Commentary on Japanese society often falls into the trap of assuming that Japan and its people are somehow unique in the world, which is a massive oversimplification. This leads people to suggest overly easy 'solutions' to problems faced by Japanese society (here's looking at you, Luigi Mangione- no hate on him, but his tweet on Japan made me laugh). I've studied Japan and the Japanese language since 2021 now, and I've lived there for a good year as well. That's really nothing in the grand scheme of things. I do have some observations and thoughts that I would like to share. I'll do my best to avoid oversimplifications while providing some food for thought.