How many of you have lost your belongings during your trip, because of busyness, excitement, or maybe just being forgetful?
I bet many times, and indeed it is stressful!
When we forgot something, it makes us worry a lot (especially if it’s your passport!) gives us anxiety, etc which leads to many other problems.
So that’s why for some of us, we tend to brushed-off those items we lost, and hope for the best.
Moving on is quite difficult, especially when those items are quite valuable or with sentimental value.
But in Japan, everything is different.
Being mindful to others and to the nature are part of their culture, or the Japanese way of life.
*****
I’ve been browsing my Facebook feed, and stumbled this conversation about how much mindful the Japanese people are.
This guy shared the letter they received from Disneyland Tokyo regarding their reported lost item.
The company take it seriously that they even have a template letter for this kind of incidents.
Isn’t that amazing?!
Some of you who haven’t experienced this kind of mindfulness, or even travelled to Japan will find it “just a promotion-thing” but the truth is – it is NOT.
Aside from learning new knowledge and teaching how to excel to their chosen hobbies, children in Japan are being taught the art of mindfulness.
For us non-Japanese, it is our instinct to not mind about things and whatever is happening around us - unless we are interest on those things or topics.
With this fast paced digitalized life, most of us are having quite difficulty to stay focus on stay things, and mind the others (coz you even don’t have mind yourself per se).
But in Japan, they have mastered the restraints and mindfulness. Everywhere in public parks, transportation, in restaurants, at workplace – they know how to do it with ease.
Thanks for their ancestors, being mindful was been successfully passed on to their new generations which makes them what they are today.
Mindfulness in Japan is meditation. The way they fold their hanky, the way they eat, letting the elders sit on the train, and even crossing the busy streets of Shinjuku. This character has been engraved to their lifestyle, which many of us truly appreciates.
Yesterday, I've stumbled this post regarding a Japanese hotel apologizes for one (1) minute internet stoppage at 4:00 AM.
Yeah, its crazy?!!!!
Well don't believe me...
The prestigious 5-star hotel, located in Marunouchi, one of Tokyo's most renowned commercial and business districts, has a reputation for hosting international guests. While someone Skyping their friends or family back home at the time of the maintenance may not mind a minute-long interruption, CEOs and VIPs (who are frequent guests of the hotel) who need to hold conference calls or international dealings at odd hours are likely to be more sensitive to even the briefest of trouble. It makes sense that the hotel would go to the extreme in looking after any and all concerns of their guests, who can sometimes be of high profile.
*So the next time you visit Tokyo, you might consider staying at Palace Tokyo Hotel!
Isn’t that amazing feeling?
Yeah, its crazy?!!!!
Well don't believe me...
Reddit user Amesco may have stumbled upon one of the most particular examples of uniquely Japanese hospitality, however, by posting this apology a Tokyo hotel issued for a one minute internet stoppage at 4:00 in the morning.
You might think that issuing a profuse apology for a one minute inconvenience at a time many are happy to be wrapped up in their hotel bed blanket to be a mix of trivial and excessive, but the Palace Hotel Tokyo has extra incentive to show the utmost consideration for its guests, even when it comes to something as mundane at internet usage in the wee hours of the morning.
The prestigious 5-star hotel, located in Marunouchi, one of Tokyo's most renowned commercial and business districts, has a reputation for hosting international guests. While someone Skyping their friends or family back home at the time of the maintenance may not mind a minute-long interruption, CEOs and VIPs (who are frequent guests of the hotel) who need to hold conference calls or international dealings at odd hours are likely to be more sensitive to even the briefest of trouble. It makes sense that the hotel would go to the extreme in looking after any and all concerns of their guests, who can sometimes be of high profile.
*So the next time you visit Tokyo, you might consider staying at Palace Tokyo Hotel!
Isn’t that amazing feeling?
Japan is known for these good characters and no wonder many cities are trying to copy their ways.
But can we non-Japanese do the same?
I think we can. And it should be start on ourselves and in our home.
Whatever we learned in our lifestyle comes at home. Waking-up and fixing your bed before leaving is a simple step. Making sure our sink is free some uncleansed dishes and pots is another.
Or arranging your wardrobe, and make it all properly hanged, crease-free!
And don’t forget to teach our youth to do the same, and let these traits be part of their life.
Being mindful makes us more safe and worry-free.
Being mindful avoids anxiety and other stress in life.
And being mindful gives smiles to everyone which leads to new friendships and good relationships to others.
And of course, who doesn’t want to live a happy stress-free life?!
*Photos are during the Shinjuku trip
xoxo, Blair
Wow. That’s impressive. I had no idea Japan was honest. This makes my heart happy. And yes we can here, too.
ReplyDeleteI guess it helps a lot that good values are being taught at the early ages, and values it until they grow up. They practice what they preach.
DeleteWow Japan sounds amazing. If I left anything behind in a city near me it would for sure be long gone.
ReplyDeleteYeah I heard many stories about that. But in Japan it is different. There are also news that someone left thousand of cash in a cab and airport, and it was returned to the owner, untouched!
DeleteThis is such a beautiful post. Being mindful can change your entire experience when traveling.
ReplyDeleteI agree. If most of the places are like this, travel will be more beautiful.
DeleteIt's the worst when you lose something when you're traveling. I forgot my phone on the airplane to Disney World and I hoped someone would turn it in to the airline... but they didn't.
ReplyDeleteOh that's unfortunate. Which Disney World did you mean?
DeleteWow, these stories are pretty incredible! I was so surprised about the letter about a one-minute internet downtime. You certainly would not see companies taking such care here in Canada!
ReplyDeleteHahaha I agree, and it was in the wee hours!
DeleteHow amazing that they are so caring and honorable in Japan, says a lot about their people and culture! I think we all need to practice mindfulness it would make the world a better place!
ReplyDeleteIt all starts in ourselves and inside our home.
DeleteOh wow!! That is so good to know! I hate to say this but if you lost your smart phone in the US there is 90% chance you would not get it back. 10% because there are still good people here, I personally would try to find the owner. This such an inspiration :)
ReplyDeleteI agree! That is why many people likes to visit or even live in Japan!
DeleteThis has well and truly warmed my heart! how wonderful it must be to live in a place that has such high morals
ReplyDeletePeople in Japan are bought-up to be a good citizen since childhood. So all this starts from family per se.
DeleteI have not been to Japan yet and am amazed by these signs of mindfulness and integrity. As you say we can all learn something from Japanese.
ReplyDeleteI agree. When you see and feel this gesture, you will eventually adopt it. Many of my friends are transformed after their months and years of staying in Japan.
DeleteI've been having this conviction about being more mindful and this was such a great reminder, through your personal experience and culture. I really appreciate this. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you Briitney, I do hope many people will learn a lot from Japan.
DeleteJapan seems like an exciting place to visit. It is even more appealing knowing that the people are concerned about the wellbeing of others!
ReplyDeleteThey value people, you will appreciate it more when you experience it first hand.
DeleteNever been there but probably will going to Osaka this coming December. Always read and hear about the Japanese culture and how discipline they are
ReplyDeleteAh you will enjoy Osaka. It is also one of the beautiful place in Japan.
DeleteThis is amazing. In such a high populated country, honesty still prevails in most. Love it. Yes other countries need to follow Japan's example.
ReplyDeleteJapan is also similar to most countries with many issues, but they always find solution to overcome it.
DeleteThese are such encouraging stories. It's so nice when you lose something and actually get it back. That seems to be a great thing about the Japanese culture. I lost my driver's license once and someone mailed it to me. I was really touched that someone would do that.
ReplyDeleteThis is the main reason why many people are happy to visit Japan. When you give good deeds, good karma will receive.
DeleteLook you dont have to sell me on Japan/Tokyo this is my dream trip! I am even more stoked to go to Disney Tokyo because of that story - Carnival Cruiseline has done the same for me with my wallet 2 years ago!
ReplyDeleteOhhh when are you visiting Tokyo?!
DeleteI have lived in Japan for two years now. I completely agree with this about Japan and their mindfulness. It does shock me at times.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are enjoying your Japan stay! Will you give us some tips?
DeleteWow it looks like the whole world could take a leaf out of Japans book, what a very honest country it is. Those stories are impressive indeed!
ReplyDeleteI agree. And also kids can go to school alone with no parents guiding them. It is so safe!
DeleteI didn't even know Japan has this culture of mindfulness. I love how they reacted to the lost cellphone at the park.
ReplyDeleteHahaha I agree. There are still many stories of mindfulness. That's why it is cool to visit Japan and experience it yourself.
Deletesounds like Japan is a lovely place�� I always wanted to visit this country so it's good to know that people in Japan are so kind
ReplyDeleteOh you should visit soon and bring your family :D
DeleteWhat a happy post!!! I have never been to Japan but would like to visit. I don't have a habit of forgetting or misplacing items like other people I know but, to know it's in good hands in Japan is amazing!! I wish more places could be like this.
ReplyDeleteYeah how I wish! There are times that bags are left behind in the park, and no one touches it.
DeleteVery impressive! I love all of the examples you cited. If more places could be like this it would be wonderful everywhere!
ReplyDeleteThe Japanese are such honest people. So often I have heard stories like this. I admire their culture and how they live.
ReplyDeleteHow you can visit even just a week!
DeleteI wish more countries were like this. In the US (depending on where you are), if you place something down in public and leave for more than two minutes...it will most likely be gone. I admire Japan! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYeah and there is no hate crime in Japan!
DeleteJapan is one place I have not visited yet. Reading these stories about such honesty and care for others really makes me want to visit.
ReplyDeleteoh you should visit soon!
DeleteI'd love to visit Japan. That is awesome about the phone!
ReplyDeleteThank you dear!
DeleteWow! I feel like to relocating to Japan! I admire their culture and honesty. So wonderful to read about all the lost things as is waiting for it's owner!
ReplyDeleteSo true! Thank you for reading my blog :D
DeleteThis is so true about Japan. The door of the apartment is unlock in Japan and owners do not need a key!
ReplyDeletehahaha yeah some houses in province area. But in the city of course there is an electronic / digital lock!
DeleteJapan has been on my bucket list for the longest time now. Now I have one more reason to visit,Japanese people!
ReplyDeleteThat's cool Denny! But don't intentionally leave your belongings :D
DeleteThis is so awesome that if you lose something it is more than likely going to be returned. So many times I am afraid of something like this happening.
ReplyDeleteYeah it is. Some prefecture in Japan have a finder's fee that you need to pay to the police station once you claimed your lost item(s).
DeleteI've always wanted to visit Japan. This furthers my desire. This was an awesome blog post, because I had never even heard this about Japan.
ReplyDeleteOh I am glad that my blog is helping you learn about Japan. I will post many stories that haven't tackle related to Japan living.
DeleteJapan sounds like an amazing nice place to visit. It is nice that they return your lost items alot of places don't.
ReplyDeleteHahaha I know right. Japanese people believes in good karma.
DeleteSafety - that has really become a big parameter while choosing a place to travel specially for women. I feel really sorry that my country has made it to the list where foreigners don't feel safe but glad to know that your country is not one of those.
ReplyDeleteI believe there is still chance to change, one step at a time :D
DeleteLove reading heart warming stories and experiences like that. How I wish all countries are like Japan. I can't forget our experience in Athens when we got mugged and took all our money.
ReplyDeleteYeah Athens is getting worst. My friend also got cornered inside the train and lost his wallet with cash!
DeleteJapan is absolutely on my travel bucket list for many reasons, and now, safety included. It's amazing how their mentality is so amazing and isn't aimed at "me, me, me" or "I don't care about others" - the way it is in the western society.
ReplyDeleteI must visit Japan soon!
xox Nadia (Miel and Mint blog)
So true!
DeleteAnother thing - when you feel lost and ask for a direction, they tend to show you the way, or even accompanied you to where you want to be.
Super love this post, Blair! I don't know if you've noticed, but Japan is my favorite country, too. And my blog posts always allude to mindfulness and living well. I can't agree more with your observations. Ive been to Japan several times because these qualities of respect, mindfulness, amd presence are very attractive to me.
ReplyDeleteI like your Japan travel Rye! At first I thought you are a local resident in Japan :D
DeleteThe mindfulness of every Japanese people are being thought since birth.
All those examples are unbelievable! This country is not just disciplined but also conscientious. If they can do it, so can the rest of the world.
ReplyDeleteI agree. We can do it as well, but we should start on ourselves then at home.
DeleteThis is an uplifting post. Recently I have read so many articles and it is all about living in the present and being mindful about what we are doing. I really want to visit Japan and this post makes me want to go more. It is something everyone should be taught from a young age. I think they are in the U.K. which is nice
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome! Yeah in Japan parents are very serious to teach their kids to be future independent and respectful. Do you know that in Japan, there are no school buses? Kids at the age of 5-years can commute alone with no problem.
DeleteThe habit of being mindful being successfully passed on to the new generations is something which needs to be applauded. Kudos to you, Japanese!
ReplyDeleteI agree. They take it seriously and part of their lives.
DeleteYou've really helped explain some of the reasons I love traveling in Japan. I've never lost anything in Japan, but it's great that people are so honest. And I love the note apologizing for the one minute internet stoppage. I have always found that Japanese people care very much about doing their best no matter what their job is, and I think that is admirable.
ReplyDeleteMost Japanese people give value and love to their job. You see, even the airport cleaners are very proud on what they are doing. One of them even published a book, sharing awesome tips on spotless cleaning.
DeleteI have heard such nice words about Japan from female travelers. Whole world should learn from them and make travel safer.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Thanks for visiting!
DeleteUgh, I'd be frantic if I lost important item while traveling. This is one of the things why I love Japan so much. They're respectful and discipline.
ReplyDeleteMost Japanese people (and even expats) believe on the power of positive karma. If you do good things, you will also receive good things (sometimes doubled!).
DeleteWow! Japan is indeed an amazing destination - beautiful places and people!
ReplyDeleteHope you can visit Japan soon!
DeleteJapan is interesting place with many unique culture and traditions. I loved the idea of mindfulness and the art of meditation practices which are focused nowadays.
ReplyDeleteThat is true. I hope that many countries will do the same.
DeleteJapan definitely has more honest people than anywhere else in the world! However, it was the only place on our travels where our credit card info was compromised at a local Japanese hotel in Tokyo! So I guess it goes both ways, we were the unlucky ones to have to deal with the issue halfway across the world.
ReplyDeleteOh that is unfortunate. Did you report it to your bank?
DeleteMy boyfriend left his iphone on a train in Japan and it was returned to us several days later! I can assure you that would NOT happen in Denver where we live, haha. At least 5 different people would probably try to snatch it in the first hour.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it would never happen as well here in Manila. Although there are few instances that you will encounter an honest driver in Manila.
DeleteI was in Japan year ago and it caught my imagination ever since I tasted my first Sushi. Would like to explore more of the beautiful country especially the countryside. I too had wonderful experience with regards to how thoughtful the Japanese are to others. I experienced that everyday especially on the metro. No one ever bothers you even unintentionally!
ReplyDeleteThat is true! Its genuine.
DeleteActually that happened to one of my friends. She lost her wallet at Disneyland and it was promptly found and returned fully intact with all cash and cards. I'm not sure how easy it is to get non-Japanese people to do this. Its simply so different to their culture, although it would be wonderful if we could!
ReplyDeleteMindfulness are being thought to kids starting from home and carry that traits until they grow up. All starts at home.
DeleteJapan has such a lovely culture. I have lost cameras and phones in various major cities in the world with no chance of ever seeing them again, good to know though there's still some honest people left. Was talking with my partner this morning about how we should visit Japan, this has made me even more keen to go. Thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteOh that is great to hear that you are planning to visit Japan. Japan is a good place to visit even with the whole family and kids. Its a good place to let your kids learn new cultures that would be so helpful for them.
DeleteCulture of Mindfulness in Japan is so inspiring. Amazed to see a letter from such a busy place as Disney notifying someone of their lost phone! Its such a relief to travel to a place where you know if something is lost, you will get it back! It would be so nice if everyone follows this approach of mindfulness towards others!
ReplyDeleteDoes the other Disneyland do it?
DeleteAs I've lived 3 years in Japan, I must agree that Japanese people are honest. Once I forgot my credit card and still received it back. However, once my jacket was stolen too. So it quite depends on the situation...
ReplyDeleteYeah, it isn't a 100% good scenario.
DeleteWow, reading your post makes me feel to visit Japan as soon as I can. I am impressed by the culture of mindfulness and honesty in Japan. Loosing valuable items during your travel is big trouble, but to get it back and that too with a sweet letter must be a beautiful gesture by a host country.
ReplyDeleteI agree. It means they take it seriously even printed this template letter. That costs a lot!
Delete