Hi all, I live in Tokyo Japan.

When the big one hit, I was working at my office on 18th floor of the building. We were shaken like a roller coaster but the building was designed to do so to cancel earthquake energy.
Now most of lifeline is ok here but lack of gasoline is obvious and electricity supply is short. We still have atomic fear as you probably read on news. Aftershocks are countless. Though Internet is perfectly working include 3G.
I've not heard so many injured around here so your friends in Tokyo would probably be ok I think.
This is the situation of Tokyo area that is several hundred kilometer away from the center of earthquake. 
The worst is northern Japan.

The earthquake energy was 180 times bigger than the big West Japan earthquake that was the biggest ever. Even many earthquake meters itself were damaged by earthquake. Tsunami reached into 5km inland. Over ten thousands people were probably be killed or more.
The affected area is isolated by earthquake. Any roads and trains does not service currently. Many of us want to go to help them but we can't.

So currently special rescue parties are the only hope as you were mentioning. 
I want to say thank you all for all of your country's supports and help. Many countries are now providing great supports. Our rescue parties are full because of the unexpected scale of the incident. We are very much appreciated your country's supports.

I want to say thank you again for all the thoughts of the member here. We know the news that many countries are offering help, we are happy to hear that not only by the goods but by your warmest thoughts and hearts.

Regarding international donation, I guess the Red-cross would be the best way to donate. No one who sucks money is not here I believe. 
Anyway your hearts are the most important support to us. Thank you.

Best regards,

Sasaki