My son and DIL....
....live in Tokyo and as I spoke to them yesterday on the phone one thing that I was amazed by was their concern for those who are really in the trenches of the disaster. They seemed to feel guilty for having a home, running water, electricity, food and wanted to give and help those in need.
My son is looking for ways he can help with the rescue, however the government is urging people to stay out of the disaster areas unless trained to be there in search and rescue. Smart thing IMHO! They certainly don't need anymore statistics.
They also aren't being told much by the government with the radiation fallout except to take all precautions like STAYING INDOORS! And wearing covering for their skin, head, and a mask when going outdoors. Kinda says it all to me, I am trying to stay positive but it's hard from so far away.
I am most grateful they are alive and well!
That said yes I do agree with you that their society as a whole conducts themselves in a sensible humane way and perhaps have less of an "every-man-for-himself" attitude. I don't know why that is, I can only offer this the outcries of the few are heard loud and clear when they are offensive to human dignity. If that makes sense, not everyone and hopefully most people are not so selfish in nature.
Life is like a 10 speed bike, we all have gears we never use.
Charles Schultz
"The bicycle is just as good company as most husbands and, when it gets old and shabby, a woman can dispose of it and get a new one without shocking the entire community." — Ann Strong, Minneapolis Tribune, 1895