6 Tokyo Tweeters who kept the city informed: Sandra Barron

Real name: Sandra Barron
Twitter name: @SandraJapandra
Location: Tokyo
Occupation: I’m a writer and editor. I write freelance and contribute to the Japan Times' trend blog, Japan Pulse. I also edit technical and academic documents.

Where were you at the time of the quake?
Sitting on the floor of my apartment, working on a post for Pulse.

At what point did you think to get on Twitter, and why did that make sense to you?
I'm on Twitter almost constantly anyway. It wouldn't have made sense not to be on Twitter and see how the people I know and follow were reacting.

Since then, what have your movements been like around Tokyo? Been anywhere unusual? Seen anything particularly striking?
I've been cycling more than usual to avoid crowded or delayed trains. In the last few days, Roppongi, Shinjuku and Shibuya have seemed much, much emptier than usual. The most common thing I've overheard is ‘Maji, hito sukunai naa!’ (‘Seriously, where is everyone?’)

What sources have you found indispensable in keeping your Twitter followers up to date?
Part of what is good about Twitter is the plurality of it. Rather than relying on any one source, it's being able to see what a variety of people and organizations in different places are saying and linking to and synthesizing that. Time Out has been the best source for up-to-date English info on things we need to know daily. Arclight was useful for nuclear analysis until his company shut him down.

Honestly now, had you heard of a sievert before Saturday?
Yes. I couldn't have defined it exactly, though.

At the time of writing, what's your position concerning the evacuation of the capital?
I feel safe here – or safe enough. My feeling is that a worst-case scenario would involve staying inside for a few days. That said, our families are asking us to leave. We will try to go tonight. If we can't get out for whatever reason, I will be fine with staying here.

Are there any charities or NPOs you're particularly advising?
MSF and Doctors Without Borders.

All being well, what are you looking forward to most in Tokyo's near future?
I’m looking forward to hanami.