The combination of the earthquake and tsunami weren't too bad, especially for an 8.9 magnitude quake. I mean, sure, at least 300 people are confirmed dead, and an estimated 1,300 people have been killed, but at least the country was prepared.

They've been preparing for another massive earthquake following the 6.9 magnitude Kobe Earthquake of 1995, which killed 5,500 people. Compared to the greater magnitude of this recent one, and the estimated less lives lost, I'd say they were pretty well prepared.

The most nerve-racking part isn't even the earthquake or it's aftermath. It's those nuclear power plants and the radioactive leaks. And the overheating reactors, and the chance of two nuclear power plants exploding. But on top of it all, even if the two plants meltdown, it still won't be as bad as Chernobyl. I'm kind of impressed with Japan. They're handling the situation dashingly.