Japan`s morality and sheer will to help overcome crisis

On March 11, Japan suffered its worst disaster since the end of World War II. For now, nobody can accurately assess the scale of pain inflicted on Japan by the triple whammy of the earthquake, the subsequent tsunami and the radioactive leaks from the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant.

Among the three, the nuclear crisis is the most serious and could have potential impacts on Korea and the rest of the world. It is ironic that the world`s first victim of a nuclear attack is again undergoing an ordeal caused by the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

The Japanese people have exhibited the ability of self-rule through self-restraint and control. Their courage and self-controlled behavior amid one of the world’s worst disasters are impressive. Their asceticism displayed amid tremendous hardship and pain has never shined more brightly.

The Japanese government seems to be reeling, however. Tokyo Electric Power Co., which is responsible for the operation and safety of the nuclear plant, did not provide accurate information to the government, not to mention to the public.

Tokyo also failed to show strong leadership, losing an opportunity to reassure its nervous people.

At Narita International Airport near Tokyo on March 23, any aftereffects of the disaster that had occurred just 12 days ago were not noticeable. A small notice urged people to save power and drinking water. Still, shortages of daily necessities or basic convenience facilities were hardly felt.

Japan’s triple-disaster situation could cause temporary disruptions in the supply and logistics of the global economy. Japan Inc. might have lost its competitive edge amid fierce international competition. Fortunately, however, the quake and tsunami did not occur at places central to the Japanese economy.

Nevertheless, Japan’s restoration will likely incur an enormous cost and put a heavy burden on the Japanese government. What is really important is not the restoration costs but the recovery of confidence. The courage, strong resilience and moral victory Japan showed amid the massive disaster will reignite the country’s spirit.

Moreover, the Japanese people’s doubt over their government’s ability to handle a crisis provides them with an opportunity to bring fundamental change to their docile society.