In Japan an argument for hope

Is there such a thing as a national character? To assign one for Japan is to assign one for the U.S. as well, a daunting problem in either case, particularly in the course of the everyday. But disasters have a way bringing about a collective response, illustrating the underlying capability, in a way that can be illuminating.

It's not hard to be impressed, moved, at the quiet stoicism, sense of resolve, and underlying optimism against seemingly inconsolable grief.

Ryu Murakami’s essay in the New York Times gives some sense about the behavior of the group, and the behavior of individuals away from the group.

Through it all, Murakami argues that Japan has regained something it has lost and that’s hope.