Edo citizens, called Edokko, took pride in being generous. As is often said, “Edokko spend all the day’s earnings before midnight.” They spent money generously, not only on themselves but also on others in need. To them, money was something that came and went. Besides, money meant little once a fire broke out. What mattered most was human lives, not money.
　Edo citizens were generous not only with money, but also with mutual assistance. The Edokko knew that disasters could occur at any time. As a result of having experienced a number of fires, they became stronger and more resilient because they believed in the spirit of self-help and mutual assistance. In fact, if it had not been for their resilience, the reconstruction of Edo would not have been possible.
　Japan is a country where disasters frequently occur. As long as we live in this country, we have to accept that fact. There is a lot we can learn from the people of Edo, who, in the days when technology was very limited, succeeded time after time in reviving the fire-stricken city.