[littleharbour]

The Japanese cultural norms of passivity and blind acceptance of statements made by those in authority is in the process of severe rupture, no pun intended. When people are pushed to the brink, they demand straight talk and stop believing the empty statements of leaders. The Japanese government has badly handled the nuclear incident and each new development increases the sense of panic. Look for Japanese immigration to the US and other western countries to increase exponentially in the coming months as people look for safe haven.

[Jim Noble]

I think the many laudable aspects of the Nipponese national character have been amply discussed, here and elsewhere.

They may be hitting the wall now, however, because of another national trait, which is extreme reluctance to pass bad news up the line.

Managers may not be getting the information necessary to handle the situation.