As controversy over wearing masks to curb covid19 continues in the U.S., Japanese quietly continue with their pro-social, germophobic habit.
Wearing a surgical-type mask to protect others when sick with a cold or the sniffles has long been a custom in Japan. Of course, a few people wear the coverings to protect themselves from contagion, but generally, Japanese wear masks as a conscientious act for the benefit of others.
No, Japanese are not naturally selfless, and Americans are not born focused on an individual payoff. But, as you would expect, cultural training has everything to do with how we think about ourselves and our community at large.
As a more group-oriented culture, Japanese children are socialized to be considerate of others, reflect on the impact their actions have on others and act based on the "greater good." With the deterioration of the familial and social fabric, however, responsibility for teaching these practices doesn't just fall on parents; Japan's Ministry of Education has systematically built Education in Morality into the public education through a standardized class complete with a textbook for each grade level.
As you might expect, some of the lessons are along the lines of "Observe the laws and rules," "Fulfill your obligations willingly," and "Take good care of your local and country culture. Learn to know the effort of your predecessors and learn to love your hometown and country."
But much of the Teaching Integrity instruction is designed to develop individuals who are conscious of how their personal actions affect others: "Be considerate of others and be genuinely kind." "Be kind to anyone with whom you come in contact. Imagine yourself in their place and have empathy for them."
As a result, wearing a mask to protect others from a virus you may or may not be carrying is second nature for Japanese. And so is extending courtesies to others Japan is so famous for. I wouldn't mind a little more of that in the U.S., would you?
by Diana Rowland, author Japanese Business: Rules of Engagement
