Learning from the Japanese

The outside world has always believed that the Japanese exemplify modest living and honesty at all costs. It seemed that globalization has changed all that. They are still hard working, however, if their welfare is at stake.

Having spent a couple of years in Japan as an Antara correspondent I was shocked to learn that a figure like former prime minister Ichiro Mori bowed out of his cabinet because he was thought to have been implicated in shady dealings -- (protecting the underworld) for personal financial gains, if I am not mistaken.

In line with Buddha's teachings, the Japanese hold honesty as the highest virtue in life. Wealth is less significant than honor and loyalty to principles. Before World War II, I had always told my children that there were many Japanese character traits that put Indonesians to shame. Hard working or as the term goes "workaholic" and frugal almost like the Chinese; most Japanese are still like that I am sure.

But the intellectuals and the politicians prefer to be rich now rather than being famous. They are rarely tempted, as the Balinese people formerly were (sorry to say so), to steal other people's property. Alas, my impression of the Japanese people today is different. They want to enjoy life as much as possible. They want to be as rich as the Americans and where the money comes from is a secondary matter. Liberal democrats like Kiichi Miyazawa perhaps are an exception and that is why he probably still has a huge number of followers.

Compared to Indonesia, which bears the title of the third most corrupt nation, the Japanese can be proud of their habits e.g. Japanese wives who never get angry or complain if their husbands come home late from work.

Nowadays, any Indonesian would feel sad when there are so many people living in abject poverty while the country is rich in natural resources. Japan, on the other hand, has practically no natural resources and yet they are significantly more prosperous.

Still, we appreciate very much that the Japanese, despite Mori, are still willing to extend a helping hand (and cash) to victims of earthquakes, floods and violence in Indonesia.

GANDHI SUKARDI

Jakarta