Japan's rebirth is vital to the rest of the world

One year after the triple disasters of earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis, Japan and its people have done a remarkable job in keeping the country great. Of course, there are still lots of challenges ahead before Japan can once again achieve the success it used to enjoy. But suffice to say, today’s Japan is much more resilient, flexible and open.

In the years after the Second World War, Japan rose to its feet rapidly, with the assistance of the US. During that period the Japanese people endured all kinds of hardships, but they seldom complained as they rebuilt their war-shattered economy and landscape. Within two decades after the war, Japan’s economy was one of the largest in the world. That success continued until very recently. As the world’s third largest economy, whatever happens to Japan’s economic health will have a direct impact on many countries. For those in Southeast Asia, the stakes are even higher because Japan’s economic ties to this part of world remain vital in stimulating development and growth.

 Visitors going to Japan after the quake and tsunami will find the country is much more open than before. The government has realised that Japan has a lot of friends overseas. The outpouring of assistance and sympathy in the aftermath of the tragedies encouraged the government and people to increase engagement with the outside world. 

That is good news. In the past few decades, Japanese people have mostly preferred to stay at home because they believed no country had more to offer than theirs. Young people travel of course, but they are just tourists, and seldom stay long in any particular place. Now, it is a different Japan. The recovery efforts have generated lots of voluntary activism, which was not visible in the past. Young people have volunteered their services for the common good. New non-government organisations have appeared to help disaster victims get back to normal life, and to clean up areas damaged by the tsunami.

Japan’s foreign policy is now more encompassing than before. Increasingly Japan wants to boost cooperation with countries in Asia, especially with China and the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). This path will lead to a better political and economic environment, which is pivotal for Japan’s immediate recovery and sustained economic growth. 

Throughout the crisis and afterwards, Asean countries mobilised their limited resources to help Japan. Thailand, in particular, has made a great effort to help, providing both cash donations and help in kind – making it the largest aid effort among the Asean countries. 

Thailand and Japan have excellent ties. Even though Japan’s prime investment facilities were damaged in the floods at the end of last year – including auto and computer factories – almost all have pledged to stay on in Thailand. The two countries’ close and continued cooperation is needed to quicken the recovery process both there and here.

Japan will be stronger and more resilient in the future. Its people continue to work hard to fight against all odds. They are more determined than before. The sooner Japan returns to its former glory, the better for the rest of the world.