Yes, this is a big deal. There were two earthquakes in a row like this:
link
The Sendai airport is wiped out. We are having after shocks every minute at this point. They can be big enough to feel in Tokyo every 20 minutes. This is said to be the biggest quake in 140 years in Japan. Tsunami video is something to watch.
I forgot to mention. Cell networks are overloaded, but data, texts, email, skype seem to get through. Good luck finding loved ones. Try email.
I normally work north of Tokyo about 150 km. I have heard that the interior was basically shaken out of our offices today and that the buildings will probably need inspection before clean up can begin. It was upper 6's in that area if I remember the chart right.
In Tokyo, it is not as bad. There were a few building roof fires. A few of the crap holes I used to frequent are probably rubble piles. Oh well, as long as no one was hurt. Some Natural gas storage place caught fire in Chiba.
The trains are all stopped in Tokyo. I'm stuck in Sayama as we speak. It is surreal. . .kind of a night of the living dead. McDonalds is open and Family Mart had Jim Beam in stock, so I'm good for now.
PM me if you wanna chat.
If anyone has info on the nuke plant, post it. It is on the north eastern coast and has been earthquake damaged before.