Some Interesting Lessons to Learn from the Japanese

Throughout the trip, there were several valuable lessons to learn from the Japanese. The impression they gave me was that they were not only friendly, but also very dedicated to help whoever is in need.

When we went to the Yokohama central area where there were most shopping centres, on our way to the train station, we passed by a bus stop. An old man at the bus stop suddenyl slipped and fell whilst walking in the bus stop. Instantaneously, we stopped and looked stunned. Well, probably that is the Singaporean common reaction. Stop, look, continue walking. On the other hand, for Japanese, they immediately went forward to help. 4 people, 3 women and 1 man went forward to help the old man to his feet while we looked on. Personally, I did not know what to do at that time. The culture in Singapore has sometimes left me stunned and not knowing what to do when faced with such situations. Indeed, I was full of respect for the Japanese.

Furthermore, their utmost dedication in overcoming the language barrier just to ensure they get the message across to us. The several Japanese people we asked from convenience stores, food outlets, etc. all patiently tried ways and means to help us get to our destination or help us get out of the trouble we often get into due to the lack of detail in the tourist maps.

The amount of gratefulness I have towards the Japanese for making my trip so enjoyable is undescribable and all I wish to say is for SIngaporeans to start modelling after the Japanese and their cultured ways and manners. The best way to understand their culture is to go Japan yourself and finally you will see what I am trying to get through. Should Singaporeans be as polite and gracious as the Japanese, I believe that we will become a quintessentail cultured and gracious society that the government has been for long trying to propagate in the hearts of Singaporeans.