Do Better

It’s been a decade since my last trip to Japan. Reading through my journal from that time, I find myself again experiencing the same quiet sense of awe. The attention to detail, the discipline, and the deep-rooted respect that permeate nearly every aspect of Japanese life are truly remarkable — and immediately apparent to any visitor.

Recently, I came across a short video featuring an American expat living in Japan. He spoke candidly about how many Westerners, initially enchanted by these very qualities, often choose to leave after realizing that Japan expects residents to uphold those same standards themselves.

It’s an ironic, but understandable truth. In much of the Western world, societal expectations of the individual have eroded over time. Standards — personal, professional, and social — have softened. Somehow, Japan has resisted that trend. While there is a palpable sense of elitism and judgment can be swift and direct, excellence is still the norm — in manners, in service, in craft.

The beauty of the world is that it’s always running experiments. I can observe, and occasionally participate, in different models of living. While I’m not yet ready to test myself against the full expectations of Japanese society, I am leaving this trip with a sentiment I believe is worth exporting: do better.

If there’s one principle Japan embodies from my vantage point, it’s that no detail is too small to matter. Whether it’s a jelly bean or a subway system, the people designing, building, packaging, and serving all demonstrate an unmistakable care and thoughtfulness in the roles they play. I’m not familiar enough with the culture to say whether this comes from pride, but I can say it’s what an American would likely mistake it for.

We often say, “Always do your best.” But without internal standards — and a shared societal agreement on what competence and excellence look like — that phrase becomes hollow. Do better is more honest. It assumes imperfection. It invites humility. And it implies a level of judgment — of ourselves and others — that has become somewhat unfashionable in the West.

If you want to experience what doing better looks like, visit Japan.