Rebuilding Japan’s self esteem

The Question: How likely is it the horrific tragedy in Japan will rewrite Prime Minister Kan’s story, from that of an unpopular politician facing scandal to a strong leader guiding a country through crisis?

We only have to look back 10 years, when Mayor Rudy Giuliani of New York rose heroically to the occasion in the aftermath of 9/11. He provided strong leadership for his battered and terrified city, and his reputation soared as a result. In difficult times, people look to their leaders for consolation and inspiration. They need to know that their leaders can tend not only to material needs but also to the needs of the heart and soul. New Yorkers who formerly had been critical of Guiliani took a warmer view of him after  his commanding and compassionate handling of a horrific situation.

 Natao Kan has a similar opportunity in Japan. Even before the effects of the earthquake and tsunami, Japan was dealing with big problems–the controversy dogging the prime minister, and the harsh effects of an economy that has been sluggish for two decades. The national self-esteem has tumbled since the heady days of the 1980s. Leadership has long been sorely needed in Japan, but even more so since last Friday. Kan will pass the test if he can connect with his people, show them that he understands their suffering, and help them begin the healing process.

  At the end of the day, most people realize that every leader has character flaws. They might not forget, but they can forgive a lot when their leaders demonstrate that they empathize with people’s pain and are working on solutions (so long as their actions clearly don’t cross over into criminality). If Kan can show the Japanese people how he will lead them out of tragedy to a bright future, then most of the Japanese people will be able to overlook the problems that previously had some of them calling for his resignation.

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Yash Gupta  | Mar 15, 2011 2:18 PM