Law versus Reality

 

As of the writing of this blog, I have lived in Japan for eleven years now. Coming from a Rule of Law country where laws determine the rules rather than arbitrary decisions from groups or individuals, over time I was surprised to see how things actually work in practice in Japan. Though Japan is considered a rule of law country, its core societal beliefs can be traced back to three concepts: No God, No Ultimate Text or Truth, and No Contracts. These core beliefs impact their view of truth, daily life, and the role of the law greatly. Before World War 2 Japan was ruled by an ancient god-emperor setup. After defeat it was reluctantly transformed into a Westernized style government complete with an Americanized constitution guaranteeing certain rights which brought with it a Rule of Law type system. On all outward appearances Japan is just that, a Rule of Law country. The Japanese people have come to tolerate or even appreciate living under this type of system as long as it does not interfere with their cultural norms. However, when it comes to enforcement of laws, often time Japan is very much a system based upon subjective ideas that have more to do with maintaining harmony according to group specifications. In short, the local official determines the enforcement of the law. Often times when consulted local officials will give very different answers! It may also be why Japanese people are known to take a very long time meeting in groups to discuss important matters before making any decisions. A careful harmony-based risk aversion society beneficial to the group is in place.

On paper the law indicates that everyone should wear Bicycle Helmets, but virtually no one does as there is no enforcement. On paper taxes, medical insurance, and governmental fees must be paid, but in reality it is said that only 63% of foreigners living in Japan actually do so. This has been a cause of societal angst. In many cases Japanese do not really know what to do with foreigners because it is expected that the foreign person should know what to do without being told what to do. The idea is that societal rules should be understood over time by living here. The group mentality influence is so great that it is very difficult if not impossible in some ways for a Japanese person to think outside of it and consider other ideas. In many cases they literally do not understand foreigners, which has become an issue in an increasingly internationalized world. No issue is more problematic than that of the issue of child abductions. On paper Japan is part of the Hague Convention for International Child Abduction which requires children to be returned to the country where they lived in mostly, but in reality it is not enforced, so one parent can take children to Japan and keep them for good. This has been a continual complaint for many years as many children have been abducted by one parent and never seen again. The enforcement of the law often times will be to benefit the Japanese person or group rather than the truth. The allegiance is to the group rather than the truth, to maintain harmony in the community, not necessarily to accomplish justice against the 'evildoer' in the name of truth.

This all goes back to the unwritten societal core beliefs of No God, No Ultimate Text or Truth, and No Contracts. Logically, these core principles become the objective truth for Japan even though they reject objective truth! If there is no God, then the government or group become the ultimate authority. This pattern is seemingly repeated throughout history for all societies that reject God. If there is no ultimate text or truth, then the subjective dictates of the group determine what is right or wrong. If there are no Contracts then the written agreements really mean nothing, or they can be changed arbitrarily. When Rule of Law concepts clash with Japanese Culture it will be the culture that wins out in the end in Japan. Rule of Law does not mean anything without an objective truth and moral basis to enforce the law behind it. A society that is made in its own image that does not allow for God, is what the Japanese have made for themselves. Unfortunately, in the West as societies reject God, Rule of Law, is also rejected, which leads to similar situations. Many Western countries still have a sizable portion of the population that adheres to Christian principles. In Japan there is a visible Christian minority that hovers around one percent of the population. Surprisingly, many Christians are in upper levels of Japanese government! Perhaps society as a whole rejects God, however there are many of those in leadership that acknowledge the need for God in order to get wisdom to govern. Let us pray for the Japanese people to break through the fog of subjectivity so that they may come to Christ! There are many unforeseen and foreseen benefits of a society whose people are governed by a Bible based world-view.

Time

 

Growing up in America in the 90s my stereotypical idea of the orient was that of the Zen Buddhist image of peace, serenity, and harmony. When I first came to Japan I expected life to be very much along those same perceptions that were impressed upon me. However, when I arrived I found Japan to be very different from my Zen Buddhist conception. Outwardly the people were very quiet and respectful, but the reality of their daily lives did not appear to be that way. In Japan, especially Tokyo, people are very busy or rather tend to give the appearance of constant busyness. From a young age life is very planned and scheduled to the greatest detail. For most it is expected that at a young age one should be placed into a ideal preschool, then kindergarten, then elementary school, and so on with the ultimate goal being entry into the inevitable competition that leads to never-ending upward mobility. By the time one becomes an adult life becomes so planned that one must carry a calendar around at all times to schedule meetings with friends or family weeks ahead of time. Such is the reality of modern Japan. But, how did it get to be this way?

After World War 2 came to an end the Japanese people set about to reconstruct their country while discovering their new identity in the modern world. Written into their constitution was the solemn pledge to become a pacifistic nation which set them on the path to seeking greatness through economic means, and such they did. By the time the 80s came around Japan was number two economically only to the United States. From a young age Japanese people were put into a system that sought to prepare them to become corporate samurai; to give their life for the company. Hence, the company became number one. It was not until the 90s that the economic bubble burst leading to widespread despair. The hope of constant upward mobility ended abruptly. Yet, up until recent times the Japanese have continued on their path to producing corporate samurai. What other options were their? Now with mounting financial issues, family breakdowns, health issues, population decline, and general future uncertainty the Japanese people find themselves at another crossroads to determine their future. It is all coming down to life priorities.

To past generations the company was clearly the main priority. Now that Japan is a seemingly wealthy country with complex issues the company does not seem to be the main priority any longer. Perhaps family, hobbies, or even God are starting to be considered as relevant to daily life. After observing the realities of Japan's past, this current generation seems to be a lost generation seeking new purpose. The promises of godless capitalism seem increasingly empty to them. In a world where everyone appears busy, safe, and with life scheduled to the Nth degree; people are disconnected from one another, but what can be done? For many the solution is denying reality through some various form of escapism. Yet the senses can only be dulled for so long. For a small number willing to see, hope comes from God through the gospel message. In a world where time is gold, will there be a few brave souls willing to invest their gold into eternal returns? In the meantime I will take out my calendar and schedule a meeting with anyone here willing to learn about God.