Some Things I like about Japan

I've been in Japan almost a month now. I've had a lot of time to do my share of people watching and wander around the towns. I have to admit, there is a lot about Japan that I wish the United States was more like. First and foremost is their amazing respect they show one another and anybody them come in contact with. Usually, one of my biggest pet peeves is when people are disrespectful towards one another due to thoughtlessness or just general selfishness.

One story I was told was about an American that was living here. He either owned or rented a bike and every night he would lock it up in front of his house. When he came back to his bike the next time the lock would be cut from his bike, but the bike would still be there unharmed. This happened to him several times in a row until finally someone informed him what was actually happening. The local police officers were cutting it off his bike. They said that a locked bike to the locals shows a lack of respect and that you think one of them will steal your bike. In reality nobody would show disrespect to you and steal from you. My friend said that crime the majority of crime in this area is caused by the navy men and women. Isn't that sad. it makes me feel kind of sad that we're responsible for making a country worse.

I've also noticed that city streets are clean and well kept. It hit me when I was on base doing my laundry. There was garbage and laundry sheets everywhere. It made me realize what a lack of garbage there was out in the normal streets. I absolutely love that. It's so annoying to me that people can be so lazy to not pick up after themselves.

As much as I love it here as well as the wonderful people of Japan, I'm excited to return home. Living out of a suitcase and motel room has gotten a bit old. However, I will miss Tom until he returns.