is it safe?

If you mean the earthquake, it only affected Niigata, and Nagano and Takayama remained untouched.

Actually, there was some damage in areas of Nagano close to Niigata, but the majority of the prefecture is fine.

In Niigata, still felt aftershock today. Trains are most likely running behind schedule.

Not safe. Apparently some locals have resurrected that quaint old Japanese custom of lynching Koreans to appease the Earthquake Gods.

I'm wondering about this myself. I'm heading to Niigata city August 3rd to visit family there. The city itself got shaken up pretty bad, but most of the damage happened about 60km south of where I am going (this is according to a relative). Our biggest concern was the trains, but apparently they are back up and running. When I go, I'm sure things will be relatively stable, reconstruction will be underway ect. Earthquakes are nothing new to Japan.

Another thing I'm wondering about though is the reported fire and leakage at a nearby nuclear plant, I hope the seafood will still be safe to eat.

and to pudman: are you serious?

No, not serious. I was alluding to the Big Quake 80 years ago.But if Governor Ishihara of Tokyo had his way......hey, could someone post a link about what he said a few years ago about foreigners rioting and pillaging in the event of an earthquake?

I heard something about that too.

The word is that, in the aftermath of any serious earthquake in Tokyo, the police have orders to detain any people with kimuchi on their breath or with blue eyes.