U.S. State Dept. Rescuing Americans In Japan (Regular Bus Fare Applies)

The good news (?) is that the State Department has begun rescuing Americans and their families from the quake/tsunami/radiation-battered northeast coast of Japan. The bad news is that the rescue is just a bus to Tokyo, and you'll need to sign a form promising to pay the bus fare. Still, rescue! And with some 80,000 people in Fukushima Prefecture advised by the Japanese government to clear out because of the little problem with the nuke plant, it is probably a good idea for Americans stuck there to look under the futon for some spare change and head to the bus stop. We've got the official communique.

From: "US Department of State Warden Message"

Date: March 18, 2011 3:47:35 pm JST

Subject: Embassy Tokyo Warden Message 03/18/2011

U.S. Embassy Tokyo

Warden Message

March 18, 2011

The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo has arranged for over 600 seats on several buses for transportation from Sendai City Hall to Tokyo. Priority for seats will be given to U.S. citizens and their immediate dependents. No reservation is required. However, passengers will be required to sign a promissory note to reimburse the U.S. Government for the normal bus fare from Sendai to Tokyo.

The first buses began to load at 9: 00 a.m. on Friday, March 18 in front of Sendai City Hall (仙台市役所前広場). Buses will load and depart from the same location through 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 19, or until all 600 seats are filled.

Thanks to Wonkette operative "JKS."