Japan

Throughout most of the country's 2,600-year history, Japan was divided into feudal shogunates, each responsible for maintaining order within. Checkpoints were established throughout the country, to restrict the transport of guns and females, in order to prevent the plotting of rebellion. Permits were required for passage, based upon categories including samurai, farmers, merchants, couriers (mailmen), and carriers of loads on horseback. Checkpoints were staffed by an official custodian, his assistant, three guards, one samurai, 15 foot soldiers and foremen, and one "hitomi" woman responsible for investigating female travellers. A variety of intimidating masks and implements were used to deter illegal passages.

Although shoguns and samurai are now relegated to history, Japanese society today exhibits similar characteristics of regimentation and order. Everyone knows, and abides by, "the rules." The results are cities relatively free from graffiti, drugs, and crime. A modern-day example is the sign instructing schoolgirls to seek assistance from the station manager, should any belongings require retrieval from the subway tracks.

Women's role in Japanese society contrasts sharply with that of their Western counterparts. Eastern relationships of all types are conducted cooperatively, rather than competitively. While this might seem as restrictive at a personal level, it contributes to smoother functioning at a collective (e.g. family, company, community) level. Imagine each party in a relationship thinking "What can I do for you?" rather than "What can you do for me?" Is that such a bad thing?

These are the lucky ones who've managed to get a seat. Most other commuters must rely on their learned ability to sleep standing up! And they've had plenty of practice. The typical train ride to work and back is two hours each way. By my calculation, that's well over 10% of their lives spent on a subway! This gives Japanese people ample opportunity to do two things: (1) read "Manga" comics, and (2) sleep beautiful sleep. Now, sleeping in public might seem strange elsewhere in the world, but in Japan it perfectly acceptable. Imagine the daily schedule of the typical Japanese working male... up at 6:00am, out the door at 7:00, four train transfers later, arrive at work at 9:00am, finish work 7:00pm, entertain customers at restaurant until 9:00pm, arrive back home past 11:00pm. Never mind family demands, just mix in the usual exhaustion from hard work, the after-effects of last night's sake (rice wine), the frenetic pace of the big city, the rythmic rocking motion and boredom of the train compartment, and that cushioned seat you were lucky to get. Whatcha gonna do? Sleep!

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