A high level of radioactive iodine has been detected in seawater near Japan's troubled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The facility was hit by the March 11th earthquake and tsunami.
The Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency said on Saturday that iodine 131 in excess of 1,250 times regulated standards was found in seawater collected 330 meters south of a plant water outlet at 8:30 AM on Friday.
The agency says there is no immediate threat to people within the 20-kilometer evacuation zone. The agency adds that as seawater is dispersed by ocean currents the contamination level will decline.
Iodine 131 at146.9 times regulated standards was detected in seawater in the area on Wednesday.
2011年3月27日日曜日
2011年3月14日月曜日
Power cuts force businesses to suspend operations
The rotating blackouts that began on Monday across Tokyo and surrounding areas have prompted businesses in the region to suspend their activities.
Electronics maker Toshiba halted operations at 2 plants and an office in areas subject to the power cuts.
Toshiba says it does not know how long the suspension will be in place, nor how it will affect earnings.
Chemical company Showa Denko has shut down 8 of its plants for 3 days. The company says that if the suspension is prolonged, it may be unable to supply its customers.
Many supermarkets and convenience stores plan to close their doors during the blackout hours.
Major department store operators closed some of their outlets, and say they haven't decided what to do from Tuesday.
Automobile parts maker Yorozu turned off all lighting at its head office in Yokohama, near Tokyo.
Chairman Akihiko Shido says the daily power cuts are detrimental to his company's production. He urges Tokyo Electric Power Company to restrict the blackouts to once every several days.
Monday, March 14, 2011 20:
Electronics maker Toshiba halted operations at 2 plants and an office in areas subject to the power cuts.
Toshiba says it does not know how long the suspension will be in place, nor how it will affect earnings.
Chemical company Showa Denko has shut down 8 of its plants for 3 days. The company says that if the suspension is prolonged, it may be unable to supply its customers.
Many supermarkets and convenience stores plan to close their doors during the blackout hours.
Major department store operators closed some of their outlets, and say they haven't decided what to do from Tuesday.
Automobile parts maker Yorozu turned off all lighting at its head office in Yokohama, near Tokyo.
Chairman Akihiko Shido says the daily power cuts are detrimental to his company's production. He urges Tokyo Electric Power Company to restrict the blackouts to once every several days.
Monday, March 14, 2011 20:
2011年3月13日日曜日
Nuclear accident rated at level 4
The Japanese government rates the accident at the Fukushima Number One nuclear power plant at level 4 on an international scale of 0 to 7.
Two radioactive substances, cesium and radioactive iodine, were detected near the Number One reactor at the plant on Saturday. Their presence indicates nuclear fission of uranium.
The Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency said that fuel in the reactor partially melted. It's the first such accident in Japan.
A level 4 on the International Nuclear and Radiologocal Event Scale includes damage to fuel and release of significant quantities of radioactive material within an installation.
It's the same level as a criticality accident at a nuclear fuel processing plant in Tokai Village in Ibaraki Prefecture, south of Fukushima, in 1999.
The agency called the accident very regrettable even though it was triggered by an earthquake.
Two radioactive substances, cesium and radioactive iodine, were detected near the Number One reactor at the plant on Saturday. Their presence indicates nuclear fission of uranium.
The Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency said that fuel in the reactor partially melted. It's the first such accident in Japan.
A level 4 on the International Nuclear and Radiologocal Event Scale includes damage to fuel and release of significant quantities of radioactive material within an installation.
It's the same level as a criticality accident at a nuclear fuel processing plant in Tokai Village in Ibaraki Prefecture, south of Fukushima, in 1999.
The agency called the accident very regrettable even though it was triggered by an earthquake.
False claims circulating by e-mail
In the wake of the devastating earthquake in northeastern Japan, chain e-mails and misinformation are circulating on the Internet.
E-mails warn that a massive fire at an oil refinery in Chiba triggered by the quake could contaminate rainfall with toxic substances. They advise people to use umbrellas and raincoats for protection.
The oil company that operates the refinery says that what the message suggests is not true. It notes that the liquefied petroleum gas from tanks which has burned off hardly affects the human body.
The chain e-mails apparently aim to gain attention by propagating sensationalist misinformation.
On Twitter, groundless warnings, including one reading that "another quake will hit western Japan", have been posted. In some malicious messages, people pretending to be quake victims called for help.
The government warns such misinformation could spread fast on the Internet, hampering rescue and evacuation efforts of those actually affected by the quake.
It advises people to reference any claims found in e-mails with information provided by local authorities and relevant companies.
E-mails warn that a massive fire at an oil refinery in Chiba triggered by the quake could contaminate rainfall with toxic substances. They advise people to use umbrellas and raincoats for protection.
The oil company that operates the refinery says that what the message suggests is not true. It notes that the liquefied petroleum gas from tanks which has burned off hardly affects the human body.
The chain e-mails apparently aim to gain attention by propagating sensationalist misinformation.
On Twitter, groundless warnings, including one reading that "another quake will hit western Japan", have been posted. In some malicious messages, people pretending to be quake victims called for help.
The government warns such misinformation could spread fast on the Internet, hampering rescue and evacuation efforts of those actually affected by the quake.
It advises people to reference any claims found in e-mails with information provided by local authorities and relevant companies.
Nuclear reactors in serious status
Work on cooling nuclear reactors is facing difficulties at 2 power plants in quake-hit Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan.
At the Fukushima Number One Power Plant, both the number one reactor, and the number two reactor's emergency generators broke down, making it difficult to pump water into the reactors. That allowed temperatures in the reactors to rise.
Pressure inside the containment vessel of the reactors also remains higher than normal.
The Tokyo Electric Power Company, the plants' operator, tried to restore depressurizing equipment using a mobile generator. But the plan failed as the equipment had already been damaged by tsunami waves.
At the Number Two Plant, cooling water temperatures in its 3 reactors remain at 100 degrees Celsius--more than 3-times higher than the normal operating temperature.
The utility is considering other options to restore failed cooling systems for these reactors.
On Saturday, the government's Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency said 2 radioactive substances, cesium and iodine, had been detected near the Number One reactor at the Number One power plant. This indicates nuclear fission of uranium fuel. The agency announced some fuel in the reactor had partially melted. Sea water is being used to try to cool that reactor.
The electric company is not sure how soon it will be able to completely halt the reactors at the 2 power stations.
At the Fukushima Number One Power Plant, both the number one reactor, and the number two reactor's emergency generators broke down, making it difficult to pump water into the reactors. That allowed temperatures in the reactors to rise.
Pressure inside the containment vessel of the reactors also remains higher than normal.
The Tokyo Electric Power Company, the plants' operator, tried to restore depressurizing equipment using a mobile generator. But the plan failed as the equipment had already been damaged by tsunami waves.
At the Number Two Plant, cooling water temperatures in its 3 reactors remain at 100 degrees Celsius--more than 3-times higher than the normal operating temperature.
The utility is considering other options to restore failed cooling systems for these reactors.
On Saturday, the government's Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency said 2 radioactive substances, cesium and iodine, had been detected near the Number One reactor at the Number One power plant. This indicates nuclear fission of uranium fuel. The agency announced some fuel in the reactor had partially melted. Sea water is being used to try to cool that reactor.
The electric company is not sure how soon it will be able to completely halt the reactors at the 2 power stations.
2011年3月12日土曜日
Many take shelter in Tokyo
The earthquake caused train service to be suspended across Tokyo. Many people had to seek shelter in various facilities, including schools, community halls and sports centers.
Government ministries and agencies in central Tokyo have also been opened as shelters, among them an auditorium and 9 job-placement offices.
On top of that, some restaurants and commercial buildings have voluntarily made their facilities available.
People who wanted to get home formed long lines at stations in central Tokyo to take a taxi or bus.
Bus companies increased their service and continued operation until late into the night. Some railways that resumed their services also extended their hours.
Saturday, March 1
Government ministries and agencies in central Tokyo have also been opened as shelters, among them an auditorium and 9 job-placement offices.
On top of that, some restaurants and commercial buildings have voluntarily made their facilities available.
People who wanted to get home formed long lines at stations in central Tokyo to take a taxi or bus.
Bus companies increased their service and continued operation until late into the night. Some railways that resumed their services also extended their hours.
Saturday, March 1
High level of radiation observed at nuclear plant
Fukushima Prefecture says a high level of radiation has been measured near the Fukushima Number One nuclear power station.
The prefecture says the radiation level rose to 1,015 mircrosieverts per hour on Saturday.
One hour of exposure to this amount of radiation is equivalent to the permissible amount of radiation an ordinary person receives in one year. It is about twice the level that requires power companies to notify the government of an emergency situation.
The government's Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency says the power station's operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company, observed the radiation level near a gate on the hillside of the plant at 3:29 PM on Saturday, before an explosion was reported at the nuclear plant.
Saturday, March 12, 2011 18:43
The prefecture says the radiation level rose to 1,015 mircrosieverts per hour on Saturday.
One hour of exposure to this amount of radiation is equivalent to the permissible amount of radiation an ordinary person receives in one year. It is about twice the level that requires power companies to notify the government of an emergency situation.
The government's Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency says the power station's operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company, observed the radiation level near a gate on the hillside of the plant at 3:29 PM on Saturday, before an explosion was reported at the nuclear plant.
Saturday, March 12, 2011 18:43
Death toll may exceed 1000
Almost 600 people have been confirmed dead in Friday's earthquake that severely hit wide areas of northeastern Japan.
An additional 400 to 500 bodies found in Miyagi Prefecture are likely to bring the death toll to more than 1,000.
Of the 563 people confirmed dead in the Tohoku region as of 3 PM local time, 221 were in Iwate Prefecture, 190 in Fukushima, 149 in Miyagi, 2 in Aomori and one in Yamagata respectively.
In addition, local police were told that 200 to 300 bodies have been found in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, but they are unable to enter the site to retrieve them.
Another 100 bodies have been transported to a gymnasium in Iwanuma City and a similar number recovered in Natori City, Miyagi Prefecture.
More than 190 people remain missing in Iwate, Fukushima, Miyagi and Aomori prefectures.
Saturday, March
An additional 400 to 500 bodies found in Miyagi Prefecture are likely to bring the death toll to more than 1,000.
Of the 563 people confirmed dead in the Tohoku region as of 3 PM local time, 221 were in Iwate Prefecture, 190 in Fukushima, 149 in Miyagi, 2 in Aomori and one in Yamagata respectively.
In addition, local police were told that 200 to 300 bodies have been found in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, but they are unable to enter the site to retrieve them.
Another 100 bodies have been transported to a gymnasium in Iwanuma City and a similar number recovered in Natori City, Miyagi Prefecture.
More than 190 people remain missing in Iwate, Fukushima, Miyagi and Aomori prefectures.
Saturday, March
More than 650 believed dead in quake
The scale of the death and destruction following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan is growing worse by the hour. 451 people have been confirmed dead and at least 200 others are believed to be dead.
On top of that, more than 750 people are missing in several prefectures in the country's northeast.
Police say 200 to 300 unidentified bodies have been found in the city of Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture. A tsunami made its way 10 kilometers inland from the coast. 81 people have been confirmed dead in the prefecture.
In Iwate Prefecture, 215 people have been confirmed dead. Police there say more than 214 are missing in coastal areas. The government says the city of Rikuzen-takata is nearly devastated.
In Fukushima Prefecture, 117 people are reported to have been killed and more than 503 are missing.
In Yamagata Prefecture, a woman who fell during an escape after the quake died on Saturday morning.
In Aomori Prefecture, one person was found dead in a passenger car in Hachinohe City. The car is believed to have been swept away by a tsunami. The scope of the damage by the tsunami there is not yet known.
In Hakodate, Hokkaido, a man was found dead in a submerged apartment building.
At least 34 people have been confirmed dead in Tokyo and neighboring prefectures.
In the Japanese capital, 4 people were killed after a building partially collapsed.
On top of that, more than 750 people are missing in several prefectures in the country's northeast.
Police say 200 to 300 unidentified bodies have been found in the city of Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture. A tsunami made its way 10 kilometers inland from the coast. 81 people have been confirmed dead in the prefecture.
In Iwate Prefecture, 215 people have been confirmed dead. Police there say more than 214 are missing in coastal areas. The government says the city of Rikuzen-takata is nearly devastated.
In Fukushima Prefecture, 117 people are reported to have been killed and more than 503 are missing.
In Yamagata Prefecture, a woman who fell during an escape after the quake died on Saturday morning.
In Aomori Prefecture, one person was found dead in a passenger car in Hachinohe City. The car is believed to have been swept away by a tsunami. The scope of the damage by the tsunami there is not yet known.
In Hakodate, Hokkaido, a man was found dead in a submerged apartment building.
At least 34 people have been confirmed dead in Tokyo and neighboring prefectures.
In the Japanese capital, 4 people were killed after a building partially collapsed.
2011年3月3日木曜日
Japanese suicides exceed 30,000 for 13th year
The number of suicides in Japan last year exceeded 30,000 for the 13th year in a row, with more young people killing themselves after failing to get jobs.
The National Police Agency said on Thursday that the number of people who took their lives in 2010 was 31,690, down 3.5 percent from the previous year.
People in their 50s accounted for the largest number of suicides at nearly 6,000, followed by those in their 60s and 40s.
About half of those who committed suicide are believed to have done so due to health problems such as depression and physical illness. The next most common reason is thought to be economic hardship.
Among those taking their lives due to economic problems, 424 are thought to have done so because of failure to get jobs. The number has increased for three years in a row.
Of those who committed suicide due to such failure, the number of people in their 20s totaled 153, up 25 percent from the previous year.
The government says the severe employment situation for university graduates is believed to be one reason behind the increase, and is strengthening anti-suicide measures in cooperation with universities.
Thursday, March 03, 2011 17:53 +0900 (JST)
The National Police Agency said on Thursday that the number of people who took their lives in 2010 was 31,690, down 3.5 percent from the previous year.
People in their 50s accounted for the largest number of suicides at nearly 6,000, followed by those in their 60s and 40s.
About half of those who committed suicide are believed to have done so due to health problems such as depression and physical illness. The next most common reason is thought to be economic hardship.
Among those taking their lives due to economic problems, 424 are thought to have done so because of failure to get jobs. The number has increased for three years in a row.
Of those who committed suicide due to such failure, the number of people in their 20s totaled 153, up 25 percent from the previous year.
The government says the severe employment situation for university graduates is believed to be one reason behind the increase, and is strengthening anti-suicide measures in cooperation with universities.
Thursday, March 03, 2011 17:53 +0900 (JST)
2011年3月2日水曜日
Police identify suspect of exam cheating
Japanese police have identified a suspect in a case involving online posting of university entrance exam questions while the tests were underway.
The police say the suspect is an examinee for Kyoto University who lives in the Tohoku region, in northern Japan.
The police had been trying to identify who sent exam questions to Yahoo Japan's online question-and-answer site while exams at 4 universities were in progress.
The universities -- Kyoto, Doshisha, Waseda and Rikkyo -- filed criminal complaints with local police on Monday, saying offenders obstructed them from conducting fair exams.
The police, in cooperation with Yahoo, found that the same NTT DOCOMO cell phone had been used at all 4 universities, and that the phone had been bought by the suspect at a shop in the Tohoku region.
The police are interviewing the examinee and investigating to find possible accomplices.
The police say the suspect is an examinee for Kyoto University who lives in the Tohoku region, in northern Japan.
The police had been trying to identify who sent exam questions to Yahoo Japan's online question-and-answer site while exams at 4 universities were in progress.
The universities -- Kyoto, Doshisha, Waseda and Rikkyo -- filed criminal complaints with local police on Monday, saying offenders obstructed them from conducting fair exams.
The police, in cooperation with Yahoo, found that the same NTT DOCOMO cell phone had been used at all 4 universities, and that the phone had been bought by the suspect at a shop in the Tohoku region.
The police are interviewing the examinee and investigating to find possible accomplices.
Spring torch festival begins in Nara
In Japan's ancient capital of Nara, a time-honored torch ceremony at Todaiji Temple heralds the arrival of spring.
The traditional fire and water ceremony called "Shuni-e" or "Omizutori" dates back to the 8th century Nara Period. On this occasion Buddhist monks engage in ascetic training and pray for national stability.
The main ritual called "Otaimatsu" started on Tuesday night. Guided by 6-meter-long torches weighing about 40 kilograms each, the monks solemnly climbed the long stone stairs to the temple's "Nigatsudo" hall.
Their assistants waved the huge torches from the balustrade of the hall, scattering sparks onto the crowd for good health.
Some 3,500 visitors reached out for the falling embers. The ritual takes place each night to March 14th.
The traditional fire and water ceremony called "Shuni-e" or "Omizutori" dates back to the 8th century Nara Period. On this occasion Buddhist monks engage in ascetic training and pray for national stability.
The main ritual called "Otaimatsu" started on Tuesday night. Guided by 6-meter-long torches weighing about 40 kilograms each, the monks solemnly climbed the long stone stairs to the temple's "Nigatsudo" hall.
Their assistants waved the huge torches from the balustrade of the hall, scattering sparks onto the crowd for good health.
Some 3,500 visitors reached out for the falling embers. The ritual takes place each night to March 14th.
2011年3月1日火曜日
Tokyo Sky Tree exceeds 600m in height
A broadcasting tower under construction in eastern Tokyo surpassed 600 meters above the ground on Tuesday to become the world's tallest tower.
The developer of the Tokyo Sky Tree says work is progressing on hauling up the structure's steel antenna housing through an interior shaft. When the antenna is in place, the tower's total height will be 634 meters.
The structure has now exceeded 601 meters, surpassing the 600-meter Canton Tower in Guangzhou, southern China.
Many spectators gathered around the Sky Tree on Tuesday to take photos.
A housewife visiting from Osaka said she felt lucky to witness the record-setting moment.
Another man said he comes to take pictures once a week, and will continue to do so until the work is completed.
The structure, which will house 2 observatories and commercial facilities, is scheduled to begin operation in spring 2012 as the world's tallest broadcasting tower.
Tuesday, Ma
The developer of the Tokyo Sky Tree says work is progressing on hauling up the structure's steel antenna housing through an interior shaft. When the antenna is in place, the tower's total height will be 634 meters.
The structure has now exceeded 601 meters, surpassing the 600-meter Canton Tower in Guangzhou, southern China.
Many spectators gathered around the Sky Tree on Tuesday to take photos.
A housewife visiting from Osaka said she felt lucky to witness the record-setting moment.
Another man said he comes to take pictures once a week, and will continue to do so until the work is completed.
The structure, which will house 2 observatories and commercial facilities, is scheduled to begin operation in spring 2012 as the world's tallest broadcasting tower.
Tuesday, Ma
Takarazuka school graduates 34 actresses
Thirty-four young women have graduated from the Takarazuka Music School, a prestigious academy affiliated with an all-female musical theater troupe in Takarazuka City, near Osaka.
Two years ago, the women were selected from 800 applicants to study dancing and singing.
At a ceremony on Tuesday, each graduate was dressed in black kimonos and dark green hakama skirts, as is traditional on such occasions at the school.
Principal Fumio Iwasaki handed each student her graduation certificate.
Student representative Azusa Fukamori said the ties they formed at the academy will never disappear. She said they will work hard while dreaming of the day they will bloom like a large flower.
The students will join the professional Takarazuka Revue Company and make their debut on April 15.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011 14:23 +
Two years ago, the women were selected from 800 applicants to study dancing and singing.
At a ceremony on Tuesday, each graduate was dressed in black kimonos and dark green hakama skirts, as is traditional on such occasions at the school.
Principal Fumio Iwasaki handed each student her graduation certificate.
Student representative Azusa Fukamori said the ties they formed at the academy will never disappear. She said they will work hard while dreaming of the day they will bloom like a large flower.
The students will join the professional Takarazuka Revue Company and make their debut on April 15.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011 14:23 +
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