What we can learn from Japan
Feature Articles

What we can learn from Japan

January 19, 2025

By Sujata Rajpal

From the station turn right, and after two hundred metres your destination will be on your left,” explained a fellow commuter in broken English at Kyoto train station when we asked him the directions of a Japanese restaurant that we couldn’t locate. Outside the station, when we had just turned right, the sound of hurried footsteps startled us, “sorry sorry.” We turned around to see the same Japanese man running towards us.

“Sorry, not right but take left turn,” said the gentleman, pausing to catch his breath. We first looked at him and then at each other. He insisted on leading us to our destination to ensure we reach our location without any further hiccups.

Back home, when we narrated this episode to our friends, it was overwhelming to learn that people who had travelled to Japan had similar stories to share.

Japanese are known for going that extra mile to help others literally and figuratively: Japanese’ Punctuality. We have heard about it. Punctuality is just one of the many values — sincerity, discipline, respect for others, community living, group consensus, evident in their way of life.

Japanese culture is deeply rooted in Confucian teachings, which promote a ladder of respect. Younger sibling respects older sibling, children respect parents, parents respect leaders, etc. Such values are taught from daycare days and continued in school. Parents too take parenting seriously and reinforce these   values through action.

A Japanese family.

Politeness

One of the most prominent behavioural traits conspicuous in Japan is the incredible politeness of its people. From bowing in greeting multiple times while talking to the use of honorifics in language, politeness is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. During our fortnight stay in Japan, in trains, markets, fairs, and everywhere we never heard people arguing, jostling, or raising their voice at others.

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“How boring! It appears Japanese never fight,” I said to my better half amusingly.

Cleanliness: Japanese live by the principle of absolute cleanliness. Interestingly, in a clean country, it’s rare to find a trash bin. You are expected to carry your garbage to your hotel or house and dispose it off responsibly. The only place where we saw trash — paper napkins strewn everywhere, wet toilets — was Kawaguchi, a tourist town where tourists flock to sight Mt Fuji.

When authorities couldn’t check the wayward tourists to respect their country’s cleanliness, a tall black screen was put up to block the view of Mt Fuji reinforcing the country’s commitment to cleanliness at the cost of tourism.

At the end of each school day, students clean the school premises. The practice isn’t just about keeping the surroundings clean; it’s aimed to teach students the values of responsibility, civic sense, community building and respect for their environment.

I recall many decades ago, in our school in Chandigarh, we stayed back to clean our class room. By turn, every student had to do it. Don’t know why such practice is no longer prevalent.

Sujata in front of Ashoka Pillar replica and stone statue of four lions at Nara Park.

Kaizen

A Japanese concept meaning continuous improvement – high quality, better efficiency and reduced waste. Japanese believe in making small improvements rather than drastic change overnight. Originally, an industrial concept applicable for industrial production but now extends to everyday life.

Ironically on one hand, Japanese strives for perfection and on the other hand emphasises on efforts and endurance rather than the result. Wabi sabi is another Japanese philosophy that encourages people to embrace imperfection and flaws.

Locals and tourists at Kyoto’s most popular Cherry Blossoms Festival.

Respect for Nature

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Japan’s natural beauty is stunning. The Japanese have a profound respect for nature, often reflected in their practices and festivals. This respect underscores the importance of living in harmony with the environment, fostering a sense of association with the planet. Not many know that in Japan, there are no paper napkins up for grabs at every shop and eatery as in the restaurants everywhere. On your request, a single tiny paper napkin will be taken out from beneath a shelf and handed it over to you.

Ikagai: Japanese concept of Ikagai (Ika means alive, Gai means worth) is well-known. What is the worth/purpose of life? A reason to wake up every morning? Finding a purpose gives fulfilment and joy. Perhaps Japanese’ belief in finding a purpose of their life is the reason for their longevity.

Tokyo, Japan’s busy capital, with its neon-lit skyscrapers.

Perfect blend of tradition and modernity

Japan is a great example of how tradition and modernity blend seamlessly. Japanese are religious and practice traditions, but they eagerly adopt technical innovations and modern technology. Mount Fuji is considered as God just like Indians worship River Ganges.

The concept of doing one’s best and endurance is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. No wonder Japanese race is the hardest working and resilient — tsunami, earthquakes, nuclear bomb, they rise after every fall and become stronger.

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