Recently returned from a trip to Japan. One purpose was to learn about the lifestyles and culture of the people of Japan. As an American, it was a real eye-opener. It is an upside-down world over there.

We found the people to be very humble, gracious, friendly and inviting.  On more than one occasion we were looking for our hotel or for the right train to catch.  Without exception, we were offered help, sometimes by Japanese with little English.  Several times they would escort us sufficiently so we were well on our way.

Proper behavior is expected and for the most part observed.  Disrupting others life is not part of their culture. People bow when greeting one another, an action to express respect.  Older people are respected and given their places in buses, trains and subways. I observed, some fifty years ago when I first visited Japan, that their culture is one of conforming with what the majority are doing and to behavior outside of that norm is not acceptable. This cultural trait seems to still be the case: behaving in a manner consistent with the whole, is good; but behavior that is inconsistent with the whole is wrong and not accepted.   

The people dress conservatively.  Females with spaghetti tops, always wore a tee shirt under it. A high percentage of women wore dresses, many wearing slacks and some wearing shorts. Men on their way to office work were in shirts and trousers.  It was the time of year, where the temperature was dropping and men were beginning to again wear ties and coats. 

Everywhere we went, from Tokyo south 800 miles to Nagasaki, the streets, trains, buses and cars were all very clean. No trash, no plastic bags, no beer cans, no plastic cups.   Yet, there were no trash cans.  People have pride by being responsible for their own trash.

By observation, probably fewer than 2% or the population are overweight. We did see one Suma wrestler.  Most Japanese are short, compared to Americans: probably average about 5 foot 3 inches.  In America as we age, our belly tends to expand.  Short people in America usually show their weight gain as they age more than do taller people.  But in Japan, about 98% of young and old are short and at a healthy weight.

Surprisingly, we found that their percentage of the population with diabetes was about the same as the US.

Also sadly, we heard that their young adults and teenagers are suffering from depression.  It was suggested, that like Americans of that age, they have had a life of having more than their needs being provided to them.   They do not see a future where they will have a better life, or a life of challenge to meet greater aspirations.

The employees in the towns and villages tend to delay their daily trips home, and people eat out in a higher percentage than do Americans.  There are far more restaurants. Most restaurants are mom and pop small restaurants, with very few large chains and large restaurants.  

Highway traffic jams in the cities seem only to occur in the evening rush hour. For the most part, the major roads in central Tokyo and elsewhere were devoid of heavy traffic (also devoid of trash).  On the other hand, the buses, subways and trains in the cities are often full (but still devoid of trash).

The nature of the advertisements on TV was shocking. We saw virtually no ads for pharmaceuticals nor for lawyers. Their TV ads were more for their basic needs. Those observations say a whole lot about the nature of the Japanese. 

If you seek a cultural experience far different than life in the USA, Japan is worth a visit.  And as of November 2023, the Japanese Yen vs US Dollar exchange rate makes a trip there far less expensive than it has been for decades.