Earthquake

There was a pretty bad earthquake today just south of Niigata City. 5 people have died and over 700 are injured, according to NHK. We are okay, as is our apartment, but it did knock pictures off the top of the TV and was more intense in Matsuhama than the Chuetsu Earthquake a couple of years ago. You can read more here. Or at the Times, which includes this great quote from soon-to-be former Prime Minister Abe:

''We want to do all we can to ensure safety ... and to quell everyone's concerns,'' said Abe, whose ruling party is trailing in the polls. ''I want to get a picture of what happened and also want everyone to feel a little bit more secure.''

Yes, seeing Prime Minster Abe always makes me feel a little bit more secure.