An insight into the Japanese mindset

As some of you may or may not be aware, there have been more abductions of security personel in Iraq. Normally I wouldn't comment on it except for the fact that this time it's a Japanese citizen who has been kidnapped. The reaction to this news has been more than interesting.

When an American is kidnapped there is usually much wailing and gnashing of teeth followed by a lot of vitriol spewed in the general direction of the insurgents. The Japanese are also shocked and upset by the kidnapping but what really raises my eyebrows is that fault or responsibility is not so much placed upon the heads of the insurgents as it is on the victims. I think I remember this same thing happening last year when three Japanese were kidnapped. Rather than being given a heroes return upon their release they were stigmatized for even being involved in the whole thing. As if they shouldn't have been there in the first place and had somehow caused embarrassment for their entire country.

The Japanese seem to take personal responsibility very seriously, even to the point where their relatives feel the need to apologize for them. This is a quote from the kidnapped man's brother, who says the strangest thing I think I've ever heard:

"I think he went there, knowing full well that he would be in danger. But I'm very sorry he has caused trouble."

Certainly not the type of thing you would expect your average American to say about a kidnapped brother.

let me get to sleep