Australia and NZ experienced looting because like U.S.A. they are all homes to refugees who become citizens, lots of illegal immigrants and lots of handouts to the unemployed. That's why looting is common there. NOT in Japan.

I don't think we can blame refugees Gemsy, there's other issues concerned with respect and education.

yes, it certainly wasn't refugees here that did the looting

Yikes, I live here and have also mentioned to friends about the lack of looting but cannot really say with certainty anything about why we don't have it here. It's just nice to see that people aren't doing it.

During the floods in Brisbane we had looting occuring. The strangest I heard was the people picking up a boat from the river that had broken it's moorings and claiming they had salvage rights. While these dispicable acts seem to occur in our western societies it is good to hear that in Japan there is a respect for people who have lost so much.

Oscar

ok.....then i'd have to say........the ones who do not have education...

I thought I mentioned the unemployed and illegal immigrants too? Anyways, boils down to upbringing, education and pride. Japanese are generally prideful people, in a good way - they love their country and are proud of it...so it deters them from doing things that would portray a negative image. Juz my two cents.

Guruswife, sorry I wasn't clear in post #6. I should have put quotes around "touchy-feely" as I was repeating Shot's words in his post immediately above. He certainly has no reason to apologize for being emotional.

I agree that humankind can accomplish much when we show kindness and work together. We should follow the fine example of the Japanese people. To use Shot's words again (this time in quotes), "Gambare (Hang on), Tohoku!!!"

It's an education and cultural thing. Japanese are much of more a "team" people while the Western "civilized" folks focus more on individuality. It does have its pros and cons but in this case, it has worked out for the best.

Keep in mind there are plenty of illegal immigrants in Japan as well. However, even Yakuza are helping out. In the US, the gangs would have ripped through the stores in LA in no time after a disaster.

It isn't every day that I see it implied that the people of my country are thieving scum. Particularly when it is my fellow countrymen making the call.

"Looting" in Brisbane was neither systematic nor widespread. It happens. Let the courts deal with it. I don't think the japanese have behaved in a particularly exceptional way. They've got on and dealt with this catastrophe as best they could, as any developed country would.

Wow wwroam, who ever implied thieving scum? Mind you not a bad terminoligy for looters. I think you'll find that both here and NZ they were more oportunists than anything else. Off with their heads.

Oscar