Having just returned from an incredible study abroad program in Japan during May 2019, the experience has left me reflecting on the nuances that distinguish it from my home country, America. Immersed in Japanese culture and daily life, I observed a fascinating array of contrasts, particularly in transportation, societal interactions, and even university life. This blog post delves into 20 key differences I noted between Japan and America, offering a comparative glimpse into these two distinct nations.
Transportation: Efficiency and Cleanliness Redefined
Seamless Connectivity: Japan’s Integrated Transportation Network
Japan boasts a transportation system that is nothing short of a marvel of integration and efficiency. Imagine a network woven together by city buses, the iconic bullet train (shinkansen), local trains, subways, and rapid express lines – all working in concert. Initially, the sheer complexity of lines and signage was daunting, but the system is remarkably user-friendly thanks to helpful maps and even more helpful Japanese citizens. On several occasions, while my friends and I were consulting Google Maps on our phones, elderly locals approached us to offer assistance. The speed and punctuality are also standout features. Trains and buses adhere strictly to their schedules, ensuring swift and reliable travel across the country. This intricate web of transport contrasts sharply with the often more fragmented and less punctual public transport systems in many parts of America.
Orderly Boarding: Queues vs. Clusters
Contributing significantly to the efficiency of Japanese transportation is the culture of queuing. People patiently form orderly lines to board buses and trains. This contrasts sharply with the more common practice in America, where people often gather in less organized clusters, sometimes leading to a more chaotic boarding process. This simple act of queuing in Japan streamlines the entire process and ensures a smoother experience for everyone.
WiFi Availability: Spotty in Japan vs. Ubiquitous in America
One surprising difference for a visitor from America is the availability of public WiFi. In Japan, public WiFi is primarily found in train stations. Finding accessible WiFi in restaurants or stores is surprisingly challenging. This is a significant reason why tourists are often advised to rent a pocket WiFi device for their travels. In stark contrast, the U.S. offers widespread WiFi access in countless locations, from coffee shops to libraries. The limited WiFi availability in Japan can be a hurdle for budget travelers, as pocket WiFi rentals can be an additional expense. Furthermore, connecting to public WiFi in Japan often involves a multi-step process, including email registration and navigating through lengthy terms and agreements.
Pristine Public Transport: Cleanliness Standards Contrasted
The cleanliness of Japan’s transportation vehicles is another striking difference. Subways and buses in Japan are brightly lit and impeccably clean, free of litter. Stations are equally well-maintained; it’s common to see staff regularly sweeping floors to keep them spotless. In America, unfortunately, the experience can be quite different. Subway stations can sometimes be visibly dirty, and unpleasant odors are not uncommon. This commitment to cleanliness in Japanese public transport is a testament to the country’s overall culture of respect and hygiene, a stark contrast to the varying levels of cleanliness found in American public transportation.
Bus Boarding Systems: Front vs. Rear Entry
Even something as seemingly minor as bus boarding differs. In Japan, depending on the bus, you might board at the front and pay upfront, or board at the rear and pay as you exit from the front. In my experience with buses in America, boarding is almost always at the front with payment upon entry. This subtle variation in Japan highlights the nuanced systems in place even for everyday activities.
Platform Gates: Safety First in Japan
Japanese train and subway platforms frequently feature platform gates, a safety measure largely absent in America. These gates prevent people from accidentally falling onto the tracks or rushing into vehicles, significantly reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. Sadly, students at the University of Tokyo mentioned that train suicides are a serious issue in Japan, linked to societal pressures and overwork. While platform gates are a physical barrier to prevent such tragedies, they also point to a broader public health concern about mental well-being in Japan. In contrast, American subway platforms generally lack these gates. While train suicides are not as prevalent in the U.S., incidents of people falling onto tracks due to overcrowding or accidents do occur.
Women-Only Cars: Addressing Harassment
A unique feature of Japanese subways is the presence of “women-only” cars during peak hours. Designated by pink signs, these cars are exclusively for women and children, aimed at combating the issue of molestation on crowded trains. During rush hour, train cars can become incredibly packed, leading to unavoidable physical contact. Women-only cars offer a safer and more comfortable environment for women during these times. This proactive approach to women’s safety on public transport is not something I have encountered in the U.S., suggesting a different societal approach to addressing this issue.
Ticket Recycling: Reducing Waste
Japan’s subway ticket system is also designed with environmental consciousness in mind. Subway tickets are collected back by the machines after use, suggesting a recycling system. In cities like Cleveland and Columbus in the U.S., passengers typically keep their paper tickets, which may end up as non-recycled waste. Furthermore, Japan widely utilizes rechargeable electronic cards like the Pasmo card, which we used during my program. These cards can be easily reloaded, further reducing waste. While smart cards are becoming more common in some major American cities, they are not as universally adopted as in Japan. Expanding the use of reusable ticketing systems could significantly reduce waste in American public transportation.
Smooth Roads: Pothole-Free Japan
The quality of roads in Japan is remarkably smooth. During my entire time in Japan, I did not encounter a single pothole. This stands in stark contrast to the U.S., particularly in states like Ohio, where potholes are a common and frustrating issue. Potholes and road wear in America make driving less comfortable and can even damage vehicles, posing a potential public health hazard for drivers. The well-maintained roads in Japan contribute to smoother commutes and safer driving conditions.
Sidewalks: Unevenness in Both Countries
While Japan excels in road quality, sidewalk unevenness is a shared issue with America. Tripping hazards due to uneven sidewalks exist in both countries. During evening walks in Japan, some of my peers tripped on uneven pavement. Similarly, many sidewalks in America suffer from poor construction or erosion, creating bumps and cracks. These uneven surfaces can be a pedestrian hazard and are especially challenging for strollers and wheelchairs in both countries. However, overall, Japanese sidewalks were generally well-maintained.
Street Lighting: Need for Improvement in Both
Walking at night in certain areas in Japan highlighted a need for better street lighting, a similarity with some areas in the U.S. While trees lining paths in Japan are aesthetically pleasing and environmentally beneficial, they can also obstruct light from existing lamps. In both Japan and America, increased street lighting in residential areas would enhance safety and comfort for pedestrians at night. Personally, I recall feeling uneasy walking home from the bus stop in the dark in my off-campus neighborhood in America, often relying on my phone’s flashlight – a feeling echoed in some darker areas of Japan.
Bike Racks: Massive Capacity in Japan
Bike culture is clearly thriving in Japan, evidenced by the enormous bike racks at stations and universities. The sheer capacity of these bike parking areas was astonishing compared to what is typical in America. At my university, Ohio State, bike rack capacity is often insufficient for the large student population. Expanding bike parking and infrastructure in American universities and cities could encourage cycling, promoting physical activity and reducing carbon emissions, mirroring the bike-friendly environment in Japan.
People: Homogeneity vs. Multiculturalism and Politeness
Homogenous Society: Japan’s Racial and Ethnic Makeup
Japan is notably more homogenous in terms of race and ethnicity compared to the highly multicultural United States. Visiting cultural sites in Japan, my group, consisting of mostly Westerners, attracted attention from Japanese schoolchildren. They were eager to practice their English, learned from a young age, greeting us with phrases like “Nice to meet you” and “Hello.” This experience underscored Japan’s relative homogeneity, particularly striking for someone from the diverse landscape of America. Interestingly, despite this homogeneity, Japanese advertisements often feature Caucasian models, a curious observation on cultural representation.
Politeness and Respect: Japanese Etiquette
Japanese people are renowned for their politeness and respect, qualities that stand out even more when compared to the more casual social norms in America. In public transportation, for example, Japanese individuals are exceptionally mindful of personal space and prioritize seating for the elderly, pregnant women, and those with disabilities. I witnessed schoolchildren earnestly offering a seat to my peer on a train, a small but telling example of everyday Japanese courtesy. This level of consistent politeness and consideration for others is a defining characteristic of Japanese society and a noticeable contrast to the varying levels of etiquette observed in America.
University: Cost and Living Arrangements
Affordable Tuition: Lower Costs in Japan
The cost of higher education presents a significant difference. At the prestigious University of Tokyo (UTokyo), tuition for a year is approximately $5000 USD. In comparison, in-state tuition at Ohio State University is roughly double that amount. Remarkably, UTokyo maintains the same tuition rate for all students, regardless of their residency or international status. This egalitarian approach to tuition contrasts sharply with the often complex and escalating costs of university education in America. While I didn’t inquire about scholarships, the base tuition difference is substantial.
Living with Parents: Common in Japan
Living arrangements for university students also differ significantly. In Japan, it is common for over half of university students to live at home with their parents. Dormitories are less prevalent. Some students rent small apartments, with average monthly rent around 600 yen (although this figure seems unusually low and may be a misunderstanding or outdated). This contrasts with universities like Ohio State, where on-campus dormitory living is mandatory for the first two undergraduate years for many students. The prevalence of students living with parents in Japan likely reflects both cultural norms and economic considerations.
Health: Habits and Lifestyle
Handkerchiefs and Hygiene: Japanese Practices
Hygiene practices reveal further cultural differences. Japanese people commonly carry handkerchiefs, essential for restrooms that often lack paper towels or hand dryers. This practice reduces waste and is arguably more hygienic than using clothing or simply shaking hands dry. Furthermore, blowing one’s nose in public is considered impolite in Japan. Instead, it is customary to dab at the nose with a handkerchief or napkin, a subtle difference in social norms related to hygiene.
Surgical Masks: Health and Fashion
The ubiquitous sight of surgical masks in Japan is another notable health-related observation. While some may wear them as a fashion accessory, the primary reasons are practical. Masks are used to prevent the spread of germs, especially when feeling unwell, and to protect against air pollutants. This widespread mask-wearing culture, particularly during cold and flu seasons, is more pronounced in Japan than in America, reflecting a greater societal emphasis on collective health and preventing the spread of illness.
Healthier Appearance: Diet and Lifestyle
Observing general body size, Japanese people tend to be more petite and appear healthier compared to Americans. While overweight individuals exist in Japan, obesity seems less prevalent. This observation, though anecdotal, suggests potential differences in diet and lifestyle contributing to overall health.
Active Lifestyle: Built Environment and Habits
Japanese people appear to be more physically active in their daily lives. I frequently saw people of all ages cycling and walking. Elderly individuals are often seen hiking and jogging in parks early in the morning. The urban environment in Japan is conducive to cycling and walking, with ample bike infrastructure and a public transportation system that necessitates walking. This contrasts with car-centric urban planning in many parts of America. The built environment in Japan encourages physical activity as an integral part of daily routines, likely contributing to the perceived healthier lifestyles.
Sun Umbrellas: Women’s Sun Protection
Finally, a distinct practice among Japanese women is the use of parasols or sun umbrellas for sun protection. This is a rare sight in the U.S. Japanese women often seek to avoid tanning, driven by both beauty standards favoring lighter skin and concerns about skin cancer. Interestingly, this practice is largely gender-specific; I rarely observed Japanese men using umbrellas on sunny days. This cultural difference highlights varying approaches to sun protection and beauty standards between the two countries.
Conclusion
My brief time in Japan revealed a multitude of fascinating contrasts with America. From the remarkably efficient and clean transportation system to the emphasis on politeness and collective well-being, Japan offers a different societal model. The built environment encourages physical activity, and cultural norms promote healthier habits. While both countries have their strengths and challenges, understanding these differences provides valuable insights into diverse approaches to societal organization and daily life. Japan’s focus on community and well-being, evident in aspects from public transport to health practices, offers a compelling perspective on how society can be structured to support a healthy and harmonious lifestyle.
