You may be wondering how the heck does this relate to Christianity. Well, just learning about Japan has changed me so much. It was a world so different then where I live in, and...it's better!!
1. They live on innocence and cuteness.
I am so sick and tired of my little sister acting like a sassy teenager, and tired of teenagers being parents. My brother listens to so much dirty rap music and even in movies, there isn't much innocence anymore. It's like the world has grown up. I still hold on to my childhood because it was a time when I was free, when I had hope in the world, when I wasn't afraid to go to the park alone, and I could just have innocence fun...not sexual pleasure and such.
In Japan, it is okay to act like a kid. If you watch any of their dance covers, you would see 15-25 year olds dancing like little kids (of course it is choreographed and together, but it's moves you could see a 5 year old doing). All their signs and toys have a cute aspect. They hold onto that sweetness of childhood and no one would look down on you for being a happy, peppy, bubbly girl. It is also nice to listen to music that talk about reaching your goals, friendship and just fun in general for once.
2. Humbleness and Humility is important!
In Japan, everyone knows their place. They try to blend in more than stand out. They would do what's best for the group. For example, if all your friends wanted Italian food, even though you wanted Chinese, you would agree for Italian and enjoy rather than arguing or walking away because you don't want it.
When people give you a compliment, it is respected to say "no, not really" or "you really think so? I don't think I'm that great yet" as a response rather than being proud or bragging about your accomplishments.
Bowing is their tradition and it is still honored there. You would bow deeper to your superiors and even speak more respectfully to anyone outside of your friends or family.
3. Japan is a very helpful and safe society.
Of course, they still have some crime, and it may seem a bit too general, but listen for a bit. I have heard stories of people losing their items and a stranger going out of their way to bring it back to their home. In Japan, you don't have to lock up your bike and you can keep your doors open because no one is going to come in and steal. As a foreigner, if you look lost, you can bet someone will come and try to help you even if they aren't very good in English. On public transit, people aren't worried about their personal space, you can be sure every seat will be taken, no one will try to hog extra spaces or put a bag on the seat to make sure no strangers sit beside them. As long as they get to where they are going. In stores, you will be greeted very formally with a smile, and helped until you are satisfied.
4. Happiness.
Japan is the place of freedom! Outside of school, you can dress how you want. You will see so many outrageous cool and strange fashion styles if you go to certain cities. Some people even dress up as anime characters when they want. They are grateful for the smallest things, and are super grateful if they get anything they were not expecting. Friendships are held very close and honestly, if a stranger returned your lost wallet, why wouldn't you be happy. People are very cautious of their words and are slow to tell someone's their flaws. In the workplace, it is common for co-workers to go drink or go to karaoke, so everyone is close. Also, thanks to their good eating habits, Japan also has one of the longest average life spans.
There is a very small Christian percentage in Japan, but I always thought that God would certainly love to have these people. They have so many Christian-like qualities already. Give Japan a chance, you will learn a lot!.
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