The Japanese have been dealing with the problems of earthquakes, tsunamis and the occasional volcanic eruption throughout their history. They've learned some hard lessons over the centuries about the value of cooperative behavior. The Community Emergency Response Team concept that has been slowly growing here in the U.S. was originally developed in Japan.
There are aspects of Japanese culture that I do not like, but in this area they are to be admired for the way they look out for each other. Definitely quite the contrast with what we saw in the aftermaths of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.