Japanese Crime Wave
Japanese Context
The People of Japan
Due to the fact that Japan is so populated and overall busy, the citizens of the country have had to adapt, creating the culture and lifestyle they have today. "Many Japanese customs, values and personality traits arise from the fact that the Japanese live so close together in such a crowded place" (Hays). As a result, the citizens have often valued being alone, solely to regain the sense of privacy they may not feel during the busy day. This understanding of self-worth and ability to cope with one's surroundings is one of the several roots leading to the peaceful environment that many see Japan as. The eating habits and rest guidelines in place in the country enhance the harmonious culture as well. By having a positive mindset and healthy rhythm for both eating and resting, Japanese citizens are able to find joy and enrichment in their daily lives, exhibiting "wa", or harmony, as they so value ("Japanese").
When choosing a place to live, Japan is a perfect option, as proven by their 2017 ranking as the fifth in "Best Countries Overall", a ranking conducted by the U.S. News & World Report, where countries are awarded a rank based on aspects including their gross domestic product, population, GDP per capita, and overall quality of life ("The"). In addition, in the United Nation Quality of Life Index in 2010, Japan was ranked number 11, proving it is among the top in the world in the quality of life field (Hays). Even in the economic department, Japan excels, being ranked third in the world with a GDP Nominal of 4,841.221 billion dollars, only behind the United States and China ("List").
With the uplifting, peaceful atmosphere in Japan accompanied by the success of the country both economically and in quality, life in Japan is incredibly positive, and those who call it home are more often than not proud to do so.
When choosing a place to live, Japan is a perfect option, as proven by their 2017 ranking as the fifth in "Best Countries Overall", a ranking conducted by the U.S. News & World Report, where countries are awarded a rank based on aspects including their gross domestic product, population, GDP per capita, and overall quality of life ("The"). In addition, in the United Nation Quality of Life Index in 2010, Japan was ranked number 11, proving it is among the top in the world in the quality of life field (Hays). Even in the economic department, Japan excels, being ranked third in the world with a GDP Nominal of 4,841.221 billion dollars, only behind the United States and China ("List").
With the uplifting, peaceful atmosphere in Japan accompanied by the success of the country both economically and in quality, life in Japan is incredibly positive, and those who call it home are more often than not proud to do so.
Challenges Japan Must Confront
Japan is currently facing a crisis- their population is sinking due to the decreasing number of babies being born each year. For the first time in over a century, fewer than one million babies were born in Japan in 2016, creating a new low in the population problem the country must confront (Weller). As more and more women are entering the workforce in Japan, there are less people trying to create families, and even fewer of these working men and women are in relationships. "'This is death to the family,' [Mary Brinton] tells Business Insider" (Weller). In addition, many females in the country are facing the problem of poverty, another factor in the declining birth rate. With one-third of single women also being single mothers, poverty is unfortunately an undeniable fate for many, discouraging young citizens from expanding their families ("Japan's"). The Japanese are also concerned with the rising number of abortions. As more women go into poverty, many must turn to abortion, as raising a child is not something they can handle financially ("Japan's"). At the moment, the population is one large crisis, creating many subsequent issues in Japan, and the people must react appropriately to solve this problem.
What Makes Japan Beautiful
Many aspects make Japan ravishing, including the history of its remarkable recovery since being dictated by Hideki Tojo, and from the dropping of the two atomic bombs during World War II. However, what makes the country most beautiful today is the unique culture and breathtaking geography. One particularly fascinating aspect of the country's culture are the shinkansen, or high speed bullet trains. These modes of transportation have speeds up to 275 mph, making them the third fastest trains in the world and a unique feature of Japan (Ling). In addition, the magnificent food ranging from sushi to delicate forms of served fish highlight the unique culture of the country. As far as geography, the stunning Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines are rich with Japanese heritage, and are truly beautiful forms of scenery that do not disappoint visitors. Specifically, the Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, Shrines and Temples of Nikkō and Buddhist Monuments in the Hōryū-ji Area are some of the most popular and meaningful Japanese temples and shrines to visit, as they have also been awarded as UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Ling). Both the culture and geography of the country are abundant with heritage, and these aspects certainly make Japan a truly beautiful and unique country, and well worth visiting.
Works Cited
Hays, Jeffrey. “EVERYDAY LIFE IN JAPAN.” Facts and Details, N.p., Jan. 2013. Web. Accessed 4 Jan. 2018.
“Japan's 10 Most Intractable Problems.” Japan Today, Japan Today, 13 Mar. 2012. Web. Accessed 4 Jan. 2018.
“Japanese Health and Nutrition Information.” Japanese Health and Nutrition Information, The Japan Dietetic Association, n.d. Web. Accessed 4 Jan. 2018.
Ling, Yuki. “20 Reasons Why Japan Is Awesome and You Have to See Yourself.” Tsunagu Japan, N.p., 28 Nov. 2017. Web.
Accessed 4 Jan. 2018.
“List of Countries by Projected GDP.” List of Countries by Projected GDP 2017, Statistics Times, 23 Apr. 2017. Web. Accessed 4
Jan. 2018.
“The 80 Best Countries in the World.” U.S. News & World Report, U.S. News & World Report, n.d. Web. Accessed 4 Jan. 2018.
Weller, Chris. “Japan Has a Major Population Problem: It's Falling.” World Economic Forum, World Economic Forum, 11 Apr. 2017.
Web. Accessed 4 Jan. 2018.
“Japan's 10 Most Intractable Problems.” Japan Today, Japan Today, 13 Mar. 2012. Web. Accessed 4 Jan. 2018.
“Japanese Health and Nutrition Information.” Japanese Health and Nutrition Information, The Japan Dietetic Association, n.d. Web. Accessed 4 Jan. 2018.
Ling, Yuki. “20 Reasons Why Japan Is Awesome and You Have to See Yourself.” Tsunagu Japan, N.p., 28 Nov. 2017. Web.
Accessed 4 Jan. 2018.
“List of Countries by Projected GDP.” List of Countries by Projected GDP 2017, Statistics Times, 23 Apr. 2017. Web. Accessed 4
Jan. 2018.
“The 80 Best Countries in the World.” U.S. News & World Report, U.S. News & World Report, n.d. Web. Accessed 4 Jan. 2018.
Weller, Chris. “Japan Has a Major Population Problem: It's Falling.” World Economic Forum, World Economic Forum, 11 Apr. 2017.
Web. Accessed 4 Jan. 2018.
Header photo taken by my grandmother, Joyce Speri, while staying in Japan.