Japan’s tryst with the atom, from Hiroshima to Fukushima, has been ruinous in both its avatars - its use in weapons and in energy.

The relationship between China and Japan has taken a positive turn in the wake of Japan’s national disaster.

Even as Japan has become increasingly reliant on nuclear energy, its nuclear safety record has not been very satisfactory.

Opposition parties are wary of assuming responsibility for the Kan administration’s crisis management and national reconstruction efforts.

The possibility of situation worsening can not be ruled out. However, it would be counter-productive to create panic by speculating only worst case scenario.

While earthquake resistant buildings and safety of dams and nuclear plants are important, orderly public behaviour under stress, as demonstrated by the Japanese people, is also vital.

The Prefectures affected the most are Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima and Ibaraki, which represent about 7 per cent of Japan’s economy and house steel plants, oil refineries, nuclear power plants and factories manufacturing parts for cars and electronic goods.

Japan is in a state of panic as the situation in the Fukushima nuclear power plant continues to intensify.

As Japan grapples with a “nuclear emergency situation” a domestic debate has begun about whether a quake -prone country should rely on nuclear power.

The tsunami triggered by the quake swamped Sendai’s coast, picking up cars, ships and houses as it furiously surged three miles inland.