[berntb]

The old nuclear plant was hit with both an earthquake and a tsunami over the design limits. It seems to have gone well, considering...

Disclaimer first: I'm absolutely no expert, by very far, on Japan or Japanese culture. I am writing this mostly to get answers from those who know better.

>>Don't you think the whole "lose face" part of the japanese culture is a run down model?

I don't know if I believe the face thing is the bad part.

I admire the hard work and dedication of the Japanese worker.

I'd guess (see disclaimer!) that the present problems rest with the higher levels of organisation in their society. A lack of accountability, from top to bottom.

Japan has, simplified, had a recession for close to two decades. I really don't want to know how a Western society would look in similar circumstances.