Mizuno reports that the building his lab is in was severely damaged by last week's earthquake. The whole building appears to be leaning somewhat, about 5 cm by the 7th floor. The emergency exit staircase is severely damaged.
His equipment was damaged as well. Two PCs are broken, and the electron microscope is probably beyond repair. He estimates this will take $20,000 to $30,000 to repair and replace equipment, and probably to move to another location. I do not think he has that kind of money. He says he cannot see how he will continue. This might be "checkmate" is how he put it (using the English word). - Jed
