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Homelessness & Japanese Culture.
Homelessness in Japan is unique because of low visibility.
Part of this low visibility is rooted in Japanese culture’s emphasis on politeness. They base their belief on Confucian values. In addition, there is a significant focus on loyalty, justice, shame, refined manners, modesty, and honor. These cultural attitudes often make them feel ashamed of themselves.
They try to stay out of the way & rarely ask for money from pedestrians.
The homeless Japanese will set up their shelters along remote river banks, city parks, or roadways. They will find shelter at subway stations & remove themselves during peak hours to reduce visibility.
Some live at fast-food restaurants and internet cafés spending their nights there. Internet cafés offer amenities such as private booths, showers & laundry services at the cost of $750 per month.
The Japanese public uses gentler Japanese words like; ‘nojukusha,’ meaning a person who sleeps outside, or ‘nojuku roudousha,’ meaning; a laborer who sleeps outside. It is to avoid negative connotations associated with the word ‘homeless.’
What caused Japanese homelessness?
After World War ll, homelessness was due to the damaged economy from the bombing of…
