[Smogger]

It is more out of a social structure and sense of social obligation (allegiance to the GROUP for the greater, larger good), that allows the Japanese in general, with a few minor exceptions, to sublimate personal issues, wants and desire and impatience, and be more 'other' centered. There is little mentality of 'entitlement'. Thus, they have a much much longer shelf life of patience in these kinds of disastrous things, and generally don't come unglued like we are seeing in New Orleans. It is not so much Buddhist or Shinto temperment, as it is 'Japanese village culture' (shudan dotoku) of not being self-centered and selfish, but rather, self-reliant, cooperative, respectful of authority and it's orders, and full of pride, obligation, brave in the face of discomfort and pain, sense of 'face', loyalty and honor (and shame at the risk of ostracism, if one decides to do wrong).

Is this the culture that allows Japanese to bury Chinese up to thier heads and run them over with tanks, march US troops to thier death, commit suicide at the highest rate in the world, or the culture that makes largest and most voracious market for prostitution in Asia? Just curious...

[Pyro7480]

Jeez, give it a rest, that was sixty years ago. In the great scheme of things, the Soviets, Chicoms, and others did far worse things.

[olde north church]

Their hatred for the Chinese goes back to the Mongol attempts to invade Japan in the Middle ages.

The treatment of POWs was related to their own personal feelings of honor within their society and the disrespect and humiliation it would bring to their own families if they didn't die fighting.

You can place value judgements regarding suicide based upon Christian values but they really wouldn't care less.

What's the problem with prostitution? Who died and left you in charge of sexual relations?

Not that I agree with any of the above statements but I'm allowed to point them out.

[Petronski]

That WILL leave a mark.