I often say the reason people love Japan is also the reason they would never move here, and one of those is the issue of conformity.
Visiting Japan for a holiday may be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. If you were born and raised just about anywhere outside of Japan, then coming here will have you feeling like an alien in no time, even if you come from other Asian countries like Korea or China.
The Japanese people may have a similar appearance to other Asian nations and even bear similar landscapes, foods, and architecture, but where Japan sets itself worlds apart from the rest of Asia (and the world) is in its unique societal rules and cultural norms.
The Benefits Of A Rule-Loving Society
No country on Earth loves rules quite as much as Japan.
Even the roughest toughest Japanese man (perhaps a member of a wild biker gang) would likely never be seen jaywalking or eating while walking.
When the government recommends, not forces, but recommends the wearing of masks to combat COVID-19, you will not see a single Japanese citizen dare to be seen without a mask.
This comes from a deep commitment (or perhaps obsession) with “doing the right thing,” which in and of itself is a noble cause.
There are plenty of advantages to a rule-loving society of course, such as feeling safe wherever you go, walking alone at night without concern, and enjoying spotless clean streets and high levels of hygienic practices.
The Fall Of Genuine Connection
Perhaps my issue with this whole idea of conformity in Japan stems from my perceived inability of the Japanese people to question rules or enforce change.
In a relatively non-confrontational society, speaking up or voicing one’s opinion is widely frowned upon in Japan, as it’s more often than not seen as “shaking up society’s structure.”
The old Japanese proverb “nails that stick out get hammered down” goes a long way in this country, and if you live here long enough, it may be to the detriment of your sense of individuality and freedom of expression.
To be clear, there are no strict laws against voicing your opinions, and even the Japanese have their protests and petitions that take place.
However, in your day-to-day operations such as in the workplace or at community events, change is not encouraged, and original, creative thinking is discouraged unless the majority has the same ideas in mind (ultimately, this makes it unoriginal).
How Japan Should Move Forward
This is where I have somewhat of a quandary about how Japan runs its society. On the one hand, it’s their relentless adherence to rules and standards that makes it so appealing to the rest of the world, much like a utopia of superb customer service, clean surroundings, and universal politeness that likely doesn’t exist in our home countries.
On the other hand, free-thinking individuals such as entrepreneurs, debaters, or philosophers may find the Japanese way of life extremely restrictive and lacking in growth opportunities.
I think if Japan can continue to embrace new voices in their society and challenge societal norms while increasing ever so slightly the level of creativity and degree to which people’s opinions are considered, then they can slowly but surely rid themselves of the label of a conformist nation that restricts individual freedom.
After all, Japan is still one of my favorite countries on Earth, and I believe its reputation as a clean, safe, rule-abiding society has all the potential to liberate individuals rather than limit them.
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!
