The other related huge difference is that the Japanese are a homogenous society. Everyone looks like everyone else, many are related through long lines. Personal honor is a big deal over there. Not being a burden on others is a big deal, appearing weak, etc.
We don’t have a homogenous society, we have a balkanized society with government approving of different and lower expectations from certain minority groups. People here think they have a right to take stuff from other people because they didn’t plan for themselves. Too many here believe they have a right to live off other peoples’ money, one way or another. WI protestors being a prime example of one of those types of people.
Most places in the country are pretty much doomed. The adults are corrupt, and you can’t teach the young to respect the adults because they are corrupt.
I fear the number of missing is underestimated. The students we had from Japan each had grandparents living with their families. They take care of their loved ones until the end unlike America's propensity to put the aged in care centers or nursing homes.
(2) Even before Tokugawa (1603 - 1868) the Japanese government(s) had a policy that there were no ethnic differences in Japan among the Japanese. That's still the official policy.
(3) There continue to be class differences ~ and although all the noble titles were abolished (except within the top end of the royal family) you can still find out who is who ~ although the face will usually clue you in if you know what you are looking at.
As a practical matter the entire nation has tried to adopt the latest and greatest in political structure so that they can be highly productive and respected.
They wear them not to keep from catching a cold, but to prevent the dishonor of giving their cold to others.