Shimizu apologizes: “for causing such a great concern and nuisance.”

Nuclear Power Runs Amok: Laurence Kotlikoff and Eugene Stanley

The worst case. These three words have been at the back of everyone’s mind ever since the Fukushima reactors began malfunctioning after being swamped by a tsunami. Remarkably, these reactors have been at the front of few experts’ mouths.

Many experts have shied away from describing worst-case outcomes, which are terrifying to contemplate and risky to mention. The risk isn’t just panicking the public. Crying wolf can threaten one’s expert status.

The bias toward calm, cool expression has been on full display in this crisis.

The Japanese are particularly good at the stiff upper lip. The authorities have serially indicated that exploding reactor housing is not a big problem, that released radioactive steam is not a big problem, that the significant cracks in containment vessels are not a big problem, that burning spent fuel ponds are not a big problem, and that the contamination of food and water is not a big problem. To top off all this, Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s president, Masataka Shimizu, made a formal apology “for causing such a great concern and nuisance.”

Earth to Shimizu: This isn’t just a nuisance.

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I have seen references to how Japanese culture impacts the official handling of the crisis, but this took me completely by surprise.

Are they kidding?

Ever since this crisis hit it has seemed to me that Japanese authorities downplay events in such a way as to give the impression that they just don't care too much about the average person in Japan. I can understand how it's important to remain calm and collected during times like this, if for no other reason than to be able to think clearly and logically. You have to admit they have a hell of a lot on their plate right now.

But really, would it kill them to show a little compassion? Get some food and water to the people in the shelters. Import it if you have to. They seem to be putting TOO much emphasis on the money aspect of it. If they keep it up, then sure they will keep their economy afloat for the sake of the rest of the world, but they are going to receive absolutely no respect from the rest of the world for not taking care of its own citizens. The same citizens by the way who have played a large part in making their economy what it is today.

Just my opinion.

Nice. Thanks for linking me to this thread. Pretty much sums up the problem. S+F

I understand your signature line. Been making me a bit sick myself.