Order, manners and being human

Crowded streets of Namba

From what we have seen and experienced Japan and the Japanese have adapted a lifestyle of trying not to cause trouble for other people. Even though Osaka is a crowded city we have yet to witness people running into each other, falling over, dropping their belongings or otherwise distrupting the steady flow of the crowds. Observing this sea of people from a safe corner you start to notice what almost seems like a marching rythm that everybody synchronizes to. The tapings on the ground indicating within centimeters where train doors will be once the train stops, and the neat single files formed on both sides to let people out before entering make life a lot easier. Almost as if the people immediately join a collective mindset upon entering a station or a busy street.

Staying in the lane

These kinds of order and dicipline bring safety and show caring. Manners are one way of order and safety in daily interactions between people.

Cleanliness is also a big part of consideration for everyone's safety and comfort. From what we've seen there really are no full trashcans or littering anywhere, and people with flu tend to wear masks to avoid contaminating others in the busy subways and trains. Attitudes in customer service are extremely respectful and humble no matter what store, restaurant or attraction is in question, and if a tourist so much as touches a map or looks into the direction of an information sign there is immediately at least one person there to ask if they can guide you to the right place.

Spotless and orderly train station

Dotonbori neon lights

They say people are different and that's of course how it is; our genes, upbringing, environment and pure coincidence mold us all into slightly different shapes. There are no two identical lives nor two identical individuals.

What is common to all of us is humanity and that makes us ultimately very similar despite these little differences in details. A word of kindness, a warm touch, consideration and politeness feel good no matter what culture, country or religion we come from. Just like wounding someone physically or psychologically hurts us from Capetown to Kyoto and Kuopio.