Japan. Friday night. Zushi. Nov 2023

We need international behavior vaccines based on the “ model of Japan “

I feel in Japan people moods are changing depending on the day of the week. Monday on the trains, if I ride them, I see most people silent and sullen, likely not willing to go to work. Suicides happen more on Mondays in Japan. Friday is different, with people showing light in the eyes. And they drink. Same as everywhere I guess. But in Japan the difference is more profound. From nearly dead on Monday to super active at the end of the week. When I lived in Sydney I did not feel such a gap. It is similar to Japanese going overseas. Normally quiet at home they suddenly become loud on the planes leaving the “land of the rules”.

Friday I often go to the gym and sauna polishing up the mood with some beers afterwards (which have duly influenced this post). I sometimes have a drink at a standing bar near Zushi station and keep watching the street. But I’m more listening.

Salarymen talk about bad bosses. School kids talk about girlfriends or opposite. Trade people are closing the shutters and complain about low sales of the day. Mamas are hurrying homes with kids cozying in the back seats of the bikes .

I like it, you don’t need Land Cruiser to deliver your kid from the kindergarten or school to home.

But what makes me happy is the sense of safety , sense of community, and no drunk aggression. And I come to like this country more and more even they are white belts in the productivity and efficiency. And black belts in bureaucracy.

I feel at peace anywhere in Japan. Even when you are in sento (public bath) with tattooed yakuza members , they keep the code - this is the place to relax for everyone. I remember cutting myself when shaving and these guys came up with silent tissue deliveries. No words, but “be safe” in the eyes.

No tip culture. Who wants to hear “ Is everything good? “ 3-4 times during their meal and then see unhappy face if the tip was not big enough to reflect the poor service.

There are many vaccines these days. Many ane unnecessary, same as vitamin supplements we are encouraged to take. But I’m wondering if a vaccine of “Japanism“ can be created . For citizens mostly… For governments I suggest modified (adding more freedom) “Singapore government” vaccine.

I often miss Sydney beaches, expensive cafe breakfasts and the general vibe, but I’m already “vaccinated “ with Japan and guess this is my permanent base for now.