Illness in Japan

I feel the healthiest I have ever been in Japan. And I see people dropping around me. (I hope this is not going to prompt anything …). People do live a healthy life here, what with the food they eat, and the exercise that they do. It has certainly had beneficial effects for me as I feel great.

Though I am noticing the arrival of the autumn chill is bringing colds to the masses here. The number of face masks I see in the streets is becoming increasingly common. It is strange to think how some aspects of life can be so normal, so, mundane, so everyday, in one country. And yet, in another country such a habit would be seen to be completely bizarre. I just cannot imagine any English person wearing a face mask in the street. But, yet, thinking about it objectively it makes so much sense! Such a simple method to stop germs spreading is I am sure, one of the most effective.

Of course people get ill in Japan. And although they have a very good method to reduce their catching of a germ – once they`ve got it, in my view, they`re going about it in a bloody stupid way to get rid of it.
The Japanese working culture – the underlying basis of so many of the cultural differences between Japan, and EVERYWHERE else, is once again the reason. People who are ill in Japan struggle into work. No matter how ill they are. Well obviously not if they`re on their deathbed. But I`ve seen teachers turn up for school definitely looking a little green, weak and in general not fit for work. How they thought that they could work effectively is beyond me. But, again, perhaps that is not the point. The point is to show your face, show your dedication to the group despite feeling so bad. It must look good. Though not resting ain`t going to do anything to speed your recovery. Watanabe-sensei turned up to work in a bad state yesterday. But, I could tell he did have a sort of respect from the other teachers from making it to the office.
Watanabe-sensei is one of the good guys. He is a genki teacher. He runs the basketball team with a lot of dedication and enthusiasm. He sacrifices a lot of his out-of-school time for them. He takes his 20 day holiday to go to the hospital (I was told he had taken nenkyu. I was about to ask where he was going on holiday. Later I found out he had used it for going to the hospital! Typical Japanese that!)
This dedication to the team, company, community must have such a strong pulling factor on the Japanese that I can`t even comprehend the scale. It makes people work so hard. So late. However, they feel. Am I a weaker human than them for looking after my personal interests and feelings? I feel like it sometimes. But, maybe I am staying more healthy my way, looking after myself. I like to think I am.