ASIA/JAPAN - “We need to recognise the mistakes made on the nuclear issue,” says a missionary

Sydney (Agenzia Fides) – “We will be able to better assess the tragedy in the coming months, and it will take years to rebuild the thousands of lives destroyed. I am sure that the Japanese will live through this terrible event, with fortitude and solidarity. But we also need to recognise the mistakes made, which is an important aspect of Japan's culture. This is especially true for the issue of the nuclear power plants: the authorities have admitted to some radioactive leaks from Fukoshima, and we do not know what damage may be caused,” said Fr Brian Vale, a St Columban missionary who was in Japan for many years and now lives in Australia, first reported in "Eureka Street" the Jesuit daily online bulletin. He reported this in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami that hit the northeast of Japan.
On how the country has dealt with the nuclear issue over the last 60 years, Fr Vale recalls: “In Japan, many still have a true allergy to nuclear power, after the disasters of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. School students go to visit the affected sites and the memorial museums, and education in peace is part of the integrated curriculum.” “But in recent years,” continues the missionary, “many have raised doubts that the politicians and Governments who have begun construction of nuclear power plants, despite the high seismic risk in the area, may have links to the industry that builds the plants. Opponents of nuclear power in the past have not had the political strength to stop the construction of power plants.”
The missionary is shocked by events: “The images of the earthquake and the tsunami shocked me. My heart is heavy for the grave loss of human life. I remember the beauty of the Sendai coastline, with green pine trees and the spectacular cliffs overlooking the sea. People now feel a sense of profound loss. They have lost everything: family, homes, friends. It should be remembered that this is very difficult and painful in Japanese culture, where personal identity depends very much on being a member of a group.”
“Today we live in a situation of uncertainty and insecurity. The Japanese are facing the worst disaster in their history after the atomic bombs of World War II, but I am sure that they will know how to get back up, with the addition of our help and prayers.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 16/3/2011)