Admittedly, this doesn't extend to the kind of group shame over their military's behavior during WWII which the Germans so overtly express (one can blame this as much on MacArthur and his need to get them back on their feet and in line against the Soviets as anyone - Japanese civilians weren't hustled out of the rubble through the POW and concentration camps and their children were never taught the truth about the war) but you don't find any tolerance for sloth and squalor, nor any tendency to blame others for one's own bad choices and fate.
They are a unique and remarkably disciplined people. You may not have the many years experience in dealing with them some of us have and only see the negatives. Their perverse media is what it is, but before casting too many stones, have you heard about the 11 year old gang rape victim in Texas and the pedo ring they just broke up in that small British town? The Japanese people today, not the adults of 65 plus years ago, are very deserving of respect and our help right now.
I think that what you’re describing is a word in short supply in this country, from a long time ago.
Honor.
Honor is no longer rewarded in this country. Sloth, laziness, and irresponsibility IS rewarded.
You get more of what you reward. There are no rewards for being law-abiding, patient, or selfless.
The only thing that is rewarded is what you can get away with, all the while hoisting the cultural flag of victimhood as your excuse.
Trust me, we’re screwed without the steak dinner.