I've heard that before, about linking their national identify to their ability to withstand disaster. It's somewhat nihonjinron, somewhat Ruth Benedict creation from thin air. The second part is true enough though, about the reason why they use wood and paper.

I can't imagine what he must have sent through. Terrorized by his own government, forced to fight in a war he didn't agree with, then coming back to find his house (and most of Tokyo) gone. What a horrible experience.