From good behaviour to respect for heritage… these 7 things the Japanese can teach Indians

Japan slowly creeps its way into your heart, and stays there, like a short, Japanese poem (haiku) about an old love. This country is often thought of as quiet and reserved, but the real Japan is much more special. It is a personal experience. After two weeks of traveling around this fascinating country of about 122 million people, you are left with a sense of wonder and admiration.

Japan’s rich history and deep respect for heritage is the number one thing that connects our two countries. Despite the language barrier, visitors to Japan often feel at home. English is rarely spoken or understood here, making it difficult to communicate. Most of the writing in public places is also in Japanese. Despite this major drawback, the warmth of the people and smartphone translation apps make getting around and interacting with people not only easy, but also a great experience. And that’s the first thing to learn…

1. Respect for all
In India we often talk loudly, don’t we? Not so in Japan. Children there don’t shout for attention and even adults speak softly. They treat everyone with respect, no matter their age or position in society. They often bow, depending on age, but the respect is genuine, especially to the elderly or the helpless.

2. Discipline
This is a quality that has helped the Japanese to overcome many troubles. No one breaks the line there. No one tries to get into the elevator, train or bus by pushing. The calm and orderly manner in which people behave in times of crisis is proof that they take pride in following public rules and give them great importance. No one litters there. Even the biggest fish markets are impeccably clean.

3. Give respect to work
You are right, in India we often brag about our work and try to belittle others. In Japan it is just the opposite. There everyone, whether they do a small job or hold a big position, treats their work with respect. There is no practice of tipping there. They believe that they already get salary for their work, so there is no need to take money for additional services. In Japan, taking tips is considered an insult to one’s profession.

4. Politeness and decency
In India, people often brag and we do not pay attention to it. In Japan, such behavior is considered rude. Japanese people get embarrassed seeing ostentatious tourists. Politeness and decency are given a lot of importance there. People there are ready to help you by leaving their busy work to show you the right way. In India, especially in big cities, the first answer is often ‘move’.

5. Appreciate the beauty of nature
The Japanese people adore the beauty of nature. For them, the cherry blossom is a perfect symbol of this fleeting beauty. For just seven days, when these cherry blossoms bloom in full splendor, all of Japan stops to pay homage to these delicate flowers, enjoying them before they fall to the ground. Families have picnics to see these beautiful flowers, appreciating the beauty of this moment before they disappear. How shameful that we do not respect nature’s gifts in the same way and ruthlessly destroy forests, mangrove forests, gardens, which should be admired, not abused.

6. Teamwork
To understand the Japanese team spirit, go to any big store. The first challenge is the language barrier. No problem. The shopkeeper will rush off and return with three colleagues eager to help you. If despite their efforts you still don’t find what you’re looking for, a senior manager will be called in. The whole team will be sincerely involved in the search. Each time, the customer will be assured through a smile and a deep bow that a solution is available. Be patient! Compare this to the indifferent, rude salespeople in Indian stores who seem to hate their jobs.

7. National pride
National pride is an important identity for every Japanese person. It is a great shame for them to disappoint the nation through even the slightest mistake. There is no room for self-praise. This is what we need to learn most. When the heart is in the right place, the mind listens. And a nation is happy.