Debito Arudou's Feb. 7 Just Be Cause column describing the 10 things he likes about Japan both inspired and depressed me. As a frequent critic of the country's legal system (among other things), his piece made me stop and think of some of the things I like about Japan that are all too easy to take for granted. At the same time, most of the things on Debito's list were just that — things. Seafood, toilets and onomatopoeia are nice, but hardly constitute a ringing endorsement of the country where I have chosen to live.
I don't think he intended it that way, but his article came across as a theatrical review that talked about nothing but the set and the props while ignoring the actors — the Japanese people.
So here is my own effort to describe five things I like and admire about the Japanese. I am keeping it at five (well, six) not because the list is that short, but because given the space allowed, trying to cover more could easily degenerate into patronizing caricature.