The Best and Worst Things About Japan

My observations on the state of Japan after experiencing life abroad

I have a confession to make…

During the worst part of living in Japan—the horribly hot and super humid summer—I actually escaped to Sweden, my second home. And I have to say, it was a much-needed break.

Now that I’m back in Japan, I’ve been reflecting on just how different this country is from the rest of the world. With fresh eyes and a renewed perspective from my time abroad, I’ve decided to share some insights on the aspects of Japanese life that stand out the most. This isn't just a story about cultural differences; it's about how Japan, despite its many strengths, can sometimes feel like a world apart.

Technology in Japan is shockingly behind

Let’s start with what every tourist eventually realizes if they stay here long enough: the state of technology in Japan is shockingly behind. I’m not sugarcoating this—it's a serious issue.

When you visit Japan as a tourist, you might get the impression that the country is a technological utopia. Walk through Shibuya, Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, and you'll see futuristic tablets in restaurants, conveyor belts delivering sushi, and sleek vending machines. On the surface, it looks like Japan is living in the future, as many TikTok and Instagram reels love to show. But the reality is that Japan has mastered the art of hiding how outdated its technology really is:

Behind the scenes, it's all manual labor

Take a conveyor belt sushi restaurant, for example. The tablets and automated systems might make you think, "Wow, this is really cool; I wish we had this back home." But behind the scenes, the amount of manual labor required to make these systems work is staggering. Chances are, when you order your sushi, a printer in the back spits out your order, and then someone manually relays it to the kitchen staff. There's no magic, just a lot of people doing their best to keep up the facade of automation.

Banking in Japan is a similar story

I initially thought that Japan had made strides in modernizing its banking systems. You can now do a lot online that you couldn’t before. But after my time in Sweden, I realized that while Japan is moving forward, the rest of the world is sprinting ahead.

Setting up a bank account with one of Japan's largest banks, UFJ, felt modern until it didn’t. When something went wrong with my online application, I had to visit the branch. The issue? Someone couldn't read the printed-out copy of what I submitted online.

This is what I mean: Japan’s customer-facing technology looks polished, but behind the scenes, it's held together by printers and Excel sheets.

And don't even get me started on payments! Cash is still king here, which isn’t necessarily bad—cash is essential in any country because systems can fail. But Japan’s approach to cash and digital payments is chaotic. New coins and bills are constantly introduced, and not all payment machines can handle them. Sometimes you can’t pay with a new bill because the machine only accepts old ones, or vice versa. As a tourist, this is incredibly confusing, and the staff often won’t help you out—they just shrug and say, "Too bad."

Then there’s the mess of digital payments. There are about 600 different ways to pay, and none of them are ideal. Some restaurants only accept credit cards while some only accepts certain QR-code payments. Others only accept specific types of credit cards. Sometimes you’re charged a fee that you weren’t informed about beforehand. It’s frustrating and inefficient.　

There are only a handful of the hundreds of payment methods Japan has

But when Japan commits to technology, they get it right

But it’s not all bad. When Japan decides to fully commit to a technology, they do it exceptionally well. Take self-checkout, for example. Abroad, self-checkout often feels like a hassle—you’re constantly worried about the system flagging you as a thief.

But in Japan, they’ve perfected a hybrid system. A cashier scans your items with incredible speed and precision, then directs you to multiple payment stations where you bag your items and handle the payment. It’s fast, efficient, and just works—proof that when Japan takes the time to get it right, they nail it.

Japanese work culture isn’t as bad as you think

Next, let’s talk about Japanese work culture. Despite what you might hear in Western media, it’s not as bad as it’s often portrayed. In fact, there are a lot of good things about working in Japan.

For one, the overtime issue, which Japan is infamous for, has significantly improved. Believe it or not, there’s now more overtime work in places like the U.S., Canada, or even the U.K. This is largely due to the pressure Japan has faced to address the issue, and it's a change for the better. The same goes for workplace harassment. While sexual and power harassment were once rampant, they’ve been tackled head-on, with new policies being implemented across Japanese companies.

Work hours in Japan are only slightly above the G7 standard (source)

Quality is taken seriously, no matter the job

This is something that sets Japan apart. From the CEO to the janitor, everyone takes their job seriously. There’s a sense of pride in doing your work well, and it’s refreshing to see. Unlike in many other countries where low-paid workers are often excused for doing a poor job, in Japan, there’s a cultural expectation that everyone, regardless of their position, should strive for excellence. It’s not uncommon to see a janitor meticulously cleaning a space as if their life depended on it. That dedication is something beautiful about Japanese work culture.

Japanese people’s pride in their work is a 100% the reason why the country has the cleanest public toilets in the world

But resistance to change is holding Japan back

The first major issue is the resistance to change. Japan’s workforce is aging rapidly, and the seniority-based promotion system means that many people in senior positions are close to retirement and resistant to new ideas. This has led to a reliance on outdated tools, like Excel, which is used for everything from scheduling to complex planning. The older generation clings to what they know, and this slows down innovation.

Then there’s the issue of motivation. A surprising number of Japanese workers seem unmotivated, especially younger ones. Quiet quitting is rampant, with many employees doing the bare minimum to get by. Terms like "madogiwazoku" (people who sit by the window and do nothing) and "urazumi" (ghost workers who appear busy but accomplish nothing) highlight this problem. It’s disheartening to see a country that once led the world in innovation now struggling with a workforce that’s lost its drive.

These systemic issues are holding Japan back. While things are improving, the country still has a long way to go in fostering an environment where talented workers feel motivated to innovate and excel.

Being Japanese is hard

Finally, let’s talk about the Japanese people. I’m going to stereotype a bit here, so bear with me. Japan has over 130 million people, so of course, there’s a lot of diversity. But as a group, Japanese people are more similar to each other than any other population I’ve encountered.

One of the most admirable traits of Japanese people is their dedication and perfectionism. Whether it’s work or hobbies, there’s a commitment to doing things exceptionally well. If you’re into hiking, for example, it’s not just a once-in-a-while activity—it’s something you dedicate yourself to fully, with the best gear and the most challenging trails.

This level of dedication is why Japanese people are so good at what they do, whether they’re making clothes, knives, or anything else. There’s a sense that everyone is part of a greater whole, contributing to society rather than just being individuals. This collective mindset is likely a big reason why Japan has such low crime rates—people genuinely believe that their actions affect the entire society.

But this fear also stifles risk-taking

However, this also comes with a downside: the fear of being judged. Japanese people are incredibly worried about what others think of them. This fear can be both a blessing and a curse. For tourists, it often means experiencing exceptional politeness and service, but for those who stay longer, it can feel like a facade. The contrast between the public face, or “tatemae,” and a person’s true feelings can be jarring. It’s not that Japanese people are meaner or ruder than anyone else—it’s just that the difference between their public and private selves is so stark.

This fear of judgment translates directly into the impeccable service Japan is known for. In a country where the smallest misstep can lead to being judged harshly by others, people go out of their way to ensure they are perceived positively. This is why, in Japan, you’ll find that even the most mundane interactions are handled with the utmost care. Whether it’s a shopkeeper meticulously wrapping your purchase or a waiter going above and beyond to ensure your meal is perfect, the fear of being judged drives a level of service that’s hard to find anywhere else.

But this pressure also stifles risk-taking, which you can see in everything from technology to the workplace. It’s a shame because it holds people back from pursuing new ideas or doing things differently.

In conclusion

Japan is a land of contrasts. It’s a place where dedication to perfection and fear of failure coexist, shaping a unique and often paradoxical experience. Despite its challenges, Japan still has far more good than bad. The country’s commitment to quality, respect for others, and strong sense of community are strengths that far outweigh its weaknesses.

But just like a child you love dearly, when Japan falls short, it hurts just a little bit more. You want the best for it, and when it stumbles, it’s hard not to feel disappointed. Yet, for all its flaws, Japan remains a place that captures the heart, and that’s something truly special.