There is a Japanese proverb that After a great storm, you can see more clearly where there is solid ground. Japanese are known for their social behaviour, politeness and etiquette.
I was surprised while watching a YouTube link where a graduation ceremony was disturbed due to the earthquake. There was a brief moment of confusion but immediately everyone started working collectively to clear the rubble. Japanese call it the ittai movement, which means come together as one body.
The recent earthquake and tsunami is a true example of the ittai movement. Not a single looting incident was reported from anywhere. Instead they waited in long queues patiently outside the grocery stores for basics. Mothers patiently held on their babies for hours while waiting to get food. Despite long queue, everyone remained calm, polite and drew a sense of social order by following the instructions. In many societies, neighbours willingly share electricity with others and cut back on energy use to limit the need for rotating blackouts. We as a nation should learn from Japan, especially how to cultivate these habits to from a very young age.
KOMAL SHAHID
Lahore