tepid comments

But it is no joke that the economy, in general, will suffer from people's self-restraint. The overall question is whether people will realise that it is everyone's responsibility to dedicate themselves to recovery after such disasters. That includes spreading the wealth and supporting those who work and produce the goods and services. It is not disrespect to survive and flourish, just as the cherry blossoms themselves do every year.

In addition to this, the burden is upon those in official capacities to convey factual information in a timely manner so as to avoid misconceptions that might lead to occurrences of mass hysteria. (sorry, I hit the button too soon)

I think it depends on who is spreading the rumours and whether they a substantiated claims. There are existent laws concerning libel or slander, as well as inciting riot, in which case it would be more a matter of applying the law equitably in the interest of justice for the greater societal good. But the issue seems to be whether or not people agree upon and accept those laws as the correct guidelines by which to behave within the society. Aye, indeed, there is the rub.

Too late now. Why didn't all of you expert geniuses say something before this?

The easiest way to destroy a friendship to start lying or hiding the truth. Any relationship is based on trust and loyalty (positively or negatively, that is), so in the case of a friendship (a positive relationship) doing so would definitely sow the seeds of mistrust. But, I'm not really sure why anyone would want to end a true friendship, who's asking this question and why?