To go or not to Japan? Radiation fears.....

[Ekatherina]

Hello all! Just wanted some feedback i guess. I have a phD defense on April 25 in Hokkaido, sapporo. everything is done; ticket and defense paid for. I will be 7 months pregnant then, and it's a long trip (three planes changing) but I had no problem with going since this phD is really important to me. And i know when i give birth I will have no time for going anywhere since i wont be able to leave my baby while breastfeeding him. but i am concerned about radiation levels there in food and air. All my friends, my professor, Japanese embassy here, all say that it is safe in Sapporo with no radiation at all and it is safe for me to come. But you know I am still worried. What would you do? Would you still go for it? thanx for all the replies in advance. 

[Jayray]

I would go.  Most of the radiation fears are much exaggerated.  And if you aren't in the area near the plant, you really don't need to worry.  If you are worried about the air, just wearing a mask will keep out radioactive particles.  The food is a little harder to avoid--you could just eat shelf stable food that's older--nothing fresh--and would be fine.

I really wouldn't worry about it.  My husband's a nuclear physicist if it makes my opinion any more weighty. 

[tourist.]

I would go as well for the same reasons listed by the pp (although my husband only thinks he's a nuclear physicist ). 

[Ekatherina]

girls thank you for the replies.....:) and really happy to hear a feedback from the nuclear physicist's wife...:) i am going to the place 500Km far from the plant and passing by nagoya and not tokyo as a connecting flight....(which is also that far). my professor just replied and said it is safe for me to go.....(he thinks)...it's only that I was going for sushi eating more than a thesis defense i guess....