Resilience Behind Japan's Fast Recovery

By Norsyafawati Ab Wahab TOKYO, April 17 (Bernama) -- The world needs no introduction to the land of sunrise, Japan, and its sophisticated technologies and economic strength, which have made this Asian tiger one of the world's biggest superpowers. Although it has faced many natural disasters and was severely tested by the March 2011 tsunami, what is apparent is that these physical damages have never really broken the indomitable spirit of the Japanese people, who continue to rise above them. This writer, nevertheless, did wonder exactly where the strength and spirit came from to the people of this island nation who, despite all odds, always ensure that they remain at the forefront of almost all fields. During a visit to the city of Tokyo in early spring this March, at least one past picture seemed to provide an answer, among the many possible answers, that could be the reason for the ways of the Japanese and their indomitable spirit. It was the picture of the Samurai, the warrior class of people, who had once dominated the Nippon city with their fortitude and strength. They may no longer be a part of the current Japanese society but their famed resilience seemed to have seeped into the blood of the present generation. During a recent media trip for journalists from South East Asia to Japan, on the invitation of the Japan Tourism Agency, this writer found the busy capital city of Tokyo not only showcasing its modern buildings and skyscrapers but also continuing to practise its eastern culture faithfully, despite the waves that may have come its way. TOKYO - A MODERN CITY FULL OF CULTURE There is no doubt that Tokyo's skyscrapers provide the main fascination for tourists, but what is more fascinating about the city and its people in the current modern era is the continued adherence to their famed custom of respecting each other. The giving and taking of respect is a key practice and is made practical with educational public notices that include requesting people to keep their mobile phones on silent mode while taking public transport such as the train or the bus. The cultural values seemed to also have enhanced the level of responsibility people in the city show towards taking care of the city's cleanliness and the environment. It was hard to find even a tiny piece of rubbish, and this was despite the fact that there were not many dustbins around as the Japanese practise taking their rubbish back home for disposal! Indeed, they also actively practise separating their garbage for recycling purposes and further add to the clean image that Tokyo enjoys despite its heavy population. Another impression gained was that of the drivers, who strictly follow traffic rules, including keeping a safe distance between respective vehicles. In fact, they even switch off their engines every time they stop at a traffic signal. TAKING LESSONS FROM THE JAPANESE The examples set by them are clearly good lessons to follow and to gain from, much like the Look East Policy that former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had introduced in 1982. The policy is part of the government's efforts to take the best practices and examples from Asian countries such as Japan and Korea and adapt them according to situations in Malaysia, with the aim of more progress in the country. In the field of education, especially in the areas of technology and engineering, Japan has successfully attracted thousands of students from across the world. In the production of comics and video games, many students have also gone to Japan to undergo training. A student from Indonesia, Even Limba, 28, who was met here during the trip, said he had come to Japan to study mechanical engineering and robotics in the Tokyo Design Technology Centre, Shibuya, Tokyo. He decided to study in the institution as it has links with renowned companies undertaking various projects. "This gives students the opportunity to be directly involved in the industry and the actual work area and not be limited to the study syllabus in college," he said. STUDYING JAPANESE IS A MUST With the level of education and economic maturity that it has, Japan does not depend too much on other countries, and indeed, other countries wanting to learn from its advancement would have to learn the Japanese language first. Foreign students, including Limba, had to first study the language in a college that offered the course before they could continue their studies in other fields. Students usually take two years to master the language, and by the end of the course, foreigners, whatever the colour of their skin, also end up talking or having the mannerisms just like their Japanese counterparts. Their fashion sense is also often influenced by the youngsters of Japan. READY FOR VISITORS The tsunami, which occurred two years back, is also no longer a factor that prevents tourists from visiting the country. The country is now ready to accept tourists and once again drive the growth of its tourism industry. Under the supervision of the Japan Tourism Agency and the Japan National Tourism Organisation, the country is aiming to receive 10 million tourists this year, with the help of campaigns that are being conducted worldwide. It has already reported growth in the number of tourists - 6.2 million in 2011 and 8.4 million in 2012. This has given a positive view of Japan, which has almost recovered from the tsunami tragedy. There are simply many destinations in the country that would offer tourists not only many interesting places to visit and to be fascinated with but also an insight into a country of exquisite culture and taste. While it may cost a little, the experiences of visiting a country of high culture and beauty will only serve to enrich a visitor’s life. -- BERNAMA