I've got to say, I'm extremely impressed with how the general population of Japan is dealing with this. From the coverage I've seen, they're being quite calm, cool and collected about the whole ordeal (generally speaking). That says a lot about their culture and character. Even amid growing fears of increased radiation and dwindling resources, they seem to be pulling together to get through this. I guess that could change, but for now, they're holding together better than I thought they would. There was a story on CNN telling the story of how when there was only enough food rationed for 4 people (when there were 6 people who were hungry) at a shelter, those 4 separated the food to make sure all 6 got equal portions.
The reason I even mention this is I was just thinking back to the New Orleans victims dealing with the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Looting stores (yes two N.O. female cops were caught on video stealing shoes from a looted department store) and idiots shooting at the helicopters coming to rescue them seemed to be the reaction from quite a few of them.
What a stark contrast.