Tokyo Disneyland Reopens

In a sign of a slowly-recovering daily life, after closing for 5 weeks, the Tokyo Disneyland finally reopened this Friday, the first time after the devastating earthquake.

The unprecedented closure of Disneyland, which normally is open 365 days a year and is one of the world's most successful parks, symbolized the sense of sadness and self-restraint that enveloped Japan following the quake. The 34-day closure cost the theme park dearly: Nomura Securities estimated it would dent the operating profits of Oriental Land Co., Disneyland's operator in Japan, by a total of ¥20.4 billion ($245 million). Shares of the company have tumbled 17% since March 11.

As with the atmosphere following Sept. 11 here in the US, it will take a while for the crowds to recover. But it is an amazing recovery for a theme park that was doing so well.

頑張ってください　(gambatte kudasai), Tokyo Disneyland!

Zz.