Waiting for entrances to convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants, amusement facilities, sightseeing spots, stations, bus stops, etc… You’ll notice many Japanese people have practiced and mastered the skill of lining up in clean, beautiful lines. People from overseas have said that even if there is no particular instruction from staff and rules can be flexible, everyone in Japan respects the laws of lining up.

It may be said that “order adherence” is one of the common skills of Japanese people. Everyone wants to avoid conflict and confrontation. In particular, there is a Japanese temperament where people do not get involved until they claim their own personal convenience. Honestly… Do you ever have the feeling of wanting to get something over and done with? However, according to the rules that are created in the space you’re currently occupying, you are expected to respect the unsaid rules and not break them. It’s something like an implicit understanding. Like, let’s respect each other.

It is a Japanese temperament to value consideration for others. However, in some cases, this temperament becomes criticized as being “too instinctive”, “bad at communication”, “pressure to conform”, etc. Perhaps this can be said as true Japanese temperament… Well, like most things in life, there’s the good and the bad.