Word: shoganai
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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...Masaru Katagawa, epitomizes the noble spirit of Japan. Jeanette Hamber Osaka, Japan Seismologists didn't expect such a devastating earthquake. Citizens of Kobe and Osaka were not well prepared, and many were crushed to death inside their old wooden homes. Despite the misery, the people of Kobe say ``Shoganai'' (It can't be helped). However, we Japanese cannot say ``Shoganai'' to the slow response and disorganization of the government. Why did the authorities fail to cordon off main roads for official use? Why did it take four hours before troops were sent for the rescue operation? Many people could have...
...hope after the next inevitable ``big one'' we won't be saying ``Shoganai'' but ``Gambarimashita'' (We did our best). Nik Hall Miyagi, Japan As a resident of Kobe, I thank God that my family is safe. But as time passes, my anger grows. The earthquake is not anyone's fault, but the high number of deaths could have been avoided. Before 6 a.m. on the day of the quake, everything shook, and although my family was fine, I could see parts of Kobe were on fire. I was sure the city would be getting immediate help. But the Japanese defense...
...Japan earthquake was different. ``The country is a really efficient, orderly place,'' he observes. ``The people conduct themselves with great self- control. Shoganai--it can't be helped--is a phrase I heard a lot last week. It was a sense of monumental tragedy that had arrived and would pass, like so many before it.'' Looking up at the full moon after long nights of work, he found it hard to believe the disaster had really happened. Still, he stocked up on rations and bought helmets for his wife and three children...
...Liberal Democratic Party is torn by scandal and dissension, no other party or coalition is anywhere near strong enough yet to snatch away all its power. What passes for social protest in Japan might look like placidity elsewhere. A Japanese gripe session is likely to end on the word shoganai (roughly: nothing can be done about it). Though rap music has come to Japan, the most assertive lyrics decry too much monosodium glutamate in Chinese food...
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