Investing decisions are made from a mosaic of data, yet synthesizing what matters can be tough. Enter the Motley Poll. We show you the big headlines and you tell us what's factoring into your investing decisions and help your fellow Fools in the process.

We're rightly focused on the human tragedy in Japan (here's how you can help), but we shouldn't forget the economic consequences. New estimates peg the total cost of the earthquake and tsunami at $310 billion, and that's before factoring in lost economic output.

Private industry will have to pick up some of that tab, and those most exposed will see profits take a hit. As investors, we know this intuitively; it's why the Nikkei Stock Average fell more than 10% last week.

But now, Japanese stocks are rallying in the wake of Warren Buffett's assertion that last week's panic selling presents a buying opportunity. Shares of Toshiba (OTC: TOSBF) had rallied more than 8% this week before ending down 2% today. Hitachi (NYSE: HIT), which suffered with partner General Electric (NYSE: GE) when the Fukushima nuclear crisis reached a fever pitch, is up more than 4% over the same period.

These are just two of many Japanese businesses with long-term potential. My Foolish colleagues Alex Dumortier and Joe Magyer have several other ideas that may be worth pursuing. Will you act on their advice? Are you bold enough to invest in Japan now?

Please vote in the poll below and then leave a comment to explain your thinking. You can also rate any of these stocks in Motley Fool CAPS.