Break with tradition to give life

A one and a half year old Japanese girl named Hanano became the youngest organ donor in Singapore. She died in an accidental pool drowning. Her grief-stricken parents made the painful decision to donate her organs so that other children could live.

While this story may sound really noble, what is more significant is that her father chose to break with Japanese traditions and social norms to give a new lease of life to sick children they do not know. Japanese do not normally donate their organs because of cultural and religious beliefs. Hanano's father is a brave man.

Japan is a modern country. It is known for high quality electronics, manga, efficiency, ... yet it is steeped in tradition that dates back hundreds of years. Views on organ donation belong to the deep-seated traditions of Japanese society. Yet, it takes one brave man to make a change. Hopefully, this will begin a new tradition of organ donation.

While we sympathise with the family on the loss of their loved one, we salute Hanano's father for his brave act of selflessless. Thank you for choosing to give life to other children through your child.

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