Resurrecting the Rising Sun

Japan is no stranger to disaster preparedness or response. The record clearly demonstrates not only resilience but defiance in the face of disaster, both natural and man-made.

In 1923, the Great Kanto Earthquake killed over 100,000 people and left Tokyo devastated. The Japanese not only rebuilt, but in less than ten years became the preeminent force in the Pacific Rim, much to the detriment of its neighbors.

In 1945, Hiroshima, its industrial center, and Nagasaki, its gateway to mainland Asian ports, were immolated in an instant. Japan was not only decimated, but in seemingly insurmountable debt, unemployment and inflation. Once again the Japanese recovered in short order, this time channeling their energies to peaceful economic prosperity.

By the mid-1960s, Japan had the world’s highest literacy rate and had been expanding its economy by nearly 10% for over a decade. In 1995, during a crippling economic downturn, the Kansai region was hit with a 7.2 earthquake that killed more than 6,000. The city of Kobe, which sustained the heaviest damage, was completely rebuilt in less than seven years, while its economy returned to its pre-quake levels in less than two.

So it should come as no surprise to see the Japanese people rally together now, after their devastating earthquake and tsumani, in their collective time of need. Nevertheless, they are more than grateful for the short-term support they have received from outside in the form of donations, thoughts, and prayers. On that note, on the advice of my friends still in northeast Japan, I strongly caution against material donations of cold-weather clothes, blankets, canned food etc. The best form of support you can give to those homeless and suffering is monetary.

Japan’s logistical infrastructure is stretched thin as it is and adding additional packages, even through the U.S. military’s postal service, puts further strain on a fragile system. Catholic Relief Services, the Red Cross, and Save the Children are just a few of the reputable charities worthy of your support.