This is an authorized translation in English of a post in French by @japon: Les japonais sont-ils trop disciplinés?
Note that the person that speaks here is NOT me, Vincent Celier (@vcelier), but @japon, a French guy.
We can often read that the Japanese mentality is different from ours. Some even say that they are completely opposed. Without going as far as such pronounced assertions, it is clear that, for someone going to Japan, certain behaviors seemed to me surprising ... of public spirit.
We have the image of a highly disciplined population and I noticed that during my first steps in Tokyo. Everyone walks on his side of the sidewalk, and waits patiently for the little guy to go green before crossing. I found myself several times in the middle of the night having to cross the street, there was no car, sometimes it rained cats and dogs. And everyone was waiting for the "right to pass", simply because it's the rule.
Some foreigners a little rebellious went through anyway. The Japanese did not say anything to them, but their eyes showed a certain nervousness. As for me, I was waiting next to them. Respecting people is also respecting their culture and habits.
It is amazing to see that large crossroads have diagonal passages, and all pedestrians pass at the same time, from all sides. One might think that this is going to be a great chaos, that we are going to be jostled. Well, no, the streams of pedestrians meet, intersect, mingle and separate. This is particularly impressive at the Shibuya crossroad. I tested this on a Friday night, I was caught by the crowd not without some apprehension.
Some subway or train stations in Tokyo see several million passengers passing every single day. When you walk down the hallways or the stairs, you will see that you walk on the left and remain absolutely in line. When there are so many people, there is no alternative but to stay in line.
Once on the platform, I was really surprised by their attitude. Ground markings indicate where the rowing doors will open. They wait in two single lines. The train arrives, the doors open, the two lines open to let the passengers out. Then the tw lines tighten and enter the train. Once there is no room in it, no one pushes. Everyone is waiting patiently for the next train.
I could multiply examples on the discipline in Japan. For example it is not uncommon to see many people waiting for the opening of a store or a restaurant. A line is then put in place, taking care not to disturb other passersby.
This is actually the keyword here: do not hinder. I would say that the Japanese tend to put the collective interest before their personal interest. So they do not speak loudly in public transport so as not to disturb, they wear a mask when they are sick so as not to contaminate others. I will also add the cleanliness of the streets and public transportation; to not dirty public spaces is to respect those who come after me and will use them.
After the tsunami that struck Japan on March 11, 2011, several nuclear power plants were shut down. The population spontaneously reduced their electricity consumption by more than 15%. Not at the request of the government, but only by civic mimicry.
Wonderfully disciplined or stupidly disciplined? It is true that in France the contradiction with the authorities is a tradition. When we are forced to do something, we wonder how to circumvent this rule or we say that it is useless. In France, when the pedestrian light is red, I want to cross the street, who will stop me? Are you really going to punish me for that?
Finally the French would do well to be a little more disciplined. But does Japan leave room for personal initiative for the Japanese? An interesting debate that will be the subject of another post. And you, are you of the disciplined or rebellious kind?
-- @japon
Travel diary in Japan, by @japon
Tokyo, overcrowded city? Really? by @japon
Yes,they are.You will not see any pieces of paper on the floor
Few days back you presented us with Tokyo and changed our perception regarding its population, calm and also not being that polluted . Today you are putting up an important issue again. In my opinion Japan as a country has seen a lot turmoil it's state being hit with twin nuclear bombs and then recovering from it and becoming one of worlds most developed countries is seriously commendable and deserves utmost respect. They get hit by earthquakes and tsunami every now and the. But still they are a very progressive society. I think it's people are very reluctant to do things as they have seen a lot. They just have that little fear in the minds yet they try a lot to become more calm,patient and disciplined. I think as society we should give it to them. They are really nice people :)
Took some time to read the whole thing, i think the author took 2 opposite examples where japan is way too strict and france is not enough probably the best would be something in the middle as are Germany, Switzerland and some other countries. One thing is certain, it's still better to be overly disciplined than vandals and such, like people crossing streets with the red light and then you thousands dead by car crashes every year, because once you take a bad habit and also your surroundings do the same it becomes culture instead of habit. In my country is very much the same as france if even worse.
As a Chinese who is living in Japan. I totally agree with you here. I am kind of contradicted about that point too. It is quite hard to live in Japan if you are a rebellious type of person. Everything should be disciplined and everything has a certain ''supposed to be'' way. it is both good and bad.
Their culture is so interesting, coming from way way back, i believe that their submission is encoded in their genes already. and while there is always two sides to a coin, and judging if it is good practice or not, we can but to experience and admire a completely opposite behavior which only proves once again that for the things to work there is more than one solution, always. Even though it is an opposite.
For the Japanese, it is a social taboo for an individual to stand out from the rest. People should make humbleness and maintain harmony...
it's a double-edged blade, this is what my friend who lives in Japan tells me. They are not open to change, but the discipline is amazing. He told me a story that everyone from a huge music festival lined up for 2 hours in the rain to throw garbage after mid-night
Thanks for share. I interest your post. I always follow your post
Discipline is important.
This is one more thing I love about Japan now.
I've always wanted to visit Japan because of my love for Anime.
Didn't know that they were this organized, that's really wonderful
Same here.
verey nice post sir
heheheheh orang jepang termaksud disiplin, makanya postingan kamu mudah kita tebak, walaupun lumayan menarik, saya ingin postingan kamu lebih menarik lagi,,saya akan selalu mengikuti kamu.
I love japan, such a nice and interesting country
Thanks for the post
Beautiful writeup. The Japaneese look like very organized people. The part that really marvels me is everyone waiting for the right to pass even in the absence of cars. Definitely not obtainable in Nigeria. Here people struggle with fast moving cars to cross the road. I personally read about their reduction of electricity consumption after the 2011 tsunami. Every country of the world would benefit if they could just borrow a leaf from the level of discipline among the people of Japan. Thanks for sharing this with me.
In my ernest opinion i think the asians generally are more discoplined than the rest of the continents.You see that in their ways of life.These people are actually nice but know for their brilliancy.Japan as a nation too aren't lagging behind when it comes to technology.Japan is a power house too when it comes to robotic technology
Every country there must be different lifestyles, such as the discipline of the Japanese state. Maybe that becomes their habit in daily life. A joyful trip. Success always for you @vcelier😊
Japan is such a unique an interesting country. Because of their being an island, they developed as a unique culture (although it is definitely from China originally). They have a very different and distinct way of approaching life and there is an order to their society that has allowed them to remain one of the world's most dominant cultures for centuries. It is rooted perhaps in their discipline, but perhaps also in their adherence to appreciating the past. What do you think?
Well without discipline it is difficult to be a professional. I think major part of it comes with the culture. And nice traveling to Japan. Japan sure is someplace to travel. Enjoy. @vcelier
indeed JAPAN is the most discipline country that why they are the best. even after getting bomb by terrorist America, they are again on the TOP.
even the phone US president uses is made in JAPAN.
yes its correct situation for all nation to gain their pride gain. @vcelier in my view we all nations must learn something new in this field from japanies. we belive in hardwork as well as our faith on Lord. thanks mate
I think one of the reasons for their discipline might be their Schools, because in schools, they are asked to do mopping of floors, clapping erasers, and cleaning toilets too. Their schooling is very cooperative type where they are told about helping each other and being disciplined. I think this has imbibed in their society
Awesome post. In short , is true "Japanese tend to put the collective interest before their personal interest".
From vast examples of the discipline of Japanies they are well awareness to disturbances to each other. So Japanies are example to us for well environment. They are also carefully taking decision. Thanks
@shinejean here so speechless about all this
I kniw am gona hear jpaneese onevday its the matter of time
Great post. I hope to visit Japan one day as well. Seems like very culturally different place...
wow! Well, its not the same case in African countries like mine(Uganda) where disorder, noise, indiscipline and little respect for others isn't the case.
And the lining order, no wonder Japan is such a super power irrespetive of the strong culture they have. Well, in Uganda even if you forced people to lineup, they would still fail. Disorder is in their D.N.A
Disorder is in their D.N.A. ? That 's not a very nice thing to say about any country. There are lots of other reasons why there is disorder there. Maby you should do some research about the uganda people. Change your perspective...
Japan is strange and different than Europe...
My own personal person jepan obey the same rules that have been set what things on the highway when crossing them must wait for the green light. the nature of the person jepan his most patient person in all fields.@vcelier
thats true
disciplines that underpin them to have a high work ethic as well as with the spirit of discipline. That discipline is a principle they have
Thanx for sharing. Still makes me wonder is all of tokyo like this?
They are totally different cultures, and in my personal opinion: the order and discipline comes from home, your parents must impart this education since you are a child, so that in the future you are a person worthy of admiration and contributions positive things to the society. However, it is always this way, that is why many countries with enough potential remain stagnant and do not become a developed or even underdeveloped country.
Well, that's Japan... 😅
and follow you... thanks...
Interesting insight ^^ I have to Japan only ONCE. Therefore, I think they're highly disciplined people @vcelier
I think between their history and upbringing, and with how many people are there, they absolutely need to run a very tight ship there. Im sure there are exceptions to this on occasion, like with anything. Its a place I have been wanting to visit all my life, and look forward to the day I can actually get out there. Did you explore much outside of Tokyo?
very awesome post so excellent .I like
They have way too disciplined culture, and which causes many mental problems. Depressive mood disorder, hikigomori and so on. They seem like to be afraid of standing out and have too much worry about others'.
After the tsunami that struck Japan on March 11, 2011, several nuclear power plants were shut down. The population spontaneously reduced their electricity consumption by more than 15%. Not at the request of the government, but only by civic mimicry.
This is so interesting and i believe as time goes on, things will be better!
They are always two sizes to a coin.
Being disciplined is great in general. But they are times when the people must protest and in certain instances even revolt against the administration. A society habituated to following forever will be unable to do so.
On a lighter note, i pity the disciplined Japanese tourists and expats who visit India, where there is ultimate chaos. And no one is ever surprised at this chaos. It is a rude shock for most foreigners, especially for those visiting from highly disciplined and regimented societies.
wawww I really like the posts you share @vcelier
I love the organization of Japan, I would like to visit them for a while because their culture is something that has always caught my attention. Nice post! good vibes
3 years ago , I had been in there for 2 months . I like their silence in the office of 1000 staffs . And dear @vcelier ! let me translate to our language pls .
It's not for me to give permission to translate: you have to ask @japon that wrote the original post in French.
Yes , I'll ask to him ,thanks
I think that japaneses are excellente workers, i know them also, but i have a toyota car . My corolla is better car than others. I love japanese culture.
Japan is a must visit country not only because it's beautiful but because of it's people. They are also very helpful to tourist.
Japan is one of the most disciplined countries in the world, I dare say it is the most disciolinado. Good post...
Excelente post, Soy nueva en la comunidad espero contar son tu apoyo, Siempre estaré apoyándote gracias... Éxito
Excelente post, Soy nueva en la comunidad espero contar son tu apoyo, Siempre estaré apoyándote gracias... Éxito
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