You just came back from Sindhupalchowk, and this is your second visit to Nepal. You were here few weeks before the earthquake. What difference did you see?
I came to Kathmandu in mid-March, and wasn't able to visit other areas. So I cannot compare the situation. But the damage in Kathmandu was not as big as we thought. I am happy about it. I enjoyed beautiful historical sites during my first visit. I talked to students at Tribhuvan University. It saddens me to see the damages in periphery areas like Sindhupalchowk.
Japan is known for extremely efficient disaster risk reduction systems. How can Japan contribute in rebuilding stronger communities?
We played big role in preparing and adopting the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. The concept of “Build Back Better” (BBB) enshrines fundamentals of rebuilding a community in the aftermath of disasters. We have to build stronger and resilient infrastructures. If we make simple and cheap structures, it will invite greater danger in the future.
Are we going to see increased role of JICA in Nepal's development efforts?
It really depends upon the government cooperation. It's the people who need the support right now. If the disbursement is not done properly, then there is no guarantee that the communities will build back better. Moreover, we cannot order the government. We are here to assist and support the government. We are always ready to consult and work together with the government of Nepal.
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Nepal is under economic blockade. People are suffering. How does Japan see the situation?
If there is a problem, there are also ways to resolve it. We are waiting for the situation to normalize. I think it is moving toward positive direction. Quiet persuasion from underneath these circumstances is very useful.
Is it possible for developing country like Nepal to leapfrog when it comes to development? What has been your experience?
I am a historian. I have studied modernization of Japan and South East Asian. You cannot create anything from zero. People are the major players and international partners are just assistants. What Japan did in South East Asia was helping figure our best path forward. This worked in South East Asia. Peace and stability of the region was important. Then we invested in infrastructure.
And that was when many Japanese private sectors invested in the region. Based on those investments from Japan and others, a solid middle class appeared. We then also saw gradual democratization of those countries. Some of the countries in the region had less than $200 per capita income during the 1950s and the average per capita of African countries around that time was $500. The situation is quite different today. The South East Asian countries are now growing and they are vibrant democracies.
Therefore, this is a process. Leapfrogging is very difficult. However, we can expedite the process. Countries like Nepal can learn from failures of other countries. Like some countries focused on monoculture, and when the market dynamics changed those economies collapsed.
At the heart of economic progress also lies stable and responsible government.
As a writer of the book Independence and Self-respect, how can Nepal inculcate self-respect in people?
Japan was in a difficult situation after surrendering in 1945, people did not even have food to eat. Even in such time, one publisher announced that it was going to sell a series of books on philosophy. Many people lined up to buy the expensive books. Identity and value system are the basis and pride of a nation.
Ownership is very important. In order to be proud, you have to respect your culture and tradition. That's why rebuilding cultural heritages is very important here. These are the basis of identity and soul of people.
What is the impression you are taking back from Nepal?
I am deeply saddened to see the damages. But at the same time there is danger in waiting for reconstruction and solid preparation for such disasters is important. Cheapish recovery will mean greater danger in future and that must be avoided. I think the lesson is very important.
In Japan, we thought we were prepared for natural disasters, but the 2011 tsunami showed we were not very prepared. We learn from mistakes to make better preparations.
You met with our government officials. How do you see the situation unfolding in Nepal?
They are very capable people and understand the difficulties of people. Nepal has been going through difficult times for some time now. It is now about to restart a new phase. If you can manage political stability, great things can be achieved here.
In order to have political stability, compromise is important. If political parties stick to their guns, you cannot have consensus and stability. Everyone should compromise for stability.
