I just came back from Japan about a week ago. I was there for two weeks and it was incredible and enlightening, as most vacations for me tend to be.
The cherry blossoms were just blooming, which is cause for celebration in Japan. According to my Japan resident friends, it signifies the beginning of Spring as well as the idea that things that are the most beautiful, do not last. The blossoms tend to only last about a week and then fall to the ground and look like snow. It really is beautiful and I feel lucky that my friend and I made it there in time.
The celebrations include thousands flocking to Ueno park, taking photos, reserving spots in the park under the trees to picnic with family and friends, and an excuse for the local college students to party before the beginning of their new terms;) Kids will be kids, anywhere you go in the world…
As far as the things I took note of were the following:
1) Tokyo, although HUGE in size and population is very clean. Way cleaner than any large U.S. city. There is not litter, and the streets and sidewalks are just clean. Osaka, not so much but the friendliness of the people make up for it.
2) It is considered rude to walk and eat. Even if you get street food, you are supposed to sit (often there is a nearby bench for this reason) or you can stand, but not walk. The idea I think here is to only focus on one task as opposed to eating, walking and talking on the phone, multitasking like so many of us do here.
3) When you are on the subway, you are encouraged to silence your phones and refrain from talking on the phone! How nuts is that? But its great to not be subject to hear someones loud bragging conversation about how lucky they got last night, like when I am sitting on MUNI.
4) Overall, peoples egos seem to not be as fragile as ours.
I think we, myself included tend to personalize things and have them slow us down, rather than taking responsibility for what has happened to us. We play the “victim” so well, rather than just focusing on the next step. I know some people will get offended by this, but whatever…its true.
I think it goes hand in hand with Buddhist philosophies. I hope to adopt more of them.
5) People have manners. They are concerned and hospitable. I have forgotten what good, professional customer service was until my visit. People, overall tend to take pride in good service especially in restaurants and they don’t even get tips! Its crazy cool.
There are more things that I have noticed and continue to notice as I am back in the states. Its so different there but so great. I have been bitten by the travel bug once again. It also makes me appreciate the differences that we all have and that we can only fully understand ourselves more through experiences of different cultures.
Go somewhere. Don’t make excuses…the world is waiting.

Shibuia