Japan faces its biggest challenge since the end of World War II, and needs to have strong and assertive leadership more than ever. This requires what Japan is untrained for- improvisation, clear and reassuring public communication, and cooperation among multiple powerful bureaucracies. This is needed for the nationwide mobilization for search and rescue, resettlement, and solutions to the nuclear situation.
Following the War, Japan prospered under a system which allowed the United States to handle much of its foreign policy and bureaucrats to take care of its domestic affairs. But in the past decade these corporations have lost power and its prestigious reputation and no strong political class has emerged resulting in four prime ministers in the last four years.
The question is- will japan's government and people able to unite to adjust and overcome the nation-wide disasters?
2 comments:
Japan has experienced earthquakes for a long time. The government should figure out suitable solutions for current situation, with the help from other countries. Also, the tradition of high savings rate and the nationalism of the people who still stay strong and go to work to support the economy should contribute to a faster recovery.
I find this article interesting because it highlights the overarching relations found between the realms of politics and economics. The importance of political leadership during times of economic and social shock is apparent now more than ever. It will be interesting to see how the Emperor's recent TV address, an unprecedented event, will have on the moral of the Japanese people.
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