The tragic events in Japan continue to attract general sympathy here, and contributions toward relief of the sufferers are still pouring in. But even the problems at the Fukushima nuclear reactors have ceased to be front-page news. Attention in Britain has focused on Libya, problems in Syria and other parts of the Middle East, and various home affairs issues facing the coalition government.

Reports of rolling electricity cuts and the shutting down of neon lighting in Tokyo as well as a significant reduction in consumer spending have given the impression of a despondent Japan.

The Japanese public's apparent lack of confidence in the statements made by Tokyo Electric Power Co. spokesmen and the skepticism which has greeted attempts by government officials to allay concerns over nuclear safety have been widely reported.