Condolences to Japan

This morning in NY Times, I've learned about a huge quake and tsunami that pummeled the coast of Japan and killed more than 600 people in Sendai, Japan. We'll undoubtedly brace further losses. Sendai is the closest major city to the epicenter. The 8.9 magnitude earthquake is one of the most severe since the 9.1 magnitude quake that struck Sumatra in late 2004. Any news of tragedy is devastating. But news of Japan hold dear to my heart because I love the Japanese culture, food, and language. When I was in college, I did a summer abroad in Hokkaido and studied a full year in Kyoto. I also interned in Tokyo for several months. I really like Japan, and it's unfortunate that this archipelago is located above an area where several continental and oceanic plates meet that causes frequent earthquakes. I've never been to Sendai, but been to its neighboring town, Matsushima. I'm sure this tremor was quite strong and had terrified people. I had my fill of shock when I experienced a minor flutter when I was in Japan. The building that I was in swayed hard and I seriously thought it will collapse on top of me. I can't imagine how the force of this quake had imposed. I just want to send my deepest condolences to the people in Japan. おくやみもうしあげます.