My “mindo” is bigger than your…
The other day, Japan’s Finance Minister and all-around ass (regardless of his name) Taro Aso claimed that it was the “mindo” (pronounced mean-do) or the level of its citizens (whatever that means) that has allowed Japan to avoid the worst of COVID-19 and have a relatively low death rate when compared to the US, some countries in Europe, and elsewhere. The argument is that the Japanese people have cooperated with social distancing, mask-wearing, and other measures despite the government’s weakly enforced lockdown because the Japanese have a higher sense of civic duty, morality, and even cleanliness.
Aso, please. Yes, the Japanese are generally cooperative and collectively minded. That often makes this country a pleasant place to live. But let’s not get carried away. On trains, people are sitting next to each other like it’s nothing. The other day, I decided to take a chance and step into Coco Ichiban for some curry. Yeah, everyone was wearing masks and it wasn’t crowded when I walked in, but the staff kept leaning over me and there wasn’t any enforced spacing between seats and tables. And here’s a doozy. Recently since the easing of restrictions, in Kabukicho, the Tokyo neighborhood in Shinjuku famous for its “night activities”, dumb dumbs are getting COVID in bunches at host/hostess clubs because Pornhub and rubbing one out at home just aren’t enough.
And let’s cut it with the Japanese are extra clean argument. It’s gotten better but a lot of public restrooms in Japan have no hand soap. Before COVID, supermarkets sold pre-made food in uncovered vats. And it is not uncommon to smell piss around corners and exits at train stations because Mr. Salaryman can’t bother to make it to the toilet.
However, if we’re going to brag about mindo, here are some countries with lower death rates than Japan.
South Korea - A country that got hit badly in the first wave then used executive action, drive-thru testing, and other public measures to get back on its feet. The Apple Store in Seoul opened before the ones in Japan.
New Zealand - This country’s badass female prime minister made an impassioned argument for not fucking around and called for a complete lockdown. Now their cases are near zero and they’ve been able to end social distancing.
Other pika pika (shiny) mindo stars include Australia, Thailand, and Taiwan.
But only two can claim to be mindo masters- Mongolia and Vietnam. These two countries have had zero deaths.
Of course, this is not a competition. Countries all over the world are still being ravaged by COVID. The world does not need these racism disguised as pride Nihonjinron-style arguments. Looking into real reasons not tied to culture or nationality could actually be helpful for countries that are struggling. This self-centered pride just reinforces Japan’s tiresome insecurity. Real pride is based on facts, tangible achievements, and leads to giving and helping, not boasting by an Aso finance minister.