The Eastern World - Japan

Ahhh... my experience tells me the truth about one fact on Japanese behaviour. Recently after my visit to Japan, the thoughts which still lingers in my mind (up to today when I read this news) was that why most Japanese behaving so subcluded among their society. The article belows strengthen the fact that my thoughts about them is not only true but the issue was also known world wide. This article was published way back in 2005. Please read as follows:

UN racism expert reports on Japan

GENEVA (Kyodo) - Friday, July 1, 2005 - The U.N.'s expert on racism and discrimination will visit Japan for the first time this month to assess the situation of minorities and foreigners in Japanese society. Doudou Diene of Senegal, special rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights, on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, will arrive in Japan this weekend for a fact-finding mission to last through July 12.

Diene said Wednesday he has asked the government to allow him to study the perception and interaction of foreigners and minorities in Japanese society, and to see how the country's strong national identity is coping with the challenges of multiculturalism in a globalized world. Diene said he has specifically requested a meeting with Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara or a senior representative from his office.

He said his visit is aimed at gauging the extent to which Japan is complying with its international human rights obligations. At issue are concerns linked to discrimination and xenophobia. He said he wants to determine what structures and strategies are in place to remedy the problems.

"As a world power in an era of globalization, Japan has to expand to the outside world," he said. "But its society is still closed, spiritually and intellectually centered." Diene added that such conflicting positions could create tensions that lead to racism and discrimination.

Diene will travel to Osaka, Kyoto, Sapporo and Tokyo, where he will meet with government officials and visit various communities. Diene will focus on minorities of Korean and Chinese descent, while also looking into the situation that migrants from the rest of Asia, the Arab world and Africa find themselves in as they settle in Japan.

After My Trip to Japan

Japan was simply magnificant!! We really had a good time exploring the cities and enjoying the real ramen in Japan. Although communicating in Japanese is the main barrier (because most Japanese barely speak a little bit of English as they started to learn English at scholl at the age of 13 so this explained why), but it did not stop us from exploring the country and it's culture.

I guess that's the beauty of Japan was simply natural and original. They support to preserve and safe the environment from pollution... everywhere you could see recycle bins were placed in public places and most public toilets were clean, well equiped with tissue (apart from one toilet which I've been to in Osaka... it's terrible!! Don't even want to think too detailed into in.. :S ).

I have to say that Japanese religion is more like the Buddism... more or less the same. Both uses incens to pray, just that before you enter into a shrine/temple, you have to wash your hand and mouth to clense and clarify your mind and soul before proceed to prayer.

And I think the Japanese government cares a lot about his citizen. They adopt only the best policy which they've learnt else where from other country then applied it to their own culture. Their continues research into the health care reserach have given a lot of benefit and support to the people to live healthy and happily.

This is very different from where I live... no wonder they could be the most developed and successful country in the world.

My Appreciation

My dearest keke,

Thank you for the honeymoon treat. Hope we will have a great time together and learn as much during this vacation in Japan. May God guard us through out our holiday. Amen.