The Japanese authorities have not helped by falling back on technocracy rather than a more sympathetic response.

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Mr Walmsley said his officers will provide a professional and sympathetic response to victims and will work closely with the local media.

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Once again I need to sincerely thank you for your sympathetic response.

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Such feelings were tamed by the West's sympathetic response to an earthquake in Sichuan Province in May 2008 that killed 70, 000 people, and by the decision of Western leaders (Mr Bush especially) to attend the Olympic games in Beijing in August that year.

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The second response, more sympathetic to herding but as disturbing in its potential consequences, is promoted by, among others, the Asian Development Bank.

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