Crisis in Japan, a Moment to Bounce Back

Japan experienced its worst earthquake since hundreds of years. As the most advanced country in the area earthquake anticipation, Japan has built its buildings that have the quality to stand still up to 9 Richter scale earthquakes. Later on, it was proven that the earthquake only made minor damage for the infrastructure; it was the aftershocks that took form as tsunami which created the moment of despair. Not to make it worst, the quake was also followed by the nuclear leak in Fukushima. For a country endeavoring recession for over a decade, the tragedy is deemed to become stumbling blocks toward the process of Economic recovery. Looking back to the history, Japan had similar problem when atomic bomb demolished Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Back then, many would believe that Japanese would have gone deeper into slump. But as we can see, after the tragedy, Japanese development went beyond all odds.

The Nagasaki-Hiroshima bombing which took place in 1945 made them to be united and went together to restore the country. Japanese are famously known as hardworking people, riffled with this character Japanese Economy went sky rocketing. They have legendary word that reflects their hardworking character: ganbatte! The word simply translated as do your best! A simple word as it is but it has deep meaning.

I remember one time when my friend was on the park playing badminton with his friend. They did not know that there was a little Japanese boy watching their game until he came begging to be taught how to play badminton. So, they taught him how to handle the racket and hit the shuttlecock. They started to laugh when the boy repeatedly failed hitting the shuttlecock. But, their laugh soon became into an amazement when the boy tried again and again, pushing himself to the edge. They tried to stop him since they saw the boy getting tired but then he refused to stop. What a spirit!

Toshiro Tanimoto, professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Tokyo, told the CNN: “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 (TEPCO) has already started to roll blackouts since yesterday around the city. Faith keeps most of the people to stay calm, although some might have grudge against it. The people trust the government, that what counts more.

The combination of hard work, trust and hope will help this country to survive. As has been said by the Prime Minister Naoto Kan: “This was the worst crisis since World War II. But this country built the world's second-strongest economy in 40 years, starting from ashes. The ashes along the Fukushima coast might contain more radiation now. But I know this country can do it again”

it is not about citizenship
it is beyond racial border
it is a social movement
Across the region
Passing the lines of religion
It is about us as god's creation

Pray for Japan