How to get through the difficult times...

As many of you have heard, the biggest earthquake in Japanese history and huge tsunami hit the eastern coast of Japan.

I am, like everyone else, devastated by this horrific event and tragedies that are sweeping across the country.

I am though, surprised by how my country really kept it under control even in this chaotic situation.
Many people kept calm under the panic, even taking videos during the shake, and efficiently evacuated after.
Many social network sites (like facebook and twitter) were used to confirm the safety of people, to share the information, and to cheer each other up.

The trains started running a few hours after the shakes.
What was even more fascinating was that people, under tremendous stress, fear, and grief,
still lined up to get into these public transportation. And it was the same for grocery stores.
Some walked home for hours, again, in line, with an order.
I saw strangers comforting others, posts that thanked other nations for the aids and support.

I have always been critical towards my home country for its passiveness and cowardliness.

But this event truly has changed my perspectives on Japan.
Japan and its people were able to keep the inner strength and the sense of harmony with others,
which are very much the cores of its cultural values, even after the disaster.

I admit that there are a lot of issues that Japan needs to work on.
But I am hopeful that Japan will be able to get through anything,
after seeing some amazing stuff online and on the news.
I have never felt so helpless and far from Japan,
but at the same time, I have never felt so much love and the pride for my own country.

I hope other nations can take something away from this event, in order to tackle future natural disasters.
It is time like this, that you really need to stay together and help each other, to get through the difficult times.

My deepest condolences to those who are affected by this event.
And my sincere gratitudes for those who showed support and concerns.