Ikebukuro in the Dark

I ventured out of my town for a little while and went to Ikebukuro. It's one of the big cities closest to my town, so I'd be less likely to get stuck there than somewhere farther out like Shibuya or Shinjuku. My blackout was scheduled for about 6-10pm, probably the worst time of the five groups since that means NO LIGHT and NO HEAT. I wanted to get out of the apartment so I wouldn't be sitting in the dark freezing.

I thought I'd go for a stroll through my old station, wander through Seibu department store and Loft (one of my favorite Japanese stores), maybe walk up to Don Quixote and feel like I'm back home for a little while. I caught the train a little early so I could hopefully see some of the big department stores before they closed. Instead, the town was half dark.

Don Pen in the dark.

One of thee Bic Cameras close to the station.

Up by Sunshine City. Even the arcade was closed.

Sorry it's fuzzy. Coming down from Sunshine City.

I have to assume everywhere else in Tokyo looked kind of like Ikebukuro did -- half-closed and half-dead. Most of the big stores were open, like Bic Camera, Don Quixote, and Matsumoto Kiyoshi (Japanese Longs), but I hadn't left early enough for the department stores. I found a flashlight in my closet but most of the batteries were sold out at all the stores. Thankfully I bought a little one from Bic Camera, and I knew just enough Japanese to hear they were selling them on the 4th floor!

Ate dinner at McDonald's, because I needed to feel a little bit more like an ignorantly fearless American. I couldn't tell if this was the regular crowd at McDonald's or if there were people like me trying to stay away from the blackout areas. Some guys playing DS games, some business men, a few couples. There was another girl on her phone by herself, but she didn't look too happy.

I got called into work(!) this morning. I don't know what exactly I'll be doing with no classes to teach and not enough Japanese skills to perform other office duties. Maybe I can convince someone to check up on our new hire, a Japanese guy who is apparently from Sendai.

IF YOU CAN, PLEASE HELP

Donations can be sent to:

Doctors without Borders

International Medical Corps

Mercy Corps via Peace Winds Japan

Convoy of Hope --- text TSUNAMI to 50555 to donate $10

The Red Cross --- text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10

Save the Children --- text JAPAN or TSUNAMI to 20222 to donate $10

The Salvation Army --- text JAPAN or QUAKE to 80888 to donate $10

Lady Gaga is selling wristbands on her official site. HOW AMAZING IS SHE. These are being sent out on the 25th so buy now!!!

That's just a short list, you can Google to find more.

If you are IN JAPAN, don't feel helpless! You can do plenty:

- Conserve electricity. Blackouts may not be necessary if we use less.

- Donate blood. There will be a few stations with blood donation rooms, including Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Machida stations. (Please note there are restrictions)

- Give some cash at Lawson. They are accepting donations for Japan Red Cross until the 26th.

- Stay positive! We're all doing our best, so let's continue to do so until this crisis is properly dealt with.