Japanese Guitar Manufacturers Damaged by Earthquake 2011

[Torch H]

After seeing the footage from the great Japanese quake of 2011, one can't help but be awed at the destruction. Many of us in the guitar world are worried about factories in the areas affected that produce the guitars we love to both play and purchase. After taking a look at the information available the only guitar manufacturer who released a statement was Yamaha. Yamaha said their factories were not damaged significantly if at all by the earthquake.

Another source claims that Tokai factories are safe after the quake. Fujigen Gakki reports on their company blog that the factory is safe and everyone is ok.

I have not been able to locate anything from Hoshino Gakki, distributors of Ibanez and Tama instruments. Chushin Gakki is located in Nagano and there has been no word issued from the factory. If anyone knows the status of their factories, let me know.

Now I just read that one of the nuclear reactors in Japan has melted down...dear god. We can just pray and hope that things improve from here on out.

[maudina]

What happens to a helicopter flying over an earthquake? Does any force from an earthquake in particular anything over 6.0 on the Richter scale affect a helicopter hovering around the affected area or even bring it down?
____________________________________
~ ~