Japan is often celebrated for its high quality of life, thanks to a combination of overall cleanliness, cultural values, modern conveniences, and social systems. Here are some amazing aspects contributing to the quality of life in Japan.
Environmental Consciousness
- Cleanliness: Japan (with 124 million population) is known for its cleanliness, with a strong culture of waste separation and recycling. You rarely find any graffiti in the country and waste management workers take their job very seriously. Scottsdale is the only city in the US that comes close to the meticulous Japanese cleanliness.
- Japanese Toilets: Many Japanese toilets are equipped with advanced features, including heated seats, water temperature control, and air drying options (Bidet). This reflects the country’s emphasis on cleanliness and hygiene.
- Even the cheapest restaurants provide wet paper towels wrapped in plastic sheath to wipe your hands after a meal. Mid-range restaurants typically provide wet towels wrapped in plastic sheaths. I haven’t seen any other developed countries doing this routinely and it is a great idea to keep your hands clean after eating certain foods (e.g., pizza or Indian dishes).
- Modesty: Speaking softly is viewed as a sign of respect and humility. Loud voices can be considered disruptive or rude in public settings. Modesty is highly valued in Japanese culture, influencing both verbal and non-verbal communication.
- Contextual Awareness: People are often keenly aware of their surroundings and the feelings of others. Speaking softly helps prevent drawing unnecessary attention and ensures that conversations remain discreet.
- Public Spaces: In places like trains, restaurants, and shops, it’s common to hear quiet conversations. This is rooted in the desire to maintain a calm atmosphere for everyone around.
- Green Spaces: Many cities have parks and gardens that provide residents with access to nature and outdoor activities.
Customer Service
- There are always customer service professionals to help you every step of the way from unloading luggage, taking you to the check-in counter, accompanying you to your room.
Bowing in Japan
There are several types of Japanese Bow (Eshaku, Keirei, Saikerei and Dogeza).
Eshaku is a simple casual bow (bend your torso about 15°).
Keirei is a formal bow to show respect (bend your torso at 30° to 45°).
Saikeirei involves bending deeply at the waist, to a 45-degree angle or even further, with the arms straight and hands placed flat on the thighs or knees.
Dogeza is an extremely deep bow performed while kneeling on the ground, often used as a gesture of apology or extreme reverence.
In Tokyo, we experienced all 3 types of Japanese Bowing from the staff members at the hotel front-desk, Club Lounge and at the restaurants.
When we visited the massive Valentino 4-story store in Ginza, we asked a customer service agent about the location of the women’s handbags. She showed us to the elevators to reach the 4th floor and kept on performing the Saikeirei bow until our elevator completely ascended out of her sight. We were astounded by her show of respect for complete strangers.
Public Transportation
- Efficient Transit System: Japan’s public transportation, including trains, subways, and buses, is known for its punctuality, cleanliness, and coverage.
- Bicycle-Friendly Cities: Many cities promote cycling as a mode of transport, with dedicated bike lanes and rental services.
Culinary Culture
- Healthy Diet: The traditional Japanese diet, rich in fish, vegetables, and rice, contributes to overall health and well-being.
- Food Variety: Access to a wide range of cuisines and dining experiences enhances the culinary culture and lifestyle.
Safety and Security
- Low Crime Rates: Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, with very low rates of violent crime and theft.
- Disaster Preparedness: Strong infrastructure and community programs are in place to deal with natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis.
Healthcare System
- Universal Healthcare: Japan has a universal healthcare system that provides excellent medical care to its residents at affordable costs.
- Health Outcomes: The country boasts one of the highest life expectancies in the world, thanks to healthy diets and access to quality healthcare.
Elderly Care
- In-Home Care: Families often provide care for elderly relatives, ensuring they can stay in their homes as long as possible.
- Community Support: Local communities offer various services, including home visits and support groups, to assist families in caring for elderly members.
Education
- High Literacy Rates: Japan has an impressive literacy rate of nearly 100%, with a strong emphasis on education from a young age.
- Quality Education: The education system is rigorous and highly regarded, producing well-rounded students with strong academic skills.
Work-Life Balance
- Paid Leave: Japanese labor laws mandate paid leave, allowing workers to take time off for rest and family.
- Cultural Shift: There is a growing emphasis on work-life balance, with companies increasingly recognizing the importance of employee well-being.
Community and Social Bonds
- Strong Community Ties: Japanese culture emphasizes community and relationships, fostering a sense of belonging and support.
- Volunteering and Local Involvement: Many citizens participate in local events, volunteering, and community activities, strengthening social bonds.
Technological Integration
- Smart Living: Japan incorporates technology into everyday life, from smart homes to advanced robotics, improving convenience and efficiency.
Cultural Richness
- Arts and Entertainment: A wealth of cultural activities, including festivals, theater, and music, enriches the lifestyle of residents.
- Historical Heritage: Access to historical sites and cultural landmarks creates a sense of identity and pride.
Conclusion
This is our third trip to Japan in the last 7 years and nothing much has changed after the Covid-19 pandemic in terms of their politeness, cleanliness and superb customer service. I cannot think of any other developed country (e.g., Switzerland, Norway etc.,) with such a perfect combination of all the things that make it a pleasure for travelers. Tokyo is also one of the best places to reach with transferable credit card points by advance booking flights and hotels which can save you a lot of money that can be used for sight seeing and dining.