Well, Japan has a group culture. They do not like to stand out. It is difficult to assimilate into a "group". They think more about the group than the individual. This is completely opposite to the US. When I lived there Rossignol skis wanted to enter their market. The Japanese markets were closed to outside companies. They said the snow in Japan is different than other snow. Therefore, they were not allowed to sell their skis in Japan. The government officials would take money "under the table". For example, the "pill" was taboo there. The doctors were making a fortune on abortions and didn't want that cash flow to end. So, they spent money to keep the "pill" out of the country. They have social healthcare. If you had cancer, then the local hospital would handle everything. One would not have the option to go to a specialist. They pay their educators a nice salary and they get a better educator due to the salary. Becoming a teacher in the US is fairly easy, "path of least resistance". Due to the group culture, it is rare that anyone goes above and beyond for customer service. "Sorry, it is a rule..." The gray area is difficult for them.