“THE Japanese, from a young age, are socialized to put group interest ahead of individual interest. Many criticize them for deference to authority, abundant rules and conformity, but this is the fabric of social cohesion that keeps Japan together.” – Jeffrey Kingston
Despite the ominous cloud of a possible nuclear meltdown still looming over the land of the rising sun, the Japanese have proven that a crisis is not necessarily followed by chaos.
As the world continues to watch Japan cope with the devastation left by the a 9.0 magnitude quake and 30-foot tsunami, one cannot help but marvel at their calm demeanor, civility and discipline.
The quake and tsunami may have destroyed and washed away their homes, loved ones and possessions — but it has not divided them as a people, nor has it stirred the individual need to practice survival instincts. A week has passed since the disaster struck, but still no acts of looting or rioting have been reported by the watchful media, who have been on the scene since Day 1.
Food and medicine are scarce, temperatures are freezing, evacuation centers are filled to the brim and radiation levels from the malfunctioning nuclear reactors are fluctuating – yet, the Japanese have put a new whole context to the meaning of “fighting for survival.”
To them, fighting for survival means falling in line in an orderly manner for food and water, ensuring that provisions are divided equally among everyone.
Fighting for survival means being vigilant with rescue operations, despite inclement weather and freezing temperatures. While chances for finding more survivors are bleak, rescuers remain optimistic. After all, miracles have happened in the midst of their search — a four-month old baby was found alive and well among a pile of debris in Ishinomaki in Miyagi prefecture and has been reunited with her overjoyed parents; a 70-year-old woman suffering from hypothermia was also found alive inside her home in Iwate prefecture. Her will to live was stronger than any tidal wave. These miraculous encounters make the rescuers’ efforts worthwhile, no matter how exhausting.
Fighting for survival also means risking one’s life for the benefit of a multitude. The 180 emergency workers at the crippled Fukushima Dai-ichi complex have been dubbed as “modern-day samurai” because of their undaunted and selfless courage – exposing themselves to harmful radioactivity to man the reactors and prevent a global catastrophe.
While these may seem like acts of kamikaze to some, one can’t help but be moved by such display of sublime patriotism and altruistic heroism.
“Sometimes, to foreigners, Japan’s societal rules seems orderly and conformist to a fault. But no one can argue that in this disaster, it is a tremendous benefit. I only need to think about my own home country dealing with triple disasters in the space of a few days to understand how Japan’s society has characteristics that simply don’t exist in any other large country.It would be a mistake, however, to say the self-control of the Japanese means they are stoic in the face of this historic disaster,” wrote Kyung Lah in her article on CNN’s website.
While most people from across the globe are panic-stricken over the possibility of radioactive dust blowing their way, despite assurances from health and nuclear safety experts, perhaps it’s a good time to reflect on and imbibe the beloved Emperor Akihito’s words: “I truly hope the victims of the disaster never give up hope, take care of themselves, and live strong for tomorrow.”
If the Japanese people can still find reason to be indomitable and hopeful, so can we. (AJPress)
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