I’ve lived in Japan now for 1/10^th of my life… several of those years with my family.

Of course, I LOVE America and I always feel a thrill when we land in the USA.

But, after being in Asia for a while, there are a few Japanese customs that I think would benefit my home sweet home.

So, for what it’s worth, consider this, Americans.

FIVE SUGGESTIONS FROM THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN

1. GREET EVERYONE

Every day, everywhere.

Good morning. Good afternoon. Good evening. Thank you. Please. (And a slight bow doesn’t hurt.)

A myriad of simple phrases goes far in raising the courtesy level of a society. Imagine how much better we would all feel if we greeted others (and were greeted by strangers) all day long. It’s powerful!

2. SHED YOUR SHOES

This is a simple trait that I wonder hasn’t been adopted all over the world!

Taking off shoes as we walk inside limits dirt everywhere in every way. Plus, it reminds us to be respectful when we enter someone’s home, office or school.

Moses set this standard millennia ago: “…put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.” ~Exodus 3:5

3. GATHER YOUR GARBAGE

In America we are in such a frenzy to monitor litter, that we place large unsightly trash dispensers everywhere: at the entrance of every building and venue, all along the halls at school, in every single room we live in.

Yet despite these efforts, we still have trash-strewn streets and parks.

Strangely enough, finding a garbage can in Japan (the cleanest country in the world) is often a bit of a treasure hunt. And when you do find one, it will likely be quite small—too tiny to hold one American’s daily waste.

But the message (and results) are clear: Take care of your own trash!

For example: buy a sandwich, eat it, and carry the wrapper with you until you arrive home. Then dispose of it in your own bag—the bag you bought. And set it out for the trash pick up you paid for.

This entirely different mindset invites conservation and sustainability; and, thinking twice every time you want to throw something away.

That’s how the Japanese people live.

4. SWEEP YOUR SIDEWALK

I remember an early morning walk in Ube, Japan. The streets were silent, except for the swish of a tiny stick broom used by an elderly grandmother. I watched in awe as she meticulously swept the few squares of sidewalk in front of her modest home.

She daily cared for that stretch of cement and took pride in keeping it neat for pedestrians and bikes. It was not part of her property, but still a piece of her contribution to society.

I’ve observed the same trend here in Okinawa: Residents pull weeds on the road in front of their houses, wash off mud and dirt after storms, and keep drains clear. It’s truly amazing.

What if everyone swept the sidewalk near his or her residence?

The world—everywhere—would be cleaner and brighter.

5. COURTESY COUNTS

 I’ve often marveled that an entire society has somehow mastered the ability to respectfully and kindly live together in small spaces. And they pass these polite traits onto their children.

They bow. They wait patiently. They help each other. They let others go first and respectfully move over when needed. They stand in line. They don’t honk their horns. They follow instructions and directions, making life easier and smoother for everyone.

In America we are so intent on individual rights and freedom of speech, that we rarely check our actions for kindness, appropriateness, or necessity.

The only way I imagine the Japanese people have learned this level of courtesy is by acknowledging the entire picture: The whole is greater than the parts.

Somehow they perceive the needs of others and are willing to put those needs above their own.

The result? A society that is safe, clean, courteous, and beautiful.

Thank you, Japan.