The Nation: "Japan's Rebirth Is Vital To The Rest of The World"

Above, salarymen waiting for their shinkansen train at a Kyoto Station smoking area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Nation posted an interesting editorial on Japan, "Japan's Rebirth Is Vital To The Rest of The World."

Part of the editorial reads as follows:

One year after the triple disasters of earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis, Japan and its people have done a remarkable job in keeping the country great. Of course, there are still lots of challenges ahead before Japan can once again achieve the success it used to enjoy. But suffice to say, today's Japan is much more resilient, flexible and open.

In the years after the Second World War, Japan rose to its feet rapidly, with the assistance of the US. During that period the Japanese people endured all kinds of hardships, but they seldom complained as they rebuilt their war-shattered economy and landscape. Within two decades after the war, Japan's economy was one of the largest in the world. That success continued until very recently. As the world's third largest economy, whatever happens to Japan's economic health will have a direct impact on many countries. For those in Southeast Asia, the stakes are even higher because Japan's economic ties to this part of world remain vital in stimulating development and growth.

Visitors going to Japan after the quake and tsunami will find the country is much more open than before. The government has realised that Japan has a lot of friends overseas. The outpouring of assistance and sympathy in the aftermath of the tragedies encouraged the government and people to increase engagement with the outside world.

To read the full editorial, go here.