I think the earthquake/tsunami crisis really brought out the best in Japanese people.
Where else in the world would you find people queueing up to pay for their meals right after an earthquake? The store owner had to urge people out. My sister was definately impressed when she witnessed it.
Here are more stories:
http://www.facebook.com/notes/jun-shiomitsu/japan-quake-as-seen-from-twitter-translated-by-me-so-quality-questionable/10150121176733830