We have observed the graphic images of the Japanese and their nation, succumbing to the overwhelming forces of nature destroying lives, infrastructure, and economy.
In a couple of years the currents of the Pacific and prevailing winds will scatter debris across North America’s shores. Those will be reminders of the life changing devastation and very human tragedy that has been, since that infamous day March 11, holding Japan in a state of shock. Who will Japan look to as it rebuilds.
The world’s third largest economy, and America’s second largest debt holder, is being battered with power shortages and supply-chain difficulties that impact production of its principal exports, as concern grows that nuclear contamination could affect it food supply system, and its water sources. Japan is very aware that such a calamity, the reality of which has been literally slammed into its consciousness, will tax all of its emotional, spiritual and economic reserves. Japan also understands that in this time of confusion, and catastrophe, while it welcomes help from foreign shores, it knows that it is in a very lonely place.
Japan’s dependence on nuclear energy is not about to change since it is devoid of natural resources, and nuclear has presented the best insulation from the vagaries of the oil fields of the Middle East. Once Japan has had a chance to mourn its dead and heal its injured, and once it has answered the needs of over half a million new homeless, it will revisit its vulnerabilities. The dedication, work ethic and pride, which created the ingenuity behind the high quality products which the world markets clamored for and absorbed, will address itself to the question of self-sufficiency with renewed vigor.
Japan will launch its considerable wealth and industry to solving a breadth of weaknesses that recent events highlighted. It will address itself to long-term solutions for its energy needs, as well as the fragility of its food and water supplies. In a dramatic shift from the past half-century’s regressed strategy on defense and military, we can expect Japan to take strong strides toward more military self-reliance. For now, it welcomes all the help it can get including that of foreign companies who have already contributed significant funds to the relief effort.
As the state of the art USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier along with other U.S. ships in the region provide welcomed humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, the Japanese cannot help but be touched, even inspired, by the indomitable American spirit of the Sailors and Marines who have donated and collected goods and supplies, personally augmenting the official relief effort. This touching and much needed accomplishment, in the face of the monumentally devastating crush of one of America’s truly best and closest allies, served to balance the impoverished tone and shapeless delivery of, “Our hearts go out to our friends in Japan and across the region, and we’re going to stand with them as they recover and rebuild from this tragedy” from the Obama White House teleprompter – then, exit stage left for Rio.
The whole of the Japanese population is looking inward for strength, but in its isolation it will also look to friends for support through the next few years of rebuilding and restoration. Fortunately, there exists an American population, far from the self-absorption of Washington that the people of Japan can look to for a confirmation on the meaning of friendship.
A constituent of the vast baby boomer generation with a career which has been fortunate to know the ponderous corporate worlds, as well as the intimately pressurized, and invigorating entrepreneurial domains of high tech and venture capital, I have harvested my share of mistakes meandering through corridors of enterprise from Silicon Valley, to London and endless, colourful, sometimes praetorian points in between. The voyage has provided an abundance of fodder for a pen yielding to an inquisitive keyboard, a foraging mind, and a passionate spirit.
Whether political or business or social or economic or personal, is it not all political? It is a privilege to write, and an even greater privilege to be read by anyone, and sometimes with the wind at my back the writing may occasionally be legible. I do not write to invite scorn, nor to invite respect, but if I get really lucky the writing can stimulate thinking. I also write for the very selfish purpose of animating my own processes, and engaging the best of what life offers. Above all, whether biting fire or swatting shadows, I am grateful to be gifted the freedom to write and publish whatever flows down to the keyboard. To all those who enabled this freedom, and to all those standing guard to preserve it, I am indebted.
Thanks for this lovely nudge to do more.
We called a couple of our local Japanese restaurants to see if any were organizing fund raising.
One had a special night last Friday.
We went.
It was as if we gained more than we gave.
We learned so much.
All of it anecdotal, of course.
Most of the Japanese there had their ties with families in Tokyo, not as near the greatest damage.
Still to learn how construction workers are being helped so they can leave home (without having to worry about their family’s bills) and go join in the work in Japan was encouraging.
That’s part of what we were paying for.
But you mentioned the USS Ronald Reagan and how it and its crew are playing a huge part.
I was privy to a meeting with someone on the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln that went to Aceh to help right after that Christmas Day 2004 tsanumi.
They were there and serving up fresh water by Dec 30th, only 5 days after the tsunami hit Aceh.
That ship can convert salt water to fresh at the rate of 90,000 gallons a day.
But soon afterwards the UN sent a huge delegation to oversee the work on Aceh.
All of these diplomats stayed on board the USS Abraham Lincoln.
Now the sailors had forgone showering, their laundry and switched to disposable cutlery and cups and dishes to make as much fresh water available as possible from their ship’s converter.
Not the diplomats of the UN though.
Those diplomats insisted on clean linens, clean towels, crystal stem wear, china cups and plates.
They also wanted their own clothes clean and to be able to shower at will.
I only hope and pray the UN stays away from Japan.
@ Nan G.
The UN and most of the poor excuses for “Diplomats,” which it contains, is a completely corrupt and useless body. All of these diplomats are there to live comfortably, enjoy great meals in New York, live free of local laws and restraints provided by the protection of Diplomatic Plates, and accomplish very little for the costs they levy on the American taxpayers. They principally serve the whims of dictators across the Middle East and Africa, and the politically correct winds shield them from transparency. Their self-righteousness is disgusting.
Thanks for that note. Personal anecdotes are often more insightful than the latest greatest from the MSM.
A moving post, JR, and follow up comment, Nan G.
My worry for Japan’s rebuilding rests on their fragile economic state prior to this triple whammy. They do have an option… sell of US assets. That will not bode well for the US economy, however. It will be interesting to see how they can dig themselves out of the 4th whammy, the fiscal difficulties.
@MataHarley:
Exactly. This just adds to Japan’s very serious challenge. It will probably cost a third of a trillion dollars for the country to get back on its feet. That’s also why I think that over the next 5 years, we’ll find a very different Japan emerge from the debris. Keep in mind, although Japan’s government is in debt, Japan remains extremely wealthy.
We should also note that while a great deal of Washington’s debt is held offshore, the Japanese government debt is in majority held by Japanese.
Japan holds U.S. assets. The U.S. has resources and products that Japan needs to rebuild. It seems like some mutually beneficial arrangements between friends might be worked out.
I just hope they can get a strong footing before they become “yesterday’s news.” How long will it be before a Charlie Sheen is back in the news to grab our attention away from what actually matters?
I think this is my favorite writing of yours James Raider.
The japanese have a strong culture and if anyone can rebuild there own country from scratch its Japan. Yes they do need friends but I know this is only going to be a blip on their radar in the long run. We are going to learn a lot about nation building in the next few years, I’m sure of it.
@Zac: #7,
Thank you for the positive note. I agree, we will see a determined nation rebuild itself, and it will be a pleasant contrast to the perpetual “same old, same old” tiresome whining echoing across practically all Arab countries from Saudi Arabia to Morocco. They would do well to watch and learn.
@James Raider: GATORADE ME BITCH!!!