Some final thoughts on Japan

During our time in Japan we learned some interesting things from our chatty guide, Meg.

1.  The Japanese are not very demonstrative in showing their affection for each other.  She said that she had only seen her parents kiss or embrace each other a few times in her life.  She said that the Japanese show their affection by buying expensive and elaborate gifts.  

2.  90% of Japanese people are considered middle class.  They earn enough to have their own home, own a car, send their children to “cram” schools – after school school to help the child get into a good college or university – and travel.  There are very few homeless people because of the high work ethics of the culture.  

3.  The streets were clean.  There was no grafiti.  The people were exceptionally polite.

4.  Golf – wow!  There are 2,500 golf courses in Japan.  Meg’s husband is a golfer.  He leaves home around 6AM to drive to the course.  After every 3 holes there is a stop for drinks.  Lunch is eaten after 9 holes.  After 18, you take a bath and then have dinner and drinks with your foursome.  If you get a hole in one, you pay for your groups round of golf, all the drinks and dinner. Then you have to throw an elaborate party.  Her husband takes out “hole-in-one” insurance for about $100 a year.  This covers the cost of the celebration expenses which can run to $4,500!

Japan was a wonderful stop.