10 things to learn from Japan:

1. THE CALM Not a single visual of chest-beating or wild grief. Sorrow itself has been elevated.

2. THE DIGNITY Disciplined queues for water and groceries. Not a rough word or a crude gesture.

3. THE ABILITY The incredible architects, for instance. Buildings swayed but didn’t fall.

4. THE GRACE People bought only what they needed for the present, so everybody could get something.

5. THE ORDER No looting in shops. No honking and no overtaking on the roads. Just understanding.

6. THE SACRIFICE Fifty workers stayed back to pump sea water in the N-reactors. How will they ever be repaid?

7. THE TENDERNESS Restaurants cut prices. An unguarded ATM is left alone. The strong cared for the weak.

8. THE TRAINING The old and the children, everyone knew exactly what to do. And they did just that.

9. THE MEDIA They showed magnificent restraint in the bulletins. No sensationalizing. Only calm reportage.

10. THE CONSCIENCE When the power went off in a store, people put things back on the shelves and left quietly

Hey Risalsa,
Did you come up with the 10 list? If so, great job.

What does that say about Japanese culture?
They are a cultured people who show grace under fire. They are a very socially conscious group who care more for people around them (as opposed as an individualistic society where every person is out for themself). Japanese engineers are examples to be looked up to all around the world. It also shows that they were mentally prepared and trained for earthquakes and tsunamis and did what they needed to. I agree with you, they are a great example.

[By the way, on a side note, this new sajha font is a bit annoying to type in.]