The People of Japan

Aside from the delicious foods, endless shopping streets and breathtaking views of gardens and temples lies the beauty of the Japanese people.  For this is the main reason why we return to Japan again and again.  The country holds a special culture where human beings put forth their best efforts in everything they do.  That in itself, is the true Japan experience.

An elderly couple walking down a narrow Tokyo street.

The Japanese people are extremely thoughtful in everything that contributes to their daily life.  This is evident in their transportation system that works like clockwork that allows their people to travel without worry each day.  It is also apparent in their ability to keep high traffic areas clean as workers sanitize toilets with toothbrushes, wipe scoff marks left on floors and cleanse escalator handrails every half hour.  Laborers are constantly working in their attempt to keep everyone comfortable.

There are other destinations in the world that boast first class service, but I have yet to see any place that can come close to what we experience in Japan.  Employees work tirelessly to provide this first class service without expecting a tip from their customers.  Tipping in Japan remains an insult.  When asking for directions, some workers may even leave their post to show you the way.  The assistance given is all done without expecting anything in return.  In fact, they are the ones who show gratitude for being able to provide help in any way possible.

Business men and women stand in orderly lines as they wait for the train to arrive.

Everyone is silent while riding the trains and subways. No one bothers others by having public conversations on their phones.  Announcements on the train also remind everyone that their cell phones must be on silent mode.  People wear face masks if they have a cold, in order to keep others around them from catching their germs.

The Japanese will bow to their customers in order to show appreciation.  They bow as they greet you at the door, bow to thank you and bow as you leave their establishment.  Some workers will even walk you to the door and wait until you are out of sight before they go back into their place of work.  If you happen to look back, they will bow again and again.

Throughout my blog entries I've talked about the endless landmarks and businesses that Tokyo has to offer.  All of these sites are places you must visit.  However, it is the people who work there each day that make these experiences memorable.  It is extremely difficult to describe in writing the behaviors that are exhibited by the Japanese people.  You must visit Japan in order to understand it yourself.