Japan Culture Series 26: Syakaidekiyori

In recent days with constant talk of the virus spreading worldwide the term Syakaidekiyori 社会的距離 (social distancing), or practice of keeping a safe distance in order to prevent the spread of disease, has been circulating in the public forum as a new idea. However, in Japan this social distancing has been the way of life for a very long time. How is it that Japan being so close to China has experienced a relatively slow spread of the virus in comparison with other countries? ( https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries )

In most areas of Japan people live in very close proximity to one another due to living on a densely populated island. Japanese culture, although highly respectful, does not generally include touching. In fact, Japanese people generally keep their distance from one another in daily interactions. They rarely speak with strangers either. (A stranger being considered one outside of their immediate group.) This does not mean that they are cold or uncaring. On the contrary they are taught from a young age to be aware of each other at all times. This skill is known as 'reading the air'. So, during flu season it is typical for Japanese people to wear masks to prevent spread of sicknesses, though in America we would consider this weird. If they have serious symptoms they will generally stay home from school or work rather than spread it. Also most public stores have hand-sanitizers located at entries and restrooms. Japanese are also taught at a young age to wash their hands and gargle when coming in from outside. Some public drinking fountains here in buildings have signs saying “No Gargling” as it is an instilled habit of many to do so when walking in from outside to clear possible throat germs. There is generally a strong sense of shame in spreading sickness to others. Each year in Japan various schools will shut down if they suspect that a certain percentage of students have the flu. All of these factors are likely reasons as to why the virus is spreading slowly here in Japan.

When I first came to Japan I thought that wearing masks was silly as well, so I did not do it. I rode the train into Tokyo each day for language school through flu season with no mask and a normal hand-washing routine. That winter I was sick for three weeks altogether. The factor of adjusting to a new country's diseases as well as being in close proximity to others daily on the train led to my sicknesses increasing. However, the very next year I practiced social distancing habits by wearing a mask, avoiding sick looking people, and washing my hands after every train trip in and out of Tokyo. The results? I was only sick for one week that winter! Personally, I do think that social distancing has its merits especially in a time of worldwide virus spreading. The downsides are that people are very cautious when talking to others about religious matters. Please pray for openings to share the gospel with these people!