Shibuya Station - Tokyo
Paul's work travels have taken him to Asia several times throughout his career. So he had a much better sense of what we would be experiencing day in and day out over here than I did. Most of my travels outside of the U.S. have been to Europe and those countries and cultures, when compared to Japan, are much more aligned with the U.S. in terms of their customs and general way of life. This place is very different - and mostly in a good way. Here are some initial observations...
Cleanliness: Just wow. I could eat off the floor of their subways! Even the cushioned seats (yes, cushioned and heated seats) are without stains, tears, etc. Having recently taken a subway in NYC (and I'll spare you the details about what we encountered), I am simply amazed at how spotless the stations and trains are.
I think it has a lot to do with the culture being firmly grounded in respectfulness. That's how the Japanese roll. There is also very little trash on the roads and sidewalks. In fact, it seems you are expected to keep your trash with you as you navigate around and then dispose of it when you aren't in public. There are hardly any trash receptacles in public spaces - yet it is all so pristine.
A tour guide told us that because Japan is an island with limited natural resources, its people are laser focused on properly disposing trash and recycling. In fact, some of the outer islands are designated land-fills. The government also encourages recycling by having its hand in the huge vending machine industry (there are vending machines everywhere).
People are encouraged to buy bottled beverages and recycle them - as opposed to putting water stations everywhere so people can refill their personal vessels. It's an interesting way to approach it. I'm sure someone in the vending machine business (and government) have found a way to make money at it too...
Oh, and yes, leaving your shoes at the door is very much a Japanese custom and it continues to be alive and well today. I think I may personally adopt that one.
Safety: The other day Paul pointed out some bicycles that were parked near a subway station. Many of them had personal items in the baskets - backpacks, books, sweaters, grocery bags... No one touches them - and they are right there in the open. Again, the Japanese people are respectful and generally do not take things that don't belong to them.
When walking around alone, in alleys, where I encounter other people, I've had to remind myself that it's all good - I'm safe. That said, I wouldn't feel that way in the evening - but that is more my issue as it's been instilled in me to be on heightened alert at night back home.
Rules: Unlike in the U.S. where there is a healthy "rules were made to be broken" mentality, the Japanese generally prefer to fall in line and do what they are told. Interestingly, up until the end of World War II, the Shinto religion (one of the two main religions here - the other one is Buddhism) taught that Japanese emperors were gods and the people essentially did whatever the emperor/god instructed. Considering Japan's rich and lengthy history, that wasn't very long ago. So there is kind of this obedience hangover that still thrives today. One local told us that she felt this "follow the rules" mentality was a blessing during the pandemic because the whole country came together and did what they were advised to do without question. As a result, they suffered FAR fewer deaths than most other countries. But she was also quick to say that it is equally concerning that the Japanese people tend to accept without question everything the government says and does.
Convenient Stores: They are a thing, they are amazing, and they are beloved by everyone! Who needs Whole Foods and Trader Joe's when you can pick up very affordable, pre-made, delicious delicacies at your neighborhood 7-Eleven? As big breakfast shake people, we were inclined to pack our Bullet and bring it with, but then we learned that 7-Eleven has pre-made shake selections and a machine that does the shaking for you. And they're pretty darn good! I've taken to picking up dinner (and sometimes lunch) at convenient stores too when I can't summon the courage to go to the grocery store...Who would've thought 7-Eleven could be synonymous with "yum?"
"Cute" Culture: Disney, Hello Kitty, and all things pink, purple, soft, fluffy and adorable are widely embraced by the Japanese people. And it's not just the young girls who flock to this style - many Japanese businesses have incorporated "cute" into their brand identities - you see it in logos, brand mascots, color palettes, etc. This character to the left is a brand mascot for a cashless payment app - you see him everywhere. There's also kind of a sub-culture (akin to furries in the U.S.) that dress the part and congregate in designated areas of Tokyo (and I suspect other cities across Japan). It's harmless...and cute...sort of?
Fashion: Japanese people dress well - very well. Seriously, atheleisure doesn't seem to be near the trend here as it is back home, although I have see a few Lululemon stores. People, for the most part, dress up to go out. This time of year you see stylish boots, heels, dress shoes (even Weejuns and wingtips), tailored long wool coats, suits, scarves, long skirts and mini skirts. Yes, they love their jeans, puffy coats and sneaks as much as we do, it's just that a far smaller percentage of the general population seems to wear them on the streets. And there is no lack of clothing stores. Clothes shopping is apparently everyone's favorite pass time. Needless to say, I didn't pack in such a way that I blend in. LOL. I guess I'll be spending considerable time in UniQlo!
Manners: To say that the Japanese people are polite would be an understatement. Aside from bowing (which seems to be done much more often than just when saying hello and goodbye) they are a soft-spoken people who place tremendous value on not offending others. In fact, Paul has shared that in a business setting, they have a hard time saying "no" when asked if they can or will do something. Instead they say "that will be very difficult" as a way to soften their negative response. I've seen signs and heard announcements about being courteous too - please keep noise to a minimum in consideration of others; please give up your seat for the elderly, pregnant women and others in need, etc. You're also supposed to be low talkers when riding the transit. Loud, obnoxious Westerners in shared, confined spaces are looked down upon. Additionally, I've read that it is rude to eat and drink while walking on city streets - but I'm here to tell you the even the Japanese people regularly break this rule. I guess once Starbucks took over the world, people in every culture were given carte blanche to drink coffee everywhere they go.
Next up, we're in Thailand! It's a business trip for Paul (the first part at least), and a big adventure for me. This should be great fodder for a couple blogs. We're in Bangkok for five days and then Phuket for a long weekend. I'll catch you up soon. Until then...
Sayonara.
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