The Japanese government has been getting a tongue-lashing for its slowness in rebuilding the battered northeast, a year after it was hit by a devastating earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident.
For a contrasting tale of speedy post-March 11 rebound, look at Japan's hardy convenience stores, or konbini, as they're known here.
When last year's March 11 earthquake struck, the konbini were hit hard. Japan's three largest chains - Seven & i Holdings Co., the operator of Seven Eleven, Family Mart Co., and Lawson Inc. - had to close over 1,000 locations, at least temporarily. Even now, some remain shut, like those inside the irradiated no-entry zone surrounding the Fukushima plant that was the site of last year's accident. (Wall Street Journal)
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