One for All

Probably the most common misconception of Japanese by westerners that have never been to the country is that the people are a collection of unthinking, working robots with no personalities or individuality. I guess the idea of a country working as one to the betterment of their society is seen as socialist and evil in western eyes. In reality Japanese society is something completely different.

I see Japan as almost a utopia. Sure it has its social problems, and Japanese tend to hide what they are actually thinking but the Japanese society is wonderful. This is a group of people who care for the whole, always putting themselves last. The old adage of “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few” fits pretty well here. Everyone is conscious of how they are acting and if they may be offending, annoying or disturbing the people around them. Phones are OFF on the trains. People don’t STEAL. There’s no litter. People are polite in the street. This is not because LAW says they can’t do or say certain things. It’s just that they know that it’s not a good thing for the whole. It the way people should act. I don’t think a billion people can live so well in such a small space without thinking about how one persons actions affect the rest. Someone tried to explain to me that the reason that there isn’t much stealing, or anti social behaviour, why you can leave your wallet on the train and expect to get it back with all your cash is that ones actions are considered based on how that person would be perceived “in the public eye”.

Western Society seems to think that “free speech” or even “freedom” means being able to do what ever you want, when ever you want, which I think is absurd. It gets taken completely out of context. Like someone being a lout, yelling at people and causing trouble in the street. Sure you’re allowed to do this but really: is it good for the whole? I believe everyone should come to Japan and experience their mentality. It really opens your eyes to how good life could be if everyone just considered their actions and put others first.

Enough ranting. I’ve done heaps around Japan, too much to write up individual posts for, so instead please enjoy this collection of photos from around beautiful Tokyo. Area’s photographed include the hostel, Harajuku, Asakusa, Tokyo, Asakasubashi, Shibuya and Ginza.

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