As the tsunami of sludge swept over north-eastern Honshu on March 11th crowds gathered, transfixed by the pictures, in front of television sets in shops, bars, stations and airports.

当3月11日海啸的浊流横扫本州东北部时，聚在商店、酒吧、车站和机场的电视机前的人们被直播的画面惊得目瞪口呆。