Japan has endured many disasters and is accustomed to dealing with disaster. If you look at the Japanese citizens, despite the recent 8.9 magnitude earthquake, the resulting tsunami and now the radiation scare, they have remained reserved and relatively calm with a stiff upper lip…and are helping each other…and are organized.

Take a look at the still-standing Monterey Hotel in Sendai (the city of one million citizens on the Japanese coast where the 33ft tsunami waves struck, causing extensive flooding): Two chefs dressed in their signature hats from the hotel restaurant spooned out hot soup for breakfast. All passers-by were invited to eat. For many, it was their first hot soup since the tsunami. Remarkably, the people who lined up for the soup took only one cup—they didn’t get back in line for a second cup; that wouldn’t be fair.

And how about the Elementary School in Sendai, now home to hundreds of tsunami victims: In a third-floor classroom, families self-organized themselves on cardboard boxes and blankets. No one family has a larger space than the other, just as you see at any average family festival. Shoes are not allowed on the blankets, in order to maintain sanitary conditions. Food is shared as equally as possible, even if one person eats or drinks a little less in order for everyone to have some sustenance.

And then there’s a restaurant owner, a man who completely lost his home in the tsunami and is now staying at the evacuation center: He’s giving away FREE food to strangers. –“I just want people to be happy,” he says.

–All are remarkable stories of compassion and assistance from an area having seen unimaginable hardships.

But don’t be mistaken. According to friends in Japan, Japanese citizens are very nervous and anxious about what is unfolding with the continuing aftershocks and uncertain radiation levels (which you can’t see, taste or smell).

Sending strength to those dealing with this hardship…

Melanie Hack
Author of Who Killed My Sister, My Friend
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