Learning 'Japanese'

No, I am not advocating the study of Nippongo (although that, in itself, is a worthwhile endeavor). Rather, the suggestion is for the nation to collectively reflect on the attitude of the Japanese people particularly as they face up to their current challenge of rebuilding from the rubble.

Many say that if you wish to test a person’s character, give him either power or adversity. The same test is applicable to a country. Amidst their trials and tribulations, the Japanese continue to be calm and composed, orderly and organized, disciplined and determined — perhaps in a word, dignified.

The foregoing attributes and qualities taken together (and aside), there is a certain je ne sais qoui about their sensibilities that make them uniquely Japanese (pardon the French). The quiet and calm restraint that the Japanese have shown in the face of this tragedy is remarkable. Reports paint a picture of a people stippled by muted and somber tones. A hush has fallen upon the country that can be sensed from the images that are depicted on television (owing not to cinematography, but to the art that the Japanese have made of their life). Contrast this to the Filipinos’ uncanny sense of humor — the arguable source of our people’s ability to thrive and endure — which can, at times, be baffling in its being insensitive.

It appears that while the recent tragedies might have wrought damage and destruction, they did not foment lawlessness or lack of discipline. You don’t hear the Japanese complaining about government delay or inaction. Quite the contrary, what you see and hear on television are people justly grieving the damage and death of loved ones; of enduring the elements; of patiently queuing, knowing that their turn is just a wait away; of starting from scratch and coming together as a nation to rebuild, amidst the widespread destruction.

(Then again, the Japanese people have managed to create art even from the tragedy of Hiroshima — in the form of the dance called “butoh.” They have shown the world how they can rise from the ashes. In due time, I am confident that the world will see and learn from them again.)

In this regard, let me reproduce the comment of one of our readers, lawyer Carlos Caliwara: “I am reminded of ‘Ondoy’ — when at a time people and property were being swept away by flood and buried under mud and debris, political grandstanding was having a field day — primarily blaming the government for negligence, lack of foresight, among others. In the case of Japan, except for criticisms on the lack or concealment of information on the true state of the nuclear reactors, I have yet to read, hear or view a situation where Japanese politicians are scrambling for media mileage. What I read and saw in the papers and over the internet for over a week now, is a united and disciplined people who are determined to survive and be as resilient as possible.”

This is hardly surprising considering that the Japanese are famously known for valuing honor — even (and especially) in politics. Japanese politicians resign at the hint of any “public disgrace,” while many Filipino politicians would shamelessly lie through their teeth, in order to stay in power.

I have often wondered how we would have turned out as a country if the Japanese were victorious in World War II. How would have this impacted our attitude as a people? Your guess is as good as mine. I imagine that many people would cite the Japanese wartime atrocities as a reason, and breathe a sigh of relief that we never “turned” Japanese. In these trying times, however, it might not hurt to turn to our Japanese brethren to teach us a few good lessons.

Ligot quandaries: The contempt charge and resulting Senate incarceration of General Jacinto Ligot for not attending the other day’s blue ribbon committee hearing raises interesting Constitutional questions. First, since the Senate is already in recess until May 9, will Ligot have to remain in Senate custody until that time? What if he wishes to testify, can he request for a special committee meeting? Second, what is the potential liability of the Ligots’ lawyers who “lied” to the committee? They told the latter that the Ligots were sick but when checked by the Senate doctor, they were found to be fit. Can the lawyers raise the defense that they were just ordered to make such representations? Third, when is it proper and improper for Ligot to raise the right against self incrimination? These are some of the questions that we can tackle in next week’s column.

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Birthday greetings: Best wishes to three members of the expanding Chua brood: today’s birthday boy, Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) chapter chair and future Federation president, Dave Chua, his “expecting” wife, Edna, and daughter, Erika, who celebrated their birthdays three and four days ago, respectively.

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Message from nature: Over the past few years, nature has been sending us, humans, messages cum warnings (with the earthquake and tsunami in Japan last March 11 probably being one of the stronger ones) on how we may be abusing our planet. Perhaps we should send it back a message as well. In this regard, the call for this evening is for everyone to switch off their lights (and perhaps literally and figuratively light one little candle) from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. to express support for the Earth Hour and to reflect on what we can do, both as individuals and communities, to combat climate change. Being more environmentally conscious, shifting to energy efficient practices and committing to lifestyle changes in accord with the “rhythm and harmony” of nature are just some of the points we can ponder upon during the one hour of darkness.

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“Your personal calling is that intersection between the world’s greatest need and your heart’s greatest desire.”

— Frederick Buchner

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