福島交通)bus

Fukushima to Sendai 7:10, 08:50, 12:35, 15:10 (70 minute ride, no reservation required)
Sendai to Fukushima 10:30, 11:40, 17:55; 19:00 (70 minute ride, no reservation require)

Higashinihon Kyuko（東日本交通) English name: Higashi Nippon Express

Sendai to Morioka: 8:30, 15:30, 16:30, 17:30
Morioka to Sendai: 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 15:30

Iwateken Kotsu（岩手県交通）

Sendai to Morioka 8:30, 15:30, 16:30, 17:30
Morioka to Sendai 8:00, 9:00, 10:00. 15:30

From March 18, 2011: Morioka to Tokyo: 22:15

Iwate Kenpoku Bus (岩手県北バス)
<TABLE style="HEIGHT: 38px" class=paragraph border=0 width=423 align=left><TBODY sizcache="0"><TR class=odd nodeIndex="1"><TD>Sendai-Morioka line:
</TD><TD>Sendai to Morioka 8:30, 15:30, 16:30, 17:30
Morioka to Sendai 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 15:30
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

For more information about the public transportation network among Sendai, Yamagata, Tokyo, Osaka, and Niigata, you may visit the following link: http://www.pref.yamagata.jp/ou/ shokokanko/110012/kokusai/english/transportation.pdf (pdf)

Please note that you may need to make advance reservations for travel. Below are links to the websites of the various bus companies:

Yamako Bus - http://www.yamakobus.co.jp/. Tel: 023-632-7280 or 025-241-9000

Shonai Kotsu Bus - http://www.shonaikotsu.jp/

Niigata Kotsu Bus - http://www.niigata-kotsu.co.jp

JR Bus - http://www.jrbustohoku.co.jp/. Tel: 022-256-6646

http://japan.usembassy.gov/transportation.html

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Re: USA State Department - "those in Japan should consider departing" - Travel Instructions, Contact numbers

Re: USA State Department - "those in Japan should consider departing" - Travel Instructions, Contact numbers

-If international students travelling to their home country or other overseas destination during schools, etc. one can return to Japan to continue one's studies without having to acquire a new visa if a Re-entry Permit is obtained in advance. Please remain you need to obtain a Re-entry Permit so that you will not be asked to acquire a new visa.

Please refer URL following:Entry and Residence Procedures for Foreign Students(external link, Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

http://www.mext.go.jp/english/topics/1303717.htm
 
Re: USA State Department - "those in Japan should consider departing" - Travel Instructions, Contact numbers

Re: USA State Department - "those in Japan should consider departing" - Travel Instructions, Contact numbers

Passport Unit Weekend Hours (Tokyo only)

March 17, 2011

The Passport Unit of the American Citizen Services section (Tokyo only) will be open on Saturday March 19, Sunday, March 20, and Monday March 21 in order to issue emergency passports to American Citizens. We will be open each day from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

You do not need to make an appointment for these special weekend hours before coming to the Embassy. We encourage you, however, to please go to our website to make sure you bring all the required documents.

Please note: All applicants under 16 must appear in person accompanied by both parents. For first passports for children born in Japan, you must report the child's birth before a passport can be issued. Here is information on the Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-passports-weekend.html

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USA State Department - U.S. citizens strongly urged to defer travel to Japan at this time and those in Japan should consider departing - Travel Instructions, Contact numbers

USA State Department - U.S. citizens strongly urged to defer travel to Japan at this time and those in Japan should consider departing - Travel Instructions, Contact numbers

American Citizen Services

<!-- begin position 1 -->Travel Warning - Japan

Current as of March 19, 2011

The U.S. Department of State warns U.S citizens of the deteriorating situation at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) recommends that U.S. citizens who live within 50 miles (80 kilometers) of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant evacuate the area or take shelter indoors if safe evacuation is not practical.

The State Department strongly urges U.S. citizens to defer travel to Japan at this time and those in Japan should consider departing. On March 16, 2011, the Department of State authorized the voluntary departure from Japan of eligible family members of U.S. government personnel in Tokyo (Tokyo Capital Region), Nagoya (Aichi Prefecture), Yokohama (Kanagawa Prefecture), and the prefectures of Akita, Chiba, Fukushima, Gunma, Ibaraki, Iwate, Miyagi, Nagano, Niigata, Saitama, Shizouka, Tochigi, Yamagata, and Yamanashi. Separately, because of infrastructure damage from the earthquake and resulting tsunami, voluntary authorized departure is authorized for the eligible family members at Misawa AB (Aomori Prefecture).

This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Warning dated March 16, 2011.

In response to the deteriorating situation at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Department of Energy, and other technical experts in the U.S. Government have reviewed the scientific and technical information they have collected from assets in country, as well as what the Government of Japan has disseminated. Consistent with the NRC guidelines that would apply to such a situation in the United States, we are recommending, as a precaution, that U.S. citizens within 50 miles (80 kilometers) of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant evacuate the area or to take shelter indoors if safe evacuation is not practical.

There are numerous factors in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami, including weather, wind direction, and speed, and the nature of the reactor problem that affect the risk of radioactive contamination within this 50-mile (80-kilometer) radius or the possibility of low-level radioactive materials reaching greater distances. For the latest U.S. Government information on the situation in Japan, please go to the Department of State?s Consular Affairs? website. Information about nuclear radiation exposure risks can be obtained from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and from the Centers for Disease Control.

As a result of this assessment, the State Department has authorized the voluntary departure from Japan of eligible family members of U.S. government personnel assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, the U.S. Consulate in Nagoya, the Foreign Service Institute Field School in Yokohama and the prefectures of Akita, Aomori, Chiba, Fukushima, Gunma, Ibaraki, Iwate, Miyagi, Nagano, Niigata, Saitama, Shizouka, Tochigi, Yamagata, and Yamanashi. U.S. citizens should defer all travel to the evacuation zone around Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, areas affected by the earthquake and tsunami and tourism and non-essential travel to the rest of Japan at this time.

Commercial flights have resumed at all airports that were closed by the earthquake, except Sendai Airport, and commercial seats are available at the time of this posting. In Tokyo, most public transportation including trains and subways are operating. Many roads have been damaged in the Tokyo area and in northern Japan, particularly in the Miyagi prefecture where government checkpoints have been established on damaged roadways. In Iwate Prefecture, toll road highways are restricted to emergency vehicles only.

The Department of State is working to assist U.S. citizens to depart from affected areas. U.S. citizens in Tokyo should review our Japan Earthquake/Pacific Tsunami webpage for updated departure-related information.

Hardships caused by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami continue to cause severe difficulties for people in the areas affected by the disaster. Temporary shortages of water and food supplies may occur in affected areas of Japan due to power and transportation disruptions. Telephone services have also been disrupted in affected areas; where possible, you may be able to contact family members using text message or social media such as Facebook or Twitter.

Rolling power outages continue in the Tokyo Metropolitan area and areas in northeast Japan affected by the earthquake and tsunami. The Tokyo Electric Power Company reports that three-hour outages may occur in various regions, including Tokyo. Please monitor the Tokyo Electric Power Company website, and local news media for specific information and schedules for the planned outages. Radio stations in the Tokyo area that have emergency information in English include the U.S. Armed Forces station at 810 AM and InterFM (76.1FM).

Strong aftershocks are likely for weeks following a massive earthquake such as this one. The American Red Cross recommends that in the event of aftershocks, persons should move to open spaces away from walls, windows, buildings, and other structures that may collapse, and should be alert to the danger of falling debris. If you are indoors, DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON: If possible, seek cover under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If there is no table or desk nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases or tall furniture that could fall on you. Avoid damaged buildings and downed power lines. Great care should be used with matches, lighters, candles, or any open flame due to the possibility of disrupted gas lines.

Due to the continuing possibility of strong aftershocks, Japan remains at risk for further tsunamis. Japanese authorities have issued a warning for people to stay away from low-lying coastal areas. If a tsunami alert is issued by Japanese authorities, evacuate immediately to higher ground. Further information about what you can do if a tsunami occurs can be found at the National Weather Service's TsunamiReady website, and the International Tsunami Information Center's website. Current tsunami alerts can be found at the Japan Meteorological Agency website, and the website of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

The U.S. Embassy continues to deploy consular assistance teams where needed; these teams are actively working with our taskforce and local authorities to locate U.S. citizens, visit shelters and assistance centers, and help U.S. citizens identify public and commercial transportation options away from affected areas U.S. citizens requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the Department of State via e-mail or through the emergency contact numbers below. U.S. citizens in Japan should contact family and friends in the United States to confirm their well-being at the earliest opportunity. Where internet and telephone services are not available, it may be possible to contact people using SMS (Cell text message) or other forms of social media such as Twitter and Facebook.

U.S. citizens in Japan are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulates. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy/Consulates to contact them in case of emergency.

Updated information on travel and security in Japan may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the Country Specific Information for Japan, as well as the Worldwide Caution.

http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-20110319-travel-warning.html

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Re: USA State Department - U.S. citizens strongly urged to defer travel to Japan at this time and those in Japan should consider departing - Travel Instructions, Contact numbers

Re: USA State Department - U.S. citizens strongly urged to defer travel to Japan at this time and those in Japan should consider departing - Travel Instructions, Contact numbers

CDC Issues Health Information about Japan Earthquake, Tsunami, and Radiation Release

March 20 - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Health Precaution related to the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and radiation release in Japan. On the same topic, CDC issued Health Information for Expatriates and Students Living in Japan and also Health Information for Humanitarian Aid Workers. Each of the announcements highlight the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission recommendation that all Americans within 50 miles of the Fukushima reactors should evacuate the area.

http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/p/tp-20110320-01.html

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Re: USA State Department - U.S. citizens strongly urged to defer travel to Japan at this time and those in Japan should consider departing - Travel Instructions, Contact numbers

Re: USA State Department - U.S. citizens strongly urged to defer travel to Japan at this time and those in Japan should consider departing - Travel Instructions, Contact numbers

Warden Message

<!-- begin position 1 -->An Update for American Citizens in Japan

(Updated March 22, 8:30 p.m. JST)

We all recognize the enormous impact that the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, as well as the resulting dangerous situation at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant, has had on Japan. The United States is continuing to do everything it can and should do to support our close friends, the people of Japan, as they respond to this disaster. This includes providing humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, technical expertise as well as equipment as requested. The American people have also opened up their hearts. Many have given generously to support the ongoing relief efforts. As President Obama said on March 17, we are confident that Japan will recover and rebuild because of the strength and spirit of the Japanese people.

At the same time, this disaster has had a significant impact on the lives of Americans residing in Japan. The Embassy is working to provide the best possible guidance to U.S. citizens in Japan.

Guidance to U.S. Citizens in Japan: With regard to the nuclear situation, which we know is of concern to U.S. citizens residing in Tokyo and other regions relatively close to the Fukushima power plant, the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) recommends that U.S. citizens who reside within 50 miles (80 kilometers) of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant leave the area, or remain indoors as much as possible if departure is not practical. That recommendation is based on the steps that the NRC would recommend if a similar situation had occurred in the United States, in light of the scientific and technical data that the NRC, the Department of Energy, and other technical experts in the U.S. Government have obtained from the Japanese government and from U.S. collection assets in Japan. Outside of that 50-mile area, we are urging American citizens to carefully monitor both our guidelines and the guidelines of the Japanese government.

Departure of Embassy Family Members: Given the extraordinary circumstances, the State Department and Department of Defense (DOD) on March 16 authorized the voluntary departure of eligible family members and non-emergency DOD civilians from Tokyo, Nagoya, Yokohama and the prefectures of Aichi, Chiba, Fukushima, Gunma, Ibaraki, Iwate, Kanagawa, Miyagi, Nagano, Niigata, Saitama, Shizouka, Tochigi, Yamagata, and Yamanashi. Separately, voluntary departure was authorized for eligible family members at Misawa AB (Aomori Prefecture). We took this step out of an abundance of caution, and in order to enable U.S. government officials and the uniformed military to concentrate on the tasks at hand.

Our employees remain in country, and we are absolutely open for business ? in fact, the number of people working at the Embassy now is much larger than before the earthquake due to the number of experts who have arrived from the United States to augment our operations in these difficult times. We look forward to our dependents returning to Japan once the situation has eased.

Concerns about Radiation: The situation at the Fukushima Dai-ichi
Nuclear Site has naturally raised concerns about how far radioactive contamination might spread, and to what degree. As stated above, the NRC recommends that U.S. citizens who reside within 50 miles (80 kilometers) of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant leave the area, or remain indoors as much as possible if departure is not practical. Available data indicates that levels of radioactivity at the reactor site itself are variable, but remain very dangerous. Within the 30-kilometer perimeter established by the Japanese government, aerial measurement data shows the degree of radioactive contamination at ground level varying considerably by location, with the most affected areas thus far stretching to the northwest of the reactor site, well within the 50-mile recommended perimeter.

Farther from the reactor site, radiation monitoring by the Japanese government, U.S. government assets, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) all indicate that levels of radiation measured in Tokyo as well as Saitama, Chiba and Kanagawa prefectures remain at background levels, well below levels which are dangerous to human health. The Japanese Ministry of Education, Science and Technology is providing regular updated radioactivity measurements by prefecture, available online here. This data appears consistent with measurements generated by WHO, the IAEA and the U.S. government. WHO information is available at www.wpro.who.int and IAEA data at www.iaea.org. U.S. government experts have also continuously monitored radiation levels on Embassy grounds since March 14, using sophisticated radiation detection meters including high-volume pump samplers that collect information on a 24-hour basis. We have consistently observed normal background levels of radiation.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Travel Health Precaution as of March 19 states that "At this time, the risk of exposure to radiation and the risk of contamination from radioactive materials are believed to be low, especially for anyone outside a 50-mile radius of the nuclear power plant." See www.cdc.gov for details. The United States government will continue to monitor the situation closely and will advise its citizens of any significant developments.

Potassium Iodide: U.S. citizens can consult CDC guidance on the use of potassium iodide (KI) in the event of a radiological emergency, available online here. U.S. citizens are also encouraged to monitor information provided by Japanese authorities regarding the use and availability of KI. On March 21, consistent with NRC guidelines that apply to such a situation in the United States, the U.S. Government decided to make KI available as a precautionary measure for U.S. Government personnel and family members residing in the areas of Japan for which voluntary departure of family members is also authorized. The recipients of the medicine have been told they should consume it only after specific instructions from the U.S. Government. There is no indication that it will become advisable to take KI, but it has been provided out of an abundance of caution to be used only upon direction, if a change in circumstances were to warrant. In the event of a radiological release, sheltering in place or safely departing affected areas remain the most effective means of protection.

For private U.S. citizens seeking information about KI, we advise you to contact your doctor or employer. Should you need further assistance contact the Department of State by emailing JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov or calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. U.S. citizens are also encouraged to monitor information provided by Japanese authorities regarding KI.

Radiation and Food Safety: Japanese government entities have reported elevated levels of radioactivity found in certain foodstuffs, including milk and certain vegetables, produced in areas relatively close to the Fukushima reactor site. Specifically, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has announced that radiation levels that exceeded legal limits were detected in milk produced in the Fukushima area and in certain vegetables in Ibaraki. The ministry has requested the Bureau of Sanitation at the Fukushima Prefectural Office, after conducting an investigation of the relevant information, to take necessary measures, such as identifying the provider of these samples and places where the same lots were distributed and banning sales based on the Food Hygiene Law. We expect Japanese authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely and continue to share information publicly, while taking any necessary remedial action. Some useful information on food safety aspects as well as other related topics is available from the WHO online.

The Situation at the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Site: As has been widely reported in the Japanese and international media, the Japanese government is dealing with a significant crisis at the Fukushima reactor site and is putting utmost efforts into taking immediate steps to avoid further deterioration of the site, while preparing for a longer-term process of more permanent remediation. The United States government will continue to monitor the situation closely and will advise its citizens residing in Japan of any significant developments that could impact health or safety.

Leading U.S. experts from the NRC, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. military are in place in Japan, cooperating directly with Japanese authorities to help contain the damage at the Fukushima Dai-ichi reactors. They are monitoring technical aspects and engaging with Japanese officials on efforts to cool the reactors at Fukushima, as well as regarding the health impacts of radiation. We are sharing critical expertise, equipment, and technology so that the courageous responders on the scene have the benefit of American teamwork and support. Data and ideas are being shared, and we look forward to continuing to work side-by-side with our Japanese partners in helping them deal with this problem. The situation at the site continues to be fluid; one source of information is press releases from Japan's Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency.

Travel within Japan and to Overseas Destinations: Commercial flights have resumed at all major airports in Japan, except Sendai Airport, and commercial seats continue to be available. In Tokyo, most public transportation including trains and subways are operating. Many roads have been damaged in northern Japan, particularly in Miyagi Prefecture where government checkpoints have been established on damaged roadways. In Iwate Prefecture, toll road highways are restricted to emergency vehicles only. Some information on major highways and other infrastructure is available at www.mlit.go.jp.

Electricity Supply: Rolling power outages continue in the Tokyo Metropolitan area and areas in northeast Japan affected by the earthquake and tsunami. Please monitor the Tokyo Electric Power Company website and local news media for specific information and schedules for the planned outages. Radio stations in the Tokyo area that have emergency information in English include the U.S. Armed Forces station at 810AM and InterFM (76.1FM).

Assistance to U.S. Citizens in the Affected Areas: The U.S. Embassy deployed consular assistance teams around the Tohoku region, where they worked with local authorities to locate U.S. citizens, visit shelters and assistance centers, and help U.S. citizens identify public and commercial transportation options away from affected areas. U.S. citizens requiring emergency consular assistance can continue to contact the Department of State via e-mail to JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov or through the emergency contact numbers below. At times like these, U.S. citizens in Japan should be certain to contact family and friends in the United States to confirm their well-being at the earliest opportunity. Where internet and telephone services are not available, it may be possible to contact people using SMS (Cell text message) or other forms of social media such as Twitter and Facebook.

For the latest U.S. Government information on the situation in Japan, as well as the Department of State's Travel Warning, please go to the Department of State's Consular Affairs website - travel.state.gov. Updated information on travel and security in Japan may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-warden20110322-06.html

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Re: USA State Department - U.S. citizens strongly urged to defer travel to Japan at this time and those in Japan should consider departing - Travel Instructions, Contact numbers

Re: USA State Department - U.S. citizens strongly urged to defer travel to Japan at this time and those in Japan should consider departing - Travel Instructions, Contact numbers

Warning For Parents and Caretakers About Radioactive Iodine Detected in Tokyo Drinking Water Supply

March 24, 2011

The Tokyo metropolitan government on Wednesday, March 23, 2011, cautioned residents that infants should drink only bottled water because radioactive iodine exceeding the limit for that age group was detected in water at a purification plant.

The U.S. Embassy in Japan suggests U.S. citizens who live in Tokyo follow these recommendations. In addition, women who are pregnant or nursing should also follow these recommendations and drink bottled water. This guidance is consistent with the guidance that the United States Government would provide to Americans in the United States under similar circumstances.


U.S. citizens in metropolitan Tokyo can take the following steps to safeguard the health of infants (aged 0-3 years):
  • If giving water to infants, use only bottled water.
  • Use only bottled water to mix formula, cereal or other infant foods.
Health experts say that changing the water source for infants from tap water to bottled water should be adequate protection from exposure to radioactive iodine. No additional medication, such as potassium iodide (KI), is necessary at this time. Taking KI when it is not needed can harm a person's health.

At this time, no changes in drinking water are recommended for adults because the limit for adults is higher than the amount detected in the water purification plant. Embassy staff is consulting with health experts and radiation experts to continuously monitor these new developments. If more information becomes available, we will share it with you on the Embassy Web site.


Q & A:
  1. What are we advising U.S. citizens? Why?
    Due to an elevated level of Iodine-131 found at a local Tokyo water purification plant, we are advising American citizens in Tokyo that infants (aged 0-3), as well as women who are pregnant or nursing, should drink only bottled water.
  2. What is the Japanese standard being used?
    The Japanese standard for Iodine-131 in drinking water is 100 becquerels per liter if the water is to be consumed by an infant (0-12 months) and 300 becquerels per liter if the water is to be consumed by an adult. The current reported contamination of 210 becquerels per liter is therefore about twice the permitted level for infants and about two thirds of the permitted level for adults, under Japanese regulations.
  3. What is the U.S. standard?
    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency?s published standard for Iodine-131 contamination in drinking water is 3 picocuries per liter, which is equal to about 0.1 becquerels per liter. However, the assumptions underlying the EPA standard for continuous exposure do not apply to the current situation in Japan, which is a temporary exposure resulting from an accidental release. In addition, the science of radiation protection has advanced considerably since the EPA standard was published in 1974. If one uses the latest science and makes the adjustments in the calculations underlying the EPA standard in order to make it applicable to the temporary exposure occurring in Japan, one obtains a figure practically identical to the standard that the Japanese authorities are applying.
  4. What is the risk of the current Iodine-131 levels to adults drinking the water?
    Short-term exposures at the levels that have been reported do not present significantly increased risks beyond the sensitive populations already identified.

    http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/p/tp-20110324-73.html
 
Re: USA State Department - U.S. citizens strongly urged to defer travel to Japan at this time and those in Japan should consider departing - Travel Instructions, Contact numbers

Re: USA State Department - U.S. citizens strongly urged to defer travel to Japan at this time and those in Japan should consider departing - Travel Instructions, Contact numbers

Warden Message

<!-- begin position 1 -->Availability of Potassium Iodide Tablets

(Posted March 26, 11 a.m. JST)

As a precautionary measure, the U.S. Embassy is continuing to make potassium iodide (KI) tablets available to private U.S. citizens who have not been able to obtain it from their physician, employer, or other sources. We do not a recommend that anyone should take KI at this time. There are risks associated with taking KI. It should only be taken on the advice of emergency management officials, public health officials or your doctor. For more information about KI, see this fact sheet from the Centers for Disease Control, or contact your doctor.

At this time, the tablets are available Monday through Friday (until further notice) at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo at 1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and at the New Sanno Hotel at 4-12-20, Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday (until further notice) there is also distribution at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo from 12 noon to 4 p.m.

Allotments of KI tablets will be provided only upon presentation of a valid U.S. passport. U.S. citizens may obtain an allotment for each family member's valid U.S. passport presented. If you do not have a valid passport, please contact the U.S. Embassy at 03-3224-5000. An allotment of tablets will also be made available to a U.S. citizen for his/her non-citizen immediate family members upon presentation of satisfactory evidence of the relationship.

Please monitor the State Department's travel website for the most updated information. Should you need further assistance, contact the Department of State by emailing JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov or calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

Safety of Tap Water

The United States Government advises American citizens that, in accordance with guidelines that apply to water in the United States and based on analysis of tap water samples for radioactive iodine on March 24, 2011, the water in Tokyo is safe for drinking. U.S. Government officials are consulting with health experts and radiation experts, in both the United States and Japan, and are continuously monitoring the situation. If more information becomes available, we will share it with you on the Embassy Web site.

http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-warden20110326-2.html

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Re: USA State Department - U.S. citizens strongly urged to defer travel to Japan at this time and those in Japan should consider departing - Travel Instructions, Contact numbers

Re: USA State Department - U.S. citizens strongly urged to defer travel to Japan at this time and those in Japan should consider departing - Travel Instructions, Contact numbers

Press Release

<!-- begin position 1 -->U.S. Government Response to the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan

(Updated April 4, 2011)

On March 28, the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Dr. Gregory Jaczko, traveled to Tokyo to convey directly to his Japanese counterparts a message of support and cooperation, and to assess the current situation.

Following his meetings with senior Japanese government and TEPCO officials, Chairman Jaczko said, "Our nuclear experts are working closely with their Japanese counterparts, and we both continue to share expert analysis as we move forward to address this challenge. I reconfirmed in my meetings that we are prepared to provide any assistance we can in the days to come." He further added, "The unprecedented challenge before us remains serious and our best experts remain fully engaged to help Japan address the situation."

The following day, President Obama spoke with Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan from Air Force One, their third telephone conversation since the earthquake and tsunami struck Japan on March 11. The President reiterated that the United States is determined to support the people of Japan in their efforts to deal with the devastating effects of this tragedy, both in the short and the long term. The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of close U.S.-Japanese cooperation in dealing with the ongoing nuclear emergency.

In a letter from President Obama to the Emperor of Japan, the President said: ?The United States has put all available means of support at Japan?s disposal, and countless American citizens and organizations have also reached out to help. I speak for all Americans in expressing admiration for the courage, strength, and determination with which the people of Japan are responding to this crisis. I have every confidence that Japan will rebound from this tragedy even stronger than before and set an example for other nations through your resilience. As the people of Japan recover and rebuild, the United States will stand steadfast by your side as a friend, partner, and ally.?

This fact sheet builds on the March 28 update.

Humanitarian Assistance

Department of Defense


The Department of Defense is actively providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in support of Operation Tomodachi, which means "friends" in Japanese.
  • With Sendai airport reopened for military flights, and with all known groups of isolated persons now being serviced from JSDF and U.S. forces ashore, the 7th Fleet?s focus has shifted to harbor clearance and consolidation of remaining relief supplies ashore in Misawa and Sendai for distribution from those points.
  • At the ports of Miyako and Oshima, Navy teams are working with the JSDF and local authorities to clear those harbors, using side scan sonar to survey the ports.
  • 7th Fleet ships, helicopters and aircraft searched over 2,000 square miles of ocean in a concerted effort to find victims of the March 11 tsunami.
  • Since Operation Tomodachi began, 7th Fleet forces have delivered more than 260 tons of relief supplies to earthquake/tsunami survivors and flown 160 aerial reconnaissance and search sorties.
  • Army soldiers from Okinawa continue to assist Marines in removing damaged vehicles and large debris from the Sendai airport parking lots and hangars.
USAID

The Disaster Assistance Response Team continues to engage at three levels to determine any possible humanitarian needs in Japan: nationally through Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, locally at the prefecture level and in coordination with U.S. Forces-Japan, and through Japanese civil society organizations.

Department of Energy
Department of Health and Human Services
Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Experts from the NRC, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. military are cooperating directly with Japanese authorities to help contain the damage at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

USG Funding Announced and Committed To Date
<TABLE><TBODY sizcache="0"><TR class=odd nodeIndex="1"><TD>USAID/OFDA Assistance</TD><TD>$6,825,286</TD></TR><TR nodeIndex="2"><TD>Department of Defense (DoD) Humanitarian Assistance</TD><TD>$62,934,092</TD></TR><TR class=odd nodeIndex="3"><TD>Total USAID and DoD Assistance for the Earthquake and Tsunami</TD><TD>$69,759,378</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Department of State - Support for Americans in Japan
  • Consular officers in Japan and Washington are working around the clock to gather information to assist American citizens in Japan.
  • The U.S. Embassy deployed consular assistance teams around the Tohoku region, where they worked with local authorities to locate U.S. citizens, visited shelters and assistance centers, and helped U.S. citizens identify public and commercial transportation options away from affected areas.
  • The Department of State has advised U.S. citizens to defer all travel to the evacuation zone around Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and areas affected by the earthquake and tsunami.
  • U.S. citizens requiring emergency consular assistance should e-mail JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov and monitor the U.S. Department of State website at travel.state.gov and the Embassy's website for updated information. For telephone inquiries, individuals may call 202-501-4444 or 1-888-407-4747.
  • For the latest U.S. Government information on the situation in Japan, as well as the Department of State's Travel Warning, please go to the Department of State's Consular Affairs website - travel.state.gov.
How to Support Relief Efforts

InterAction, an alliance of U. S.-based non-governmental organizations (NGOs), maintains a list of organizations accepting donations for the Japanese earthquake response at www.interaction.org.

The American Red Cross (AmRC) also receives donations through text messages of "redcross" sent to 90999.

USAID encourages cash donations because they allow aid professionals to procure the exact items needed; reduce the burden on scarce resources; can be transferred very quickly and without transportation costs; support the economy of the disaster-stricken region; and ensure culturally, dietary, and environmentally appropriate assistance.


Further Information
http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/p/tp-20110404-01.html
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Re: USA State Department - U.S. citizens strongly urged to defer travel to Japan at this time and those in Japan should consider departing - Travel Instructions, Contact numbers - Support for Americans in Japan

Re: USA State Department - U.S. citizens strongly urged to defer travel to Japan at this time and those in Japan should consider departing - Travel Instructions, Contact numbers - Support for Americans in Japan

Availability of Potassium Iodide Tablets

(Updated April 8, 2011, 11:30 a.m. JST)

As a precautionary measure, the U.S. Embassy is continuing to make potassium iodide (KI) tablets available to private U.S. citizens who have not been able to obtain it from their physician, employer, or other sources. We do not recommend that anyone should take KI at this time. There are risks associated with taking KI. It should only be taken on the advice of emergency management officials, public health officials or your doctor. For more information about KI, see this fact sheet from the Centers for Disease Control, or contact your doctor.

At this time, the tablets are available Monday through Friday (until further notice) at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo at 1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Allotments of KI tablets will be provided only upon presentation of a valid U.S. passport. If you do not have a valid passport, please contact the U.S. Embassy at 03- 3224-5000. An allotment of tablets will also be made available to a U.S. citizen for his/her non-citizen immediate family members (spouse and children) upon presentation of a valid foreign passport and satisfactory evidence of relationship. Each family member age 18 and over must appear in person and sign a liability waiver form in order to receive their allotment.

Please monitor the State Department's travel website for the most updated information. Should you need further assistance, contact the Department of State by emailing JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov or calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-warden20110408-1.html
 
Re: USA State Department - Travel Instructions, Contact numbers - Support for Americans in Japan

Press Release

<!-- begin position 1 -->U.S. State Department Lifts Travel Warning for Tokyo

Voluntary Authorized Departure from Japan for U.S. Government Dependents Ends

April 15, 2011
<!-- desc: The State Department has issued an updated Travel Alert for Japan, and has lifted the voluntary authorized departure status instituted on March 16, allowing the dependents of U.S. government employees to return to Japan. -->

The U.S. Department of State has issued an updated Travel Alert for Japan, and has lifted the voluntary authorized departure status instituted on March 16, 2011, allowing the dependents of U.S. government employees to return to Japan as of April 15, 2011. The Department of State?s updated Travel Alert for Japan may be viewed online here.

This decision was based on the assessment of experts from the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Department of Energy, and the unanimous opinion of U.S. scientific experts on the ground in Japan that the health and safety risks to areas outside of the 50-mile radius of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant are very low. These assessments are consistent with practices that would be taken in the United States in such a situation.

We continue to recommend that U.S. citizens avoid travel within the 50-mile radius of the Fukushima plant. U.S. citizens who are still within this radius should evacuate or shelter in place.

The U.S. Embassy looks forward to welcoming family members back to Japan.

http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/p/tp-20110415-01.html

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