Japan has been a big part of my life, and the life of my family, for the last 40 years. We lived there for nine years, and I have been doing business there for almost 40 years. My son Mark played professional hockey there for 4 years.
My thoughts are with the people in Japan, as the true scale of this unprecedented tragedy unfolds. I hope that as many people as possible are found safe and sound. I know that the people in North East Japan will rebuild. When I think of Japan I think of the word respect. Why respect?
Respect – in Japan, people treat each other with respect and trust, more than in most countries.
Equality – Japan is one of the most egalitarian countries in the world.
Self-reliance – Japanese people do not feel entitled to a hand out.
Perseverance -Japanese people follow through, promise little and deliver a lot, and are not easily discouraged by adversity.
Energy – the Japanese put great energy into whatever they do, at work and at play.
Curiosity – the Japanese are uniquely interested learning about things, old and new, Japanese and foreign.
Thoroughness – the Japanese are not given to half-measures, they pursue perfection, and therein lies the source of their creativity.
And that is why the Japanese will rebound from this disaster stronger than ever. We all have a lot to learn from the courageous Japanese. My thoughts are with them.
