Consequences of the Japanese work ethic.

Japanese businessmen all look the same.

It’s a standard uniform of a dark navy blue suit, immaculately polished black shoes, dark tie, a short-length haircut no longer than a week old and a black brief case.

In Japan there has always been a sort of social stigma relating to those who are not like everybody else.

A well-known Japanese proverb: If a nail sticks out, hammer it down.

No big shots that advertise their ego.

Do they all go to the paper factory from ‘The Office’? No. But the outward manifestation of personality and emotion is kept to a minimal. Subtleties of culture.

Subway conservative and restrained. No talking on mobile phones and no talking in general is the norm, indeed it is the rule. People have respect.

Honor system.

So very tired. Not drunk.

We got on the train at Shinjuku going to Shibuya. He was like that when we got on and he remained that way when we got off. He didn’t move.

Brought much shame to his corporation.

But who could identify him ?

He unknowingly sacrificed respect for laughter. He will never know.

He finally got some sleep.

No harm done.