[Column] The Discipline Behind Japan’s Orderly Society

By Wonsuh Song

Walking through Tokyo, one feels as though the entire city is a carefully composed piece of order. The streets are always clean, and bicycles are neatly parked in designated areas. Finding a car that runs a red light is rare. These scenes are the product of social norms and systems cultivated over many years of daily life.

In Japan, children are taught from an early age to follow rules. In kindergarten, they learn to line up, wait their turn, and maintain harmony within the group. Through this process, the sense that “following rules is natural” becomes ingrained, and the emphasis on collective order takes precedence over individual spontaneity.

Strict enforcement reinforces these values. A clear example is the railway system. Without a special express ticket, passengers are not permitted to enter the train cabin, nor are they allowed to stand behind the seats. Even foreign travelers carrying large suitcases are not exempt. They are escorted out of the cabin and relegated to the narrow space between train cars. This uncompromising approach keeps the interiors consistently comfortable. Similar strictness applies to motorcycles, bicycles, and parking violations. Breaking rules leads to certain penalties, both financial and social, making compliance the logical choice.

Thanks to this system, Japanese society maintains stability and predictability. Trains arrive on time, bureaucratic procedures follow established steps, and major disruptions in public spaces are rare. At the same time, this rule-centered structure has drawbacks. Excessive emphasis on procedure can slow things down, reduce flexibility, and create inefficiencies even in simple tasks.

The gain of stability and predictability often comes at the cost of flexibility. This duality is a defining characteristic of Japanese society. Discipline provides comfort and security, but it can also act as a brake on change. Understanding Japan requires recognizing both sides of this balance.

Wonsuh Song (Ph.D.)

Full-time Lecturer, Shumei University / NKNGO Forum Representative