KOBE -- What is behind Japanese people's moral behavior remains a mystery to Brother George Fontana, although he has spent 11 years here as headmaster of Marist Brothers International School in Suma Ward.

Fontana, 61, who retired from his post last week, said he is always amazed to hear such stories as a lost wallet being returned to its owner with the money intact.

Having a religious background, he believes religions play an important role in people's moral behavior. But the theory does not seem to apply to the Japanese.