Most people, upon visiting Japan for their first time, remark how clean and sanitary the public spaces are. Even the insides of train and subway cars, which transport the bulk of Japan’s population in and around town, remain astonishingly spotless throughout the day. This allows a person to dress up and wear even their finest clothes when riding public transit. Trying that back home would be like playing Russian roulette with a slingshot loaded full of dirt, cat hair, spilt cola and discarded gum. The Japanese have a habit of keeping themselves neat and tidy, and this has translated into shared spaces that are remarkably sterile, despite the crowded nature of their environments.
In comparison, taking the bus or train back home basically forces one to dress for the ride – an event where you’ll probably inadvertently touch sticky surfaces, absorb offensive odors and sit on litter that has been shoved between seat cushions.
In most places around the world, if you want to get anywhere in style, you’re probably better off taking the car or catching a cab; it’s not eco-friendly, but nor is using the dry cleaners after every commute! But wouldn’t it be nice if we could all treat ourselves and the places we occupy with a little more respect?
