During the Second World War, the people of London were heartened to hear that the king and queen chose to remain in London rather than escape an area near German bombing, in order to share their trials and tribulations with the people. Both were deeply loved and admired for that gesture.
I have the same feeling about fleeing Tokyo. This is my home and these people are my family, friends and students. If I fled the present crisis, how could I return at a later "safer" time and look those people in the face? I could not!
No, I will stay here and face what is to come with the Japanese people who have behaved admirably, stoically and with honor and are a credit to their nation — a fact that has not been missed by the world "outside," and by many of us here in the international community.
One more point: As a British citizen, I am dismayed and disgusted with the behavior of the French and Germans here in Japan. In contrast, we note that the British and Americans have clearly said that Tokyo is "safe" from unhealthy radiation and that their citizens should leave "if they wished," but it was not an order (The British Foreign Office in London). I do not wish to leave this wonderful country, my second home!