For many, the mention of Japan might trigger memories of the turmoils and heart-wrenching events of World War II, including the tragic dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9, 1945.
However, despite these atrocities, modern-day Japan is vastly different.
Any visitor to Japan today can easily sense the complex set of shared values that everyone adheres to.
One of the prevailing Japanese values is mutual respect.
Respect is not confined to traditional or religious functions. In Japan, including Tokyo where my colleagues and I recently spent almost two weeks, respect is part of everyday life. It is visible at train stations, in public vehicles, on the roadside, in hotels, in restaurants and bars, and even on the bustling streets.
While the streets of Tokyo may seem busy with fast cars, high-rise buildings, and a population of 14 million people, citizens go about their lives adhering to an unspoken code of reverence and deep consideration for one another.
People chat quietly while walking — there is no loud music or unnecessary noise, possibly because Tokyo is also home to the Emperor of Japan.
In addition to the capital, we visited Shibuya, which was the opposite of Tokyo; it featured loud music, huge screens overlooking the tall buildings, and many young people hanging around town. Nevertheless, respect was still evident and experienced, despite Shibuya’s ‘youthful’ vibes.
Obedience is another prominent value in Japan. People follow the law not out of fear of punishment, but because it is the right thing to do.
Jaywalking is virtually non-existent. Pedestrians wait at traffic lights and only cross when the lights permit.
Fijians who have visited Japan will agree that its people live a lifestyle exuding honesty, peace, and genuine respect for people, property, and nature.
You’d be surprised to see cars with engines running, parked outside supermarkets or convenience stores while the owners shop. There is no concern about the car being stolen.
I had heard about Japan’s safety and decided to experience it for myself. One early morning at around 2 am, I walked out of Hotel Monterey in Hanzamon (Tokyo City) where we were staying and strolled up the street.
I saw women who owned pubs, bars, and coffee shops closing up their businesses and walking home with their bags, without worrying about being robbed.
Safety and security can be genuinely felt in the air.
In every shop, restaurant, or government office you enter, you are greeted with a Japanese bow and a smile, followed by ‘Ohayo Gozaimasu’ (good morning) if it is morning.
Meetings with Japanese government officials happened every day, and as a journalist, you come to realize that geopolitics is deep and real outside our small island home, Fiji.
While many of us focus on domestic issues like drugs and crime, it is equally important to understand how major countries play significant roles in the Pacific, including Fiji, through aid provision.
Tokyo and many other cities in Japan have ‘no smoking’ zones, except in designated kiosks and areas. Smokers do not litter their cigarette butts; instead, they dispose of them properly in the provided bins.
For the four Pacific Island journalists from Samoa, Palau, Papua New Guinea, and myself from Fiji, Japanese food was no problem. Although meals were served in small portions, we combined our meal allowances to ensure there was always plenty of food to eat. We could not take the Pacific style out of us!
On the bullet trains we took to Hiroshima and Kyoto, passengers were considerate enough to ask if they could recline their chairs — a true demonstration of respect.
At the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, the scars and wounds of the 1945 bombing are palpable, overwhelming visitors with a sense of respect for the 146,000 people who died in the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings.
Silence pervades this area, amongst wrecked buildings that have remained standing since 1945.
Torn clothes, old kettles, eating utensils, sewing machines, and letters from that period can be seen at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
The story of Teruko Yahata, a bombing survivor, will bring tears to your eyes as she shares the common cry for help she heard — ‘water, please, water.’
Japan is indeed a beautiful place to visit, boasting not only historic sites but also some of the kindest and most respectful people on earth. The culture of respect and obedience is instilled from a young age.
The people of Japan display a strong tradition of filial piety, taking care of their aging parents with pride, and families are often involved in the community.
This demonstrates that social ills can be overcome through strong family values and virtues, contributing to Japan’s low crime rate.
The trip I participated in was funded by the Japanese government. Four journalists representing Fiji, Samoa, Palau, and PNG were flown to Japan to highlight and share stories of how Japan has worked closely with Pacific Island nations.