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By now I'm sure you've all heard about the record breaking earthquake, resulting tsunami and ongoing nuclear crisis in Japan. When I first heard the news I was in shock. The country of Japan and its people have always inspired me. There is something to be said for their rigorously self enforced discipline and integrity. A lot of people would refer to the Samurai and other historical figures, but I would also like to call to attention the everyday modern Japanese citizen. Even with their homes washed away, family members missing and life as they know it essentially over for the foreseeable future, they had the presence of mind and nerves of steel to form quiet and orderly lines outside shelters. No pushing, no shoving, no screaming at the top of their lungs because they consider themselves more worthy of charity than their neighbors. Naysayers may go on about the weak government and infrastructure, but to me my admiration for a country has always been with its people, and Japan has won me over forever.

This photo was inspired by Hishikawa Moronobu's "Backward Looking Beauty" [link] from the Edo period and the quiet strength of the Japanese people.

Please comment and, if you are able to, donate.

Description
By now I'm sure you've all heard about the record breaking earthquake, resulting tsunami and ongoing nuclear crisis in Japan. When I first heard the news I was in shock. The country of Japan and its people have always inspired me. There is something to be said for their rigorously self enforced discipline and integrity. A lot of people would refer to the Samurai and other historical figures, but I would also like to call to attention the everyday modern Japanese citizen. Even with their homes washed away, family members missing and life as they know it essentially over for the foreseeable future, they had the presence of mind and nerves of steel to form quiet and orderly lines outside shelters. No pushing, no shoving, no screaming at the top of their lungs because they consider themselves more worthy of charity than their neighbors. Naysayers may go on about the weak government and infrastructure, but to me my admiration for a country has always been with its people, and Japan has won me over forever.

This photo was inspired by Hishikawa Moronobu's "Backward Looking Beauty" [link] from the Edo period and the quiet strength of the Japanese people.

Please comment and, if you are able to, donate.