Have you ever wondered why Japan is safe? Not just in terms of crime, but in general, Japan brings a huge sense of security to those who live there. Even despite natural disasters like tsunamis and earthquakes, Japan manages to prepare for these events. Of course, not everything is 100%, but we can analyze what makes Japan much safer than many countries around the globe.
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Don’t you think Japan is safe?
Before criticizing or imagining that I’m saying too many good things and overlooking negative points! Read the theme of the article! The article is to talk about what makes Japan safe! I will only talk about these things and keep in mind that not everything is 100% and there is something called relativity!
People tend to read things looking for disagreements or ways to criticize the subject. It is obvious that, like in any country, Japan has crimes, bullying, sexual violence, and many bad things that humans are capable of doing.
But, in my experience, nothing in Japan compares to the crime and violence rates of Brazil or even Western countries like the United States. I myself had the chance to read various comments from Americans in Japan.
I’m not just talking about Brazil, but about first-world countries where tourists who traveled to Japan were impressed to see vending machines on the street. Some even asked the Japanese how this was possible, and the Japanese didn’t even understand the question.
When a Japanese person was asked how it is possible that young people do not vandalize, steal, or buy drinks from vending machines, the answer was simple: “Because they know they shouldn’t.” (even though some minors buy beers at konbini).
All over the world, children are taught what they should or shouldn’t do, but unfortunately, in most countries, they are drawn to do what is wrong. This is a cultural difference that stands out in Japan, and that is undeniable!
The Japanese Mafia makes Japan safe
This phrase seems a kind of irony, but it is really one of the points to highlight about Japan’s safety. We know that in every country there are criminals, but even though Japan has the largest Mafia in the world, it collaborates for the safety of the country.
The police coexist with the Yakuza; unfortunately, this means that some crimes end up not being solved or reported. But generally, the yakuza does not commit crimes against law-abiding citizens; in fact, the yakuza has appeared several times doing charity and saving people.
Generally, the yakuza works by providing ‘services’ that may not be considered desirable by most of society, but they are usually responsible for the security of various places for a monthly fee.
Although they sometimes resolve things in an unrefined, perhaps even violent manner, you won’t have any problems with the Yakuza unless you seek them out. They won’t invade your home to steal, nor will they mug you on the street.
The history of Japan contributes to safety
Japan has not always been a safe and peaceful country; throughout its history, Japan has been filled with civil wars and international wars with much violence of all kinds. Despite this, some things resulted in the Japan of today.
Japan is an archipelago with 127 million inhabitants. Despite this, 80% of Japan is uninhabitable due to mountains and green fields. This forces a large part of the population into big cities or small villages scattered throughout the country.
Despite all this, there is no lack of space; cities become ghost towns due to a lack of residents, and the Japanese apparently prefer to stay in big cities rather than the quiet countryside. This leads many in Tokyo and Osaka to live in small rooms.
Many of these rooms have thin walls, some even made of paper. It has always been this way, since the time of the samurai, without bars, walls, and fences. Generally, the Japanese served in castles, living together, thus learning to coexist.
The danger presented in feudal Japan created social norms of education, honesty, non-confrontation, and so on, which have become today’s reality. Even with Westernization, the culture of shame has never left Japan.
No tolerance for wrongdoings
Japan does not tolerate drunk driving, drug use, and does not allow firearms. As long as the law is enforced, the number of people doing wrong things will be much lower. Imagine a Brazil where every criminal caught is imprisoned for a long time…
The fact that Japan is an island helps in protecting against the importation of drugs and firearms. Japan has a heavy and strong law, where littering or drunk driving can result in imprisonment and a fine of 20,000 reais.
The fact that Japan does not tolerate wrongdoings makes society accustomed to doing what is right! We all have a greater force to do wrong things; fortunately, the law in Japan makes people think carefully before making mistakes.
Even those who insist on making mistakes do so in a light manner, like stealing discreetly, stealing panties instead of raping girls, and deceiving for personal gain. They know that if they are caught, they will suffer from the strict Japanese penal system.
While some countries end up tolerating wrongdoings when done by celebrities or politicians, Japan has even prevented famous people from entering Japan due to their involvement with drugs. When a Japanese actress or singer is caught in a scandal, they go on TV to apologize nationally and serve their sentence.
Even politicians resign from their positions when caught committing theft, even if in very small amounts. The law is enforced! Everyone should know that the immigration policy in Japan is quite strict, making the country even safer.
Society makes Japan safe
Japan values teamwork! Although society is quite individualistic, when it comes to working or developing things, this individuality leads to failure. Everyone fulfills their role and does what is defined, without trying to change, tone down, or speed up. The gears of Japanese society tend to follow their flow correctly.
We can see this in the commitments fulfilled; they are never late, obey the rules, and do as ordered. The Japanese take pleasure in doing what is right, even in a society where it is easier to do wrong.
While finding money with no identification and handing it to the police would be abnormal in the West, the Japanese return it! All of this is the result of education and culture taught at home and during school life.
A person who steals or commits crimes is foolish! The fact that Japan has 99% of its population literate, job vacancies available, a stable economy, and high purchasing power means that people have no interest in committing crimes.
Everything in Japan is designed to make our lives easier: train stations, convenience stores, vending machines, service and support. The police are available at small stations called koban. There are even lost and found services at train stations.
Taxes are also well used in Japan! They are designed to protect the population with well-maintained roads, disaster protection, and security measures, even for the disabled. The fact is that Japan truly cares about the safety of its population!
The relationship between influence and lifestyle with safety
Japanese culture has a formal and polite language; there are not many sexual connotation slang or swear words, and those that exist are rarely used in everyday conversations. Such vocabulary spread in Western culture negatively influences people to do wrong things.
From my own experience, I believe that the media and things that a person consumes and interacts with can influence people’s attitudes and thoughts. There is a significant difference between Western and Eastern entertainment.
Western taste is based on violence; just look at the games and movies that are successful in the West. Of course, watching violent things does not turn anyone into a criminal, but it creates a certain tolerance towards the subject.
Japan is also the author of various action works, but there is a significant cultural bridge that separates them. The fact is that crimes happen because the conscience does not accuse before the mistake; allowing the mind to tolerate these things leads to these results.
Where does so much aggression and impatience in people today come from? Brazilians want to fight over the slightest thing. Meanwhile, the Japanese solve problems with patience and without aggression, resulting in fewer tragedies.
The cultural difference between the West and Japan regarding the influence of things is truly remarkable. Just walk the streets of Japan to notice! If you doubt what I’m saying, just make a deep comparison between Japanese culture and Western culture.
Another thing I notice is that Japan is open to different opinions. No Japanese person usually interferes in others’ lives, nor do they ask about others’ lives. The Japanese follow the golden rule: They treat others as they would like to be treated.
Checklist – Things that make Japan Safe
The article was filled with text, quite explanatory, and with a lot of personal opinion. Maybe you are expecting a summary of things that make Japan safe, so I decided to make the checklist below:
- Difficulty finding firearms;
- Culture of Shame;
- Culture of Humility;
- Culture of living in groups;
- Culture of effort;
- Few shameless criminals;
- High fines for drunk driving;
- Few sexual connotation slang and swear words;
- Difference in the type of entertainment chosen;
- Zero tolerance of the country towards drugs;
- Police stations spread throughout the city;
- Taught from a young age what they should or shouldn’t do;
- Low or non-existent unemployment rate;
- The country is economically stable;
- The cost of living for the Japanese is low;
- Surveillance cameras discourage crime;
- The penal system discourages crime;
- Lost and found services at stations;
- Parking lots have guards;
- Strict immigration policy;
What do you think? Did you remember any other points? Did you detect anything in Japan that contributes to the country’s safety? Leave it in the comments and share this article with your friends.
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