As is being reported in the news and across Twitter, a massive sandstorm from China is making its way across Japan this weekend. The thickest part just crossed over Tokyo, plunging the city into a strange yellow-colored darkness.
Below is the normal view from my apartment (photographed December, 2012), and then below that is the sandstorm and pollution-induced view as of 14:00 JST on March 10, 2013:
Update: Despite conflicting information, the Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed the origin of the aeolian dust storm was China as shown in this fairly convincing graphic:
I hope you were inside
How long before you would dare step outdoors?
Indeed, it was safer to stay indoors, particularly during the initial part. The whole experience lasted for most of the afternoon, with the peak dust cloud hanging around for about 2 hours.