From finding funding through casinos to embracing their past, the Japanese teach us the meaning of resilience.
Japan – everyone has their notions about this tiny island nation, and as with any other country that values its culture above all else, it can appear to be quite quirky for us outsiders. But while it may seem small, the country is big on character, and we could all learn a lot from this Asian nation.
In the past few years, Japan has been wracked by disaster after disaster. From the earthquake and tsunami of 2011 to the consequent nuclear meltdown at Fukushima, it’s safe to say that the country has been through a lot. Yet now, the Japanese people stand proud, playing host to the 2020 Olympics for the first time since 1964, when they last won the right to host the Olympics despite still being in shambles after the war.
Back then, Japan amazed the world when it transformed itself from post-war shambles into one of the most modern cities in the world, all within the five years it took to prepare for the Olympics. Japan is once again aiming high, with Tokyo’s governor, Yoichi Masuzoe, saying that he aimed to turn Tokyo into the world’s number one city by then. Japan won the bid for the rights to host the games because of its modern sports facilities and efficient transportation system, but these, admittedly, will not be enough to host the games. More work needs to be done, and nobody is shying away from the challenge.
Even Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has begun looking for alternative ways to make the most of the coming Olympics, which are already expected to generate $25.4 billion in downfall revenue for the country. In the best display of thinking outside the box, Prime Minister Abe has presented a bill that legalizes the establishment of Integrated Resorts (IRs) – casinos built into full-blown resorts with all the amenities you would come to expect from 5-star hotels – in Japan. Although the country has largely banned gambling, this proposed bill makes it legal as long as it’s done within the gambling halls of the IRs. This decision comes after much of Asia has expressed an interest in gambling, prompting, the world’s first online casino, to expand its services to allow for Japanese players, and many of the US’s casinos have also begun to offer first-class perks to high rollers from Asia.
Prime Minister Abe’s efforts were quashed late last year, when hearings on the bill were postponed, but he remains steadfast in his claim that IRs can support the country’s rickety economy. Despite the disaster at the Fukushima power plant, the country continues to strive for the use of nuclear power, following research that said that this was the most efficient way to supply power to the populace.
Despite running into repeated pitfalls and constantly being sidetracked, Japan continues to rise from the ashes and make the most of what it is given, pushing the limits of the status quo in search of ways to better itself. We could all learn a lot from the way that Japan has trudged on, even becoming known as one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world.
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I love living here in Japan and the people here fascinate me. You are right that the people are very resilient and there are so many layers to their culture that it would take years to really understand it. I learn something new about the Japanese culture almost everyday.
I lived in Japan for 2 years when I was a little girl and you’re right there is something new to be learned about the culture everyday. I also returned as an adult and really loved it.
This is a great example of how being flexible and persistent can pay off!
Persistence is key!
Wait? You’re in Japan now? Wow!
NOOOOO!!! I’m in Australia. I used to live in Japan as a kiddo.