[Siobhan]

... it is 'Japanese village culture' (shudan dotoku) of not being self-centered and selfish, but rather, self-reliant, cooperative, respectful of authority and it's orders, and full of pride, obligation, brave in the face of discomfort and pain, sense of 'face', loyalty and honor (and shame at the risk of ostracism, if one decides to do wrong).

Excellent comparison to the image opposite on display in New Orleans.

[AmericanInTokyo]

It is indeed a study in contrasts.

Many Japanese I talk to, see it also.