Notice how life goes on in Japan. You aren’t seeing the 24/7 calls for help, food drives, blanket drives, etc. as we had with, oh as an example, Katrina..
That is because the Japanese largely do not believe in helping others in any sense of the picture that we would recognize here.
Stunningly, Japanese seem willing to let other Japanese suffer and continue their own lives unaffected by guilt.
It has always struck me as odd.
Maybe they just don’t plaster it 24/7 all over....I doubt we know much about what is going on...they don’t see themselves as VICTIMS of the “man”....like so many here...have you lived in Japan?
This is not what I am seeing or hearing. Perhaps we are looking at different things or you are seeing things thru stereotypes, not reality.
You have no idea what you’re talking about. There are not 24/7 calls for help, food drives, blanket drives, etc., because the Japanese are already doing that, and WERE doing it, without any fanfare as soon as the dust began settling.
If you go to any kuyakusho or kaikan in any major city you will see sign directing people to the rooms where they can drop off their donated items. Those rooms are generally full floor to ceiling with overflow outside.
Right now, the refugees in the affected areas are starting to request other items because they have all the blankets they need. They are requesting things like disposable razors, toothbrushes, underwear and socks, because they have been wearing the same clothes since the event.
And as a 25 year resident of Japan, I can assure you I know damn well what I am talking about.
I don't believe that is true. I have been watching NHK World for several hours a day. In one segment this morning, it was said one shelter now had enough of the blankets and toilet paper they had asked for, but now still need children's clothing and underwear. There is also a Japan Red Cross Society that is collecting and distributing what is needed. So, I don't know where you get the impression that Japanese are not helping each other...