Tuesday, March 29 – A Tale of Two Pictures

Today, Yasue sent two pictures that when paired together, sum up her last few days. In one, we can see progress. The other, shows concern.

The commercial delivery companies have started delivering boxes directly to her home and Yasue has been receiving packages from her friends in Tokyo and elsewhere in Japan. Today, she received one from her friend Reiko with food items and a casual dress. Like the other packages she has received, this box was a blessing as it shows the real progress Sendai has already made.

The other picture is also her reality. Grocery store shelves sit nearly empty with only a couple of items to choose from. Prior to the March 11 quake, these shelves would have been filled with instant ramen, soba and other noodle dishes. At the relatively few stores that have opened, their pre-quake inventory is sold out. Replenishment is slow in coming as most goods in Japan are delivered by a fleet of small trucks. Right now, due to a combination of road conditions, gas shortages and the ever-present nuclear crisis in Fukushima, those trucks aren’t moving like they used to.

Understandably so, the relief agencies and government organizations are focused on getting food to the hard hit coastal areas and to those still living in shelters. Replenishing grocery stores is not on their agenda nor should it be.

So, are things getting better or worse? It depends on what picture you want to look at. As for me, I like the new dress.