Foreigners who don`t stay in Japan very long may be unaware of the passive-aggressive nature of hostility here...
This morning for example. I have a tendency to get to work pretty early and I often sit round the corner in the local park until it is time to start. This is not entirely welcomed by the locals it seems... Today five seconds after I arrived the local rubbish lorry turned up. Coincidence? Perhaps. Then an old guy with a sharp long handled tool came right up to the bench where I was and began pounding it into the ground just feet from where I was sitting, tearing up the grass which was admittedly rather long. (the whole park was like this, but he chose to do it right next to me) A man walking his dog allowed it to urinate just in front of me. Not subtle, I think you will agree.
I believe all this stems from Japan being an extremely ordered society through much of its history- any open rebellion was not tolerated so people found less direct ways to express contempt. I have to say I am glad I live in a country where blows with hoes are aimed at the grass instead of the head....
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