Report: Kyoto already back to business

While northern Japan is still in shock after the deadly earthquakes and tsunami that wreaked havoc on the nation Friday, ATVN’s Robbie Heeger reports from Kyoto that everyday life is much back to normal.

“Right now on Kyoto it is hard to even tell that this country is finding itself in the worst crisis since World War II,” said Heeger. “Life in Kyoto feels as normal as it could possibly be.”

He said, however, there is still a sense of anxiousness about what is going on in northern Japan — especially in Sendai, the city hit hardest by the disaster, and regarding meltdowns of nuclear reactors.

The reactors could have tremendous significance to all of eastern Asia, as winds could carry radiation to different geographical areas.

Heeger said “nearly every store, shop and restaurant” is “turning their televisions to the news in order to see the latest on the reactor meltdowns.”

He did note, however, that the mood still seems extremely upbeat.

“I could not detect any dip in morale as of tonight,” said Heeger, noting that people were “freestyle rapping in the streets” and “stores were open as usual.”

Heeger will remain in Kyoto through Wednesday, when he will travel to Osaka.