Japan's All Nippon Airways has launched a modest special livery commemorating the island nation's efforts to recover from last month's earthquake and resulting tsunami.
The livery carries the phrase "Forward together as one Japan". In front of Japan is a red dot representing the sun; Japan is referred to as the land of the rising sun. (The red dot is also featured on the wing of Japanese-registered aircraft, as well as more familiar places like the country's flag.)
The phrase does not explicitly reference the earthquake and tsunami, but there is no questioning its connotation. It could be said the phrase exemplifies Japan's characteristics of oneness, stoicism, and deference.
Those familiar with aviation in Japan will know the iconic practice of a flight's ground crew waving goodbye to the flight as it taxis out. When Japan Airlines recently resumed flights to Sendai, whose airport was flooded during the tsunami, JAL's president joined the ground crew (photo) in sending off the first flight back to Sendai.
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