What can commuters in Japan do when stranded after tsunami warnings?
On social media, people raised voices of concern, such as "I can't get home." One person who was apparently using the JR Tokaido Line, which was suspended until late at night, commented on X (formerly Twitter) "The Kamakura area is in absolute chaos. The buses and trains aren't moving, and the roads are packed with cars. The lines for taxis are beyond long, too."
A post from another account stated, "I was planning to take the bus home today, but there's a lot of news about suspensions and there seems to be no prospect of the tsunami warnings being lifted, so I might not be able to make it home. In the worst case, I'll make do at an internet cafe."
So what should people do if they can't use public transportation or encounter other problems after a disaster and it becomes difficult to return home?
In nine prefectures and cities, including Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama prefectures, convenience stores, family restaurants, gas stations, and other establishments provide tap water, toilets, and temporary resting places to support those walking home during disasters.
The establishments that do this are located mainly along major roads, and they can be identified with their yellow and blue stickers labeled "Disaster-period return support station." Designated locations in the capital can be searched for on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's disaster prevention map on the metropolitan government's website.
On July 30, Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward opened some facilities, including hotel lobbies and the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry building for people who had trouble returning home that day.
(Japanese original by Minhyang Hong, Tokyo Bureau)
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