October 17, 2000     

While living in Japan for two years I learned a lot about the Japanese people and their families. Because of what I was doing, I was able to spend a lot of time with the people and came to realize where they have placed their priorities. 

 

    Business comes first! Positions and wealth are a main focus. The subways are all black suits, ties and briefcases. It is a very "to yourself" society. It is almost silent in the packed train cars. But there is a very distinct difference between day and night in Japan. I remember standing on the platform in Yokohama in the later evening as the smell of alcohol would come from the train as it pulled up. Every other face was rosy, and obvious impaired actions was a giveaway of where they had just been. This was the "norm" in Japan; work all day, go drinking, then return home dead drunk, get up the next day and do it all over again. With all of this has come the problem of adultery and pornography. That was my biggest surprise. It is everywhere.

 

    A normal household usually consists of grandmother, father and mother, and one or two children. Families stay fairly distant and don't usually become involved in each others lives. The older generations still cling to their traditions in religion and daily lives. While the youth are quickly picking up on western societies "way of life". Places to worship the Gods or Ancestors are found everywhere, in every neighborhood and in most homes. Parades, festivals, and parties are important to them in expressing beliefs and their  history.

 

    One of the major problems in Japan is the lack of a solid family structure. The children don't have much to come home to. Now don't get me wrong, there are some extraordinary people in Japan. But for the most part there is a lot to be done.

    

 

--Chad Stone
   Families Worldwide