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roads closed, tran lines shut down, all shinkansen (bullet train) stopped in North and East Japan, folks trapped in elevators, building damage reports coming in, landslides across roads,

......What I personally liked about the Japanese TV warning (for those of us down south in the Kanto region) was the calm, clear, precise and relaxed way the anchorpeople immediately went to their TV sets and went on live, maps, graphics, tickers but most of all, relaxed demeanor.

In the US, on CNN or FOX, or local affiliates, I can imagine some bubble headed blonde former cheerleader just out of J-school, freaking out and slobbering all over the text, making viewers even more stressed out. Maybe like that black, gay weatherman in LA some years ago who freaked out on live TV when an earthquake hit, almost screaming and crying.

....These TV reporters (certainly on NHK) have been WELL trained and well prepared. Tyey have my utmost of respect.

National security chief has gone into the Prime Minister's residence to set up emergency coordination team. All Cabinet ministers being mobilized and asked to give reports on areas affecting their ministries......bullet trains running at the time all immediately slowed down and came to complete stops...one guy is on a cell phone right now describing situation inside one of the bullet trains....

I grew up in Japan. Earthquake drills were regular, monthly events when I went to school. So well prepared was I, when I arrived in the U.S. I was so shocked to learn how few knew what to do. You describe the anchor people in Japan; this description is precisely how I would describe radio, teachers, policemen, and yes amah, during an earthquake in Japan - calm, definitive, directive. None of this "hyper amp" stuff which saturates the news in America when an earthquake happens.

All the best to you, and to each of our neighbors in Japan, the people of Japan.

bullet trains running at the time all immediately slowed down and came to complete stops...

I am impressed (but not surprised) with how efficient the Japanese are. That little detail of having the trains warned in time for them to stop probably saved some lives. I would not want to be on a 300 mph train during an earthquake.

Glad you're ok and kudos on your reporting.

What's this warning system called? Or is it just reports from the epicenter that were telegraphed ahead of the seismic wave?

I was in a 6.7 shaker, three miles from epicenter in 1983. Happened just before 0600 while I was still in bed. No way to get out of bed and get out side. It was like the bed scene in The Exorcist.