Lessons and Suggestions for Our New Revolution Era

2011 is ending. This year will be remembered as one of the worst years in the 21st century. And 2011 should have been a memorable year when Japan entered a new era. The northern-eastern earthquake and Tsunami on 11 March 2011 have brought the conclusion of an era. We have been facing the biggest change since World War II since the day of the disaster.

We have many natural disasters and overcome them. However, the 3.11 disaster was not only a natural one but included the worst destructive accident, a nuclear meltdown. That was a human-caused accident, because the tragedy could have been avoided if the nuclear plant itself have not existed there. And the recent report revealed that TEPCO employees’ lack of knowledge and technology was one of the causes of the meltdown.

After the Chelnobyl explosion, some scientists predicted that the same accident could occur in Japan, submitted/published simulation reports, and suggested to stop all the nuclear plants, but Japanese government ignored them.

Soon after World War II, Japan had Recovery Era full of hope and succeeded in the economic recovery. However, too rapid and unbalanced development have brought severe confusion. The boom completely ended long years ago before the 1980s and we have been in the long Stagnation Era since then. Many issues have been caused and some had been resolved but some have been left and even not recognized.
The 3.11 Earthquake and Tsunami was an inevitable natural disaster. But the nuclear plant accident could have been avoided if the government had received the scientists' suggestions. Their ignorance about nuclear issues was one example of bad results from unbalanced growth after World War II. And unfortunately enough, we have experienced the worst case.

We should never stay in the same stagnation. We have to change our culture itself drastically. Due to so many failures, we have lost confidence in the government. However, some brave efforts have been done by local governments, enterprises, individual groups, etc. Their contribution has taught us that we can do anything by ourselves. We must conclude the Stagnation Era and start a new Revolution Era to survive safely and hopefully.

For about 10 months after the 3.11 disaster, I have learned a lot. I have three suggestions for Japanese ordinary people, including myself, for living in a new era.

1. Don't depend on others. Seeing the series of actions and attitudes by the Japanese government, we have got to know that we can't expect them to do anything, anymore. The myth that Japan is a peaceful and safe country has been broken. We have to start by considering by ourselves.

2. Try to get and tell the truth. We have many options to get and communicate information. Although it may be hidden or distorted, we have to pick out the truth. Utilize all the available technology to achieve this and learn hard to gain the intelligence and ability to get the truth.

3. Take action by oneself with intelligence. And collaborate with the most reliable individuals and groups. Action without intelligence is rather dangerous. Intuitive actions may be always welcomed if it comes out from intelligence.

2012 will come soon. I wish the coming year will be the real starting year of a new Revolution Era. And during the short days left in 2011; the ending year of the Stagnation Era, I will try to review and criticize Japanese history after World War II to really conclude the old era.