Today, June 9, 2024, is a day of anticipation and excitement for our teams. The sunrise in Tokyo occurred at 4:25 a.m., while in Baltimore, it was at 5:40 a.m.! Japan does not observe daylight saving time, so the day here is much longer, with numerous active hours. Many of us are landing at Haneda Airport, a bustling hub of activity, and many have already touched down and are making their way to the vibrant city of Yokohama. A very few of us landed a day or two earlier. The first impression of the country is nothing short of fascinating. We’re all looking forward to the team-building activities and cultural experiences that await us in the coming days.
The food is incredible! I ordered a Hiroshimayaki topped with beef tendon, Kujo green onion, and pork. What a savoring dish. The man who waited on my table for lunch was evidently an older adult. Seeing an older adult wait on restaurant tables is quite a rarity back where I live in the US. It is incredible how he stayed active. We could not communicate in one language, and he was quite busy with other tables calling for his attention.
Not until later in the day was I walking in the Yokohama area near the mall. Here was someone diligently sweeping the curb outside the shopping center. What a pleasant older man! I hope to see him again, as the shopping area is fairly close to the hotel. This cultural difference in work dynamics, where age is not a barrier to active work, is fascinating about work ethics in Japan.
Since I landed earlier, I decided to navigate the subway system independently, which is quite a maze. At one point, an older lady, who must have been in her late 90s and holding a cane, boarded the train. I was so impressed to see her choosing to take the train, a mode of transportation that requires more effort and independence, rather than opting for a more convenient option. Taking the train here requires extensive walking, at times, and navigating a very complex underground system. This moment indeed highlighted the inspiring resilience and independence of the Japanese people.
As I reflect on the day, I can’t help but wonder about the cultural factors contributing to the vitality and longevity of the Japanese people. The early rises, light stimulating the body and mind, the long days, the long hours people work, and the longer years they spend working. This keeps a sense of purpose and goals to strive for. Could that be a reason why people here age well in Japan? Is it because they are challenged to stay awake longer and accomplish more? What can we learn from this cultural perspective on aging?
The energy here is great. I’m thrilled about the more adventurous days ahead as we unite as a complete team tomorrow afternoon. I can’t wait to share more of these exciting experiences with my team.
Daniel Z. Mansour, PharmD, AGSF, BCGP, FASCP
MS in Palliative Care Candidate, August 2024