Similarities between Japan and Rwanda

         Gosh! Where do I even start from? Japan is now the world's 4th largest economy according to World Bank report. Japan holds 4.8% of the world's wealth and $36,315 GDP per Capita (PPP).  If I use the Social Progress Index, Japan ranks number one in the world.

NB:Social Progress Index is a new phenomenon that suggests a new model of measuring countries' development basing on Social indicators rather than GDP.(Michael Green explains it more on Tedx)

To put the 2 countries' figures in context; Rwanda's GDP per capita (PPP) is $1,452. Rwanda's entire  GDP is worth ($7.452 Billion) -an amount that is  more than 2 times lesser than Japan richest person's $16.6Billion. (Do not get shocked/envy, Japanese people work extremely hard&smart, I think they actually deserve more!).

Writing about the differences between the 2 countries is no news, like I anticipate everyone can list them down. However, surprising over my few months in Japan, I noticed similarities between the two countries;

1.Tidy Public Places: Cleanliness is synonymous to Japan. From the no shoes in-house rules to tractor brushed public roads, everything is tidy in Japan. Rwanda's streets are equally tidy to the extent that some western commentators have ended up calling Kigali "too clean to be African!"

Izumi Park in Northern Japan (left) and a Roundabout in Rwanda (right)

If you keep focused on the 2 countries' similarities in terms of being clean, you will also notice that habitually Rwandans do not eat while walking along the street, just like the Japanese. Or you will  notice how Shinkasen Train is cleaned at each stop, just like how Rwandan buses are kept clean (despite being second hand ones!!)

2. Public Image is of utmost importance: Japanese people are very cautious about how you portray them.(There is no, the "I do not give a damn about what people say"attitude, everyone cares). Thus, most Japanese men wear suits when attending an office job or meetings.Rwandans on the other hand are famously known of Gutebeza (Tucking in) with shoe polished and crystal clear ironed shirts. (Majority of Rwandans including those struggling to make ends meet, will put on nice washed clothes just to make sure the public does not think of them wrongly).

3.Elder peoples' views/guidance is like law: Whereas Japan is a first world country, elderly people are extremely respected and their word taken not just as wisdom but as law. Likewise, Rwandans do not question their elders or superiors. For example, up to now you might not believe it, but some of my Uncles and Aunties, still transmit their instructions to me!! (Despite my clocking close/past 3 decades on this planet).

4.Law is Law: You might urge that law is law everywhere but to some countries law depends.For example, in some countries having a strong law firm gives you higher chances of winning a law suit or in some developing countries it is advisable not to stop at Traffic Lights at night (even when it the lights are red and say stop).
In Japan,a pedestrian will not cross a 2 meter wide road in a residential area at 11pm, even when it is visibly clear that there is no vehicle nearby.(By the way, in Japan there are traffic lights everywhere including in front of gates of big buildings). In Rwanda,violation of traffic lights is unheard of, (of course violation of other traffic rules still happens).
On a more higher level, in Japanese language there is no word called (corruption) since even "tipping is forbidden",  equally Rwanda has zero tolerance to corruption.

5.Hospitality: On this aspect, I must confess, Japanese people are number one when it comes to hospitality (Omotenashi as they call it). I have been to over 10 countries, but when I touched down in Tokyo, I was engulfed by a warm breathe of Omotenashi.Omotenashi is smelt everywhere, on streets,convenient stores,bars, restaurants or even in a classroom.
Japanese hospitality is a topic that, I intend to write about on its own. For now, all you only need to know is that, Omotenashi is one hot item being talked about as regards the 2020 Olympic games due in Japan.
Well, Rwandans also have a strikingly good culture of hospitality as evidenced by the higher numbers of tourists. For example,I remember missing lunch or dinner at home, simply because unexpected visitors (or even strangers) had surfaced at our home during meals time. Due to the Rwandan culture that priorities visitors highly, visitors are rather served than your kids.(Sounds like Omotenashi as well, but Omotenashi is much more, I will elaborate it in another article.).

Dutahe!!! ルワンダ