In Japan apologies are part of everyday life from trying to get on a crowed train, speaking to loud on the phone to leaving work before others. So culturally ingrained is the apology that foreigners can at times wonder why someone is apologizing to feeling uncomfortable about all the apologies they here in day. Yet they are needed to help maintain group cohesiveness in nation where being in close proximity to others is an everyday occurrence.
Sato had fled his home during the nuclear emergency at the Tepco-operated Fukushima Daiichi power plant. He left behind his job and almost all of his possessions. His new outfit came from a discount store — angry rebel’s attire that seemed fitting to him when Masataka Shimizu came by unannounced to say he was sorry.
NHK reported on this visit but when the video showing Yoshio Sato speaking with TEPCO president Masataka Shimizu audio of what Sato said was not broadcast instead what one heard was the voice over from the NHK reporter.
So Sato, with the cameras rolling, exploded in anger.
He said he didn’t believe the company’s projection that it could stabilize the reactors within six to nine months. He said the company hadn’t been treating its workers properly, taking insufficient steps to ensure their safety. He said it was “ridiculous” to imagine he could have his life back anytime soon.
“We’ll try our best,” Shimizu said, and he kept his head bowed, and he never tried to argue.
Sato later said he felt like a prop, used for Tepco’s image rehabilitation. He didn’t want to play the part. During a rant of several minutes, the Tepco executives had listened dutifully. They’d relied on basic answers: We’ll try our hardest. We’ll do everything we can. We’re sorry.
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