With iPad 2 releases going ahead around the world as originally scheduled tomorrow, spare a thought for the iPad loving masses in Japan, who were recently told that in light of the Great Tohoku-Kanto Earthquake, that release of the iPad 2 would be postponed in Japan indefinitely.

As reported by MacWorld, Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris announced:
“We are delaying the launch of the iPad 2 in Japan while the country and our teams focus on recovering from the recent disaster. Our hearts go out to the people of Japan, including our employees and their families, who have been impacted by this terrible tragedy.”

In addition to the impact of the quake on Apple in Japan directly, there has also been concern expressed regarding how the quake will affect Japanese component makers that supply iPad 2 parts, either directly affected by the quake, or the subsequent transport and power issues that have affected a much broader part of Honshu in the week since, adding to already long waiting lists in the U.S. where the iPad went on sale on March 12.

Reaction by Japanese Apple fans has generally of understanding and resignation. Commenters on message boards on Kakaku.com included reactions of disappointment “it’s not like they have to delay it… I’m shocked”, “they could at least allow Internet pre-orders”, to understanding “I’m going to use the money I had saved up to donate to the relief effort instead”, “if you look at it from the perspective of victims in the disaster area, it really is a matter of course, isn’t it”, “even if they want to release it on time, it wouldn’t be fair if some regions get left out of the release because of the disaster”.

For those wanting to be notified as soon as a release date is set and pre-orders become available, Apple will send iPad related email alerts when you register on the following page:
http://www.apple.com/jp/ipad/notify-me/

As life in Tokyo returns to a modicum of normality for residents, people are preparing for the long road ahead where small sacrifices and inconveniences like this will need to be made.

I nonetheless look forward to the day when we will be able to report on the good news of a nationwide iPad 2 release in Japan at last.