Kumanichi and other sources report that the Emperor and Empress will visit Kumamoto tomorrow, May 19, to view damage and encourage reconstruction. Details are sparse, but apparently they will depart Haneda in the afternoon and return from Kumamoto in the evening, so it will certainly be a whirlwind tour (they are in their 80s, after all). Another site stated that the ASDF will provide a helicopter so that they can see from above damage to the Aso area. Kumamoto residents will likely notice a large increase in security and air traffic during this time.
UPDATE: Our hero-on-the-ground-in-Aso Rene reports that the royal couple are scheduled to chopper into Minami Aso Mura around 14:00. Ongoing security measures had apparently been annoying his dog, Mana, but she has reportedly grown accustomed to them. More information on Mana’s disposition will be posted as it becomes available.
- William