Richard Turen
Read part 1, "Changing perceptions on a visit to Japan."
The first thing you notice about arrival in Tokyo is the respect shown all visitors. On the ride into the city, I was struck by the sense of cleanliness and order. No one was speeding. There were no police engagements to be seen, and the streets were spotless.
In Tokyo, garbage cans are considered unsightly. So you can go days without ever seeing one. Locals carry plastic bags in their attaches or handbags, and "garbage" is stored until one reaches home or the office.
Everyone is really well dressed. But if you want to see thousands of well-dressed men and women in black suits walking ever so briskly, you must visit in March. That is when colleges let out for the annual employment ritual, and everyone is eager to make the best possible impression. Employment comes with benefits. In Japan, nearly everyone receives comprehensive healthcare. But in Tokyo, there's often an extra: free rent.
Beautiful tall buildings dot the landscape as far as the eyes can see and, seemingly, as far as the car can drive. The architecture of these close-together high-rises forms a seemingly choreographed urban landscape that continues for miles and miles. The thousands of apartment and office buildings seem luxurious to the American eye. But, in fact, they are rather small. Many of the residents work for corporations that pay their rent. It is considered to be a part of the employment contract.
Traffic is heavy. But city planners have solved that problem by constructing major expressways above the traffic that wander through the city center, enabling drivers to "do the limit."
Taxis have sliding doors operated by the driver and enormous, comfortable seating in a pristine environment. The passenger never has to touch a door handle, and every passenger receives a small bow to welcome them and to say goodbye.
The trains are as spotless as the streets.
The Japanese keep their voices down in private and public. They do not blast music, and even in bars or restaurants, they tend to avoid speaking loudly.
The city is laid out with green spaces and historical sites placed in close proximity to nightlife or office buildings.
There are wonderful food-dedicated streets, with most local foodies standing in front of the small noodle or pastry shops enjoying any number of tastes before heading on their way.
I remember standing at one busy intersection of food shops with perhaps a hundred "diners" standing elegantly in the sun. It was crowded. It was noon, and looking down, I noticed that the entire location was completely free of litter.
There are more than 15,000 7-Elevens throughout Japan, many located in areas and near buildings that attract seniors. I think they are emblematic of the true meaning of "convenience" in Japanese culture. I visited a half-dozen stores, intent on learning how the system worked.
7-Elevens are set up for the convenience of local residents, particularly seniors. You can buy fresh food in addition to typical groceries. There are ATMs in these stores, and locals can pay their bills on the premises. Drug prescriptions can be picked up in the store as can personal care items normally found here in drugstores.
I saw residents paying electric and other service bills. They simply presented the bill to the cashier, who scanned the barcode and handed back proof of payment.
For me, the 7-Eleven experience summarizes the intelligence of urban planning and a culture of mutual respect. It also places the welfare of a country's oldest citizens as a priority and not an afterthought.