A friend asked me yesterday:
“What measures has Japan taken to combat Corona virus spread?
It seems they are working very well, judging by the numbers.”
Having been in both countries during the developing global pandemic, here is my impression:
A) CONTACT
Japan is obsessed with cleanliness, or lack thereof.
Physical contact is avoided whenever possible: no shake, no hug, no kiss.
Contrast this with the warm greetings in mediterranean cultures.
B) CONSIDERATION
The Japanese are used to wearing masks, to avoid passing on their germs to others.
Westerners think masks are primarily for their own protection. Since masks are not perfectly effective in preventing Covid-19, many play down their importance, helping the spread as carriers.
C) COORDINATION
Japan is used to facing serious catastrophes: earthquakes, tsunamis, bombs… they are exceptional in following orders on what the authorities dictate as the adequate response to the menace du jour. Not breaking the harmony of the group is one of Japan’s core values. They interpret orders as a necessary way to bring order.
A, B & C are very important when facing a pandemic.
Unfortunately they are very difficult to emulate in other cultures, such as Spain or Italy, or cultural melting pots such as London or New York.
As a counterpoint, Japan seems to be testing much less broadly compared to other countries facing infections, possibly only verifying patients showing clear symptoms. Considering their recent announcement that 2020 Olympics will go ahead (conflict of interest?) this leaves a big question mark on the real number of infected citizens.
Nevertheless, together with A, B & C, within a couple of months we should be able to verify if indeed community transmissions have been curved as the data shows.
Contrast this with my home country Spain, or mediterranean culture neighbour Italy.
In Spain: “If I wear a mask when I go to buy bread, they are going to judge me or tease me as being overreactive”
In Japan: “If I cough without a mask in public they will look look at me with disdain”
Incidentaly, today my 6 months baby sneezed in a coffee shop in Tokyo. Two men with masks turned around. One left.
A culture’s mentality is their operating system, and it does not suddenly change because they are now facing a pandemic.
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