Another reason why Japanese people should travel abroad is because I think it allows them to experience the absurdity of collectivism.
When you look at people walking down the street or at local residents abroad, you’ll see that almost no one has the same clothes, hairstyle, or belongings.
This is because they have their own individuality.
Because they are so confident in their own identity, they don’t need to worry too much about what others think or fit in.
However, Japanese society is the exact opposite, and if you observe people in Japan, you’ll probably see many similar people.
As an extension of their school uniforms, even as adults, they buy the latest trends and clothing created by the media, and many people look like mannequins, with the same clothes, belongings, and hairstyles.
That’s why groups of Japanese tourists stand out so much when you travel abroad.
I also used to follow trends in my 20s, but after I started traveling abroad and let go of collectivist thinking, life became so much easier.
However, when I return to Japan, people with the same way of thinking are still in the minority.
I like Japan, but I really don’t like collectivism and the pressure to conform.
