There is a lot to learn from the Japanese

The double catastrophe that battered Japan 4 months ago, has turned the attention of whole world to the devastated nation. I guess most of us can never predict nor control what will happen to us down the road. But we know for sure although life can be quite a bliss at times we can also go through seasons of difficulties, disappointments, unfulfilled dreams betrayal, disasters and so on. So how does one cope with such adversities in life? Most of us will be stressed when we face situations which you can't handle. I sometimes spend time thinking on how to solve it and miss out on the daily blessings that I already have.
Today when I glance through the net, I stumble upon the news of quake survivor ordeal that recently crippled Japan. A teenager rescued from the rubble of Japan's monster earthquake in a rare feat of survival has recounted spending nine days trapped inside the wreckage unable to alert rescuers outside. Jin Abe and his 80-year-old grandmother Sumi Abe were in the kitchen on the top floor of a two-storey wooden house when the 9.0-magnitude tremor struck on March 11, unleashing a massive tsunami that flattened entire cities. The building collapsed with both inside but the 16-year-old was able to reach blankets, food and drink, helping them survive for more than a week, huddled together to keep warm. The tale of endurance offered a glimmer of hope which showed they never gave up their hope that God will save them. It’s a miracle that stunned me that they survived in really difficult conditions for such a long time. But the learning lesson here is, never give up hope in whatever situation we encounter instead we should be strong to face it.
The key issue here is not only about the willpower to endure the difficult times but also on the untainted character in the midst of crisis. Couple of months ago, I remember I came across a post in The Star newspaper about how the Japanese remain discipline despite being a victim of the devastating disaster. The behaviour of the Japanese in the face of disaster, grief, adversity and suffering should be respected. It is so humbling to witness the disciplined manner that these people carry themselves, queuing patiently for aid and helping each other at the relief centers. Why am I citing this example now after many months, you might wonder? This is simply because, when I compare the selfish mindset I encounter here daily at public transportation hubs, banks and other public facilities, I seriously consider we, Malaysians should learn the obedience from them. It is so beautiful and perfect. There was no hysterical hurry and shoving around. The mindsets of ‘survival of the fittest’ never transpire at that critical moment, not at all. It was astounding to see them lining up at the relief centers and giving aid to other victims with so much of calmness without hullabaloo is something that all of us should learn from them. I really look up to their polished disposition which I would again and again say “Hats off”. Out from the norm in times of disaster, the rescue teams will usually have a tough time handling the security and control of the crowd during their attempt to distribute equitable food to the survivors. But it didn’t happen this way in Japan to my surprise. I am sure they would be truly impressed by the solidarity and humanity of the Japanese people.
So will we be able to take home the message concealed through the spirit shown by the Japanese in times of calamities? Can we be more compliant on road? Do you think we were not taught to be self-discipline from a tender age? What went wrong with our renowned affirmative qualities that were spoken about highly long time back? Something must have gone wrong somewhere. It’s time for us to ponder about it and make a difference to our living.
No wonder the Japanese had risen from the ashes of World War II to emerge as the richest country in Asia and among the most advanced in the world. I do hope that we Malaysians can learn from the shining example of the Japanese victims of the earthquake. They have shown us how much they treasure resilience and strength of character.