Why Japan will prevail

[OmahaBlueDog]

Why Japan will prevail
By Toshiro Tanimoto, Special to CNN

http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/03/14/tanimoto.trust.japan.quake/index.html?hpt=C2

-snip-

I grew up in this country, but I am still amazed at the people's patience and civility. But I also know how they can remain so civil. They trust that food will come somehow. They trust the government and know their share will come. They have faith.

The Tokyo electric company started rolling blackouts today around the city. Five areas of Tokyo take turns going through three-hour blackouts in order to save electricity. Commuting is a problem as metros and trains run on irregular and reduced schedules. Some might be angry about the abrupt enforcement of this blackout, but most people stay calm. Most accept the government's explanation that this is better than having an unexpected blackout that may keep you stuck in an elevator or a subway for an indefinite period. Most people seem to agree and are willing to share their burden. They trust that it's for the best.

Along with electricity blackouts, the government is warning that water quality may suffer temporarily. Spurred on by my wife, I run to a convenience store nearby and find nearly empty rows of shelves and just 10 bottles of water left. I am amazed that the owner is still selling the bottles at the regular price -- $1 each -- because I know I would pay twice as much. I briefly think about grabbing all 10 bottles, but decide to buy just five, because I know others will need them. I also trust clean water will be available for me if I run out. Maybe my neighbor will provide it, and not the government, but I will have enough. I just trust I will.

[brooklynite]

1. Maybe not...

from the BBC:

With the nuclear crisis grabbing most of the attention, it is perhaps worth remembering that millions of people in north-east Japan are spending their fourth night without water, food or heating in near-freezing temperatures.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12307698

[OHdem10]

2. Every Expert I have heard comment always say Japan is the

most prepared country in the world to deal with this type
crisis. This speaks volumes about the Government of Japan.
Judging from afar, the people appear to trust their Government.

This means the people will cooperate with the Government and
not waste time and energy trying to blame someone as we
do in our country. They will not waste time and therefore
they will prevail if anyone can.

Over hear we would spend valuable time while the Media tried
to stir up anger--Whose fault is it??? Wise people know
an act of God, or Nature is no one's fault. Get to working
fixing the thing.

[Wait Wut]

3. I'm amazed at the composure

All weekend I've been watching the news. The one thing I noticed was the eerie calm of the people. When I spoke to my son yesterday, I asked how my daughter-in-law was doing (she's Okinawan). There was a pause before he responded, "I think she's okay. She isn't talking much about it. She won't watch the news. Other than waking me up in a panic at 3am when her phone started ringing, she's pretty calm." Even while we were all awaiting word to see that her family on the mainland was okay, my own phone calls with her were optimistic. I could hear concern and tears, but she kept trying to make me laugh.

On the other hand, my son and I were crushed, stressed and in a general state of panic.

[Geoff R. Casavant]

4. It reminds me of Sean Connery's line from Rising Sun

The Japanese attitude is to fix the problem, not the blame.