The Japanese called their country, Nihon, which means 'the source of the sun' or 'the land of the rising sun' because it is so far east. It is a land of mountains and lakes, of great cities and skyscrapers. And it is one of the wealthiest and most technologically advanced countries of the world.

I was on a 5day tour traveling from Kansai, Kobe, Hakone, Kyoto, to the capital of Japan, Tokyo. Although I wasn't exactly impressed with the well defined modernization (well...not until we visited The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial), I was completely amazed with the Japanese way of life. Not saying I wasnt impressed with the toilet seat warmer or the complimentary Shiseido products at every single hotel, but its just their culture thats hands down inspirational.

Japan is considered a highly homogeneous society with about 99% of its population ethnic Japanese and the rest is made up of a very small proportion of foreign workers which mainly include Koreans and Chinese. Japanese culture is all about saving face. Face is crucial. Face is a big part of why crime is virtually non-existent in Japan. Crime doesnt only bring shame to the immediately family but also to generations down the family tree. Capital punishment including hanging is legal in Japan. Thats right gun control is only a small factor in the equation! 

More importantly dont be fooled by the understated muted tones of Japan urbanization. These humbling looking buildings are built to withstand earthquakes with ridiculous magnitude. Remember the quake in 2011. Tokyo was able to survive the 8.9 shock (and multiple aftershocks) with minimal insignificant damages. Truly remarkable!

While the Japanese people deal with a crisis of epic proportions, there is a drastic contrast that I can’t help but notice. You will find no looting in Japan, no honking of horns, or cussing people in public. The people of Japan have rarely looked for outside help, in stark contrast to other areas people not only demand help, but on more occasions than one attack the people bringing them the aid.

Tokyo 4/8/13