The passion for the Rising Sun is infecting Italians. For what reason?
In recent times, a Japan-mania seems to have erupted and Italians are becoming addicted to it. Why does everyone dream of Japan? Cleanliness, honesty, courtesy, respect for others and a little madness.
I love Tokyo: a testimony of an Italian who has visited Japan 43 times
La pina, presenter and historical voice of radio Deejay, has been to Japan 43 times. He wrote "I love Tokyo", a practical, fun and very useful guide for all Italians who want to take a trip to Tokyo. Since lately a Japan-mania seems to have erupted.
Il Japan it is a safe destination compared to other places in the world. There are earthquakes but when they do not even a can falls off the shelves.
The presenter was in Japan for the first time in the 80s. Her father worked there and she went there a couple of times a year. Among the things that surprise in Japan, as La Pina tells in the book, is the cleanliness. In Japan there is the cult of cleanliness, care and respect for public affairs. For this reason, at the age of 8, children clean classrooms and bathrooms. And they serve at the table during lunch. Not only. Tokyo is a safe city and from an early age you learn to go to school on your own.
Why do Italians also dream of Japan?
Lately among the tourist destinations of the Italians there is Japan. But how come? What are our fellow citizens attracted to?
- Il Japan it is above all a child-friendly place. There is no crime. The air is clean. And if you walk on the carriageway, the cars pull up behind you at a walking pace but there is no honking. There are no baskets on the street: you keep the paper in your bag and throw it at home in the bin. But the true beauty of Japan is intangible. It is a place where everything is temporary and after a certain number of years it is mandatory to tear down the buildings and rebuild them with new anti-seismic regulations. Earthquakes, a disaster, become an opportunity for renewal. The Japanese have an elastic idea of life, just like the buildings they rebuild.
- In Japan, people don't smoke outdoors. It is only possible in the designated areas. The reason? The sidewalks are so crowded that with a lit cigarette you risk burning someone.
- On the half mask and nap. When you are cold, you wear masks so as not to infect others and you don't blow your nose in public. On public transport, Japanese people often sleep. They work hard and take the opportunity to rest. They also never talk on their cell phones. It is considered inconvenient.
- No parking, no cars! To buy a car it is necessary to have the certification of a place where it can be parked. The certificate is not needed if the car is shorter than 3.4 meters. Forget the horn: it doesn't sound, it's rudeness. A curiosity: the taxi doors open and close by themselves.
- Tipping is an offense. There are no napkins in the restaurants. It is useful to keep the small towel that is given at the beginning of the meal. After the bill, no tips: they get offended.
- Just hand in hand. The Japanese are a reserved people: they do not exchange affection in public. At most on the street you can see young people walking by the hand.
- Be amazed by the business cards. When he introduces himself, he does not shake hands, but makes a small bow. The Japanese are crazy about business cards. When they are received they have to look and turn in their hands, uttering admiring noises such as "Ooooh!". However, the tone of the voice is always low. In Japan you never scream. If something is handed to someone, it is always done with two hands. It is a respectful and kind gesture.
