SEC-S16W6 | Which country you think would've liked to be born?

Greetings to all the friends of the community!

Thank you for organizing this contest! It's always nice to imagine being able to live in a better country than the one you were born in and currently live in.

In which country would you like to have been born instead of your own?

I would have liked to be born in a country very different from mine and located on the other side of the planet, considering my point of view: Japan!

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The more I hear about this country, the more fascinated I become, and I hope to visit it soon!

Why did you choose this particular country?

Technological development.

Japanese people aren't afraid to use technology in many aspects of their daily lives. I believe that technology, robotics, and electronics can help us perform many tasks more quickly and efficiently. In Japan, it's possible to experience how to use technological devices to simplify one's life, and overall, the attitude towards technology is positive.

Attention to hygiene and environmental respect.

In Japan, there is a high level of attention to personal hygiene and cleanliness of public places, as well as a certain sensitivity towards respecting nature. Despite being an industrialized country, in recent years, there have been efforts to reduce pollution, particularly air pollution, and to improve waste management. It's important to balance industrialization and technological progress with environmental respect. These are values I share because living in a cleaner environment is, in my opinion, mentally pleasant and relaxing, as well as healthy for the body.

Food.

Rice, fish, and vegetables are the basic ingredients of Japanese cuisine, which, besides being healthy, is also imaginative and colorful. I love the attention and care that the Japanese put into preparing food. I also appreciate and share the habit of consuming a meal prepared at home with fresh ingredients, according to personal taste and dietary needs, even when eating out.

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Education and respect for others.

Japanese people always behave politely and respectfully in public places. The population, in general, is very careful to abide by the rules of civil living, particularly in public places. I believe that this is not a limitation of personal freedom, but rather a significant aspect that allows everyone to live peacefully even in the most crowded places.

Efficiency of public transportation.

I love using public transportation and not having the responsibility of managing a car of my own, as I'm forced to do in my own country (costs, bureaucracy, maintenance, repair of any faults). Moreover, driving in traffic is really stressful and involves a considerable waste of time. In Japan, trains and subways are clean, efficient, and almost always punctual. Furthermore, in many areas, it's possible to move around safely by bicycle. For me, it would be ideal to own just a simple bicycle and exclusively use public transportation.

What makes this country so special to be considered your top choice? Gastronomy, culture, religion...

Japan fascinates me because within it, there are areas where nature is pristine (there are many protected areas both inland and marine) alongside technological innovation, progress, and ancient rituals of cultural and religious tradition, simple and genuine foods alongside various industrial snacks, hyper-crowded places and isolated, quiet spots.

Indicate the differences between that nation and the one you belong to.

I was born and currently reside in Italy.
The most significant differences between Italy and Japan concern cultural and social aspects.
Today in Italy, petty crime (thefts, assaults, acts of vandalism) is on the rise. Unlike Japan, it's not possible to leave an object unattended for a few minutes without it being stolen, it's highly likely to experience a theft at home or on the street, and common goods are often damaged for fun or to assert an idea or a right.
In Italy, public transportation is scarce and not very efficient: strikes, delays, and breakdowns are very frequent, not to mention the automobile traffic that slows down bus routes. Thus, a vicious circle has been created where everyone must own a car, but this worsens the traffic problem.

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Certainly, air pollution is at unacceptable levels, and no truly useful and effective policies are being implemented to reduce it, with serious consequences for the health of the residents.
Italians have the bad habit of abandoning small waste and entire bags of garbage everywhere, with complete indifference and impunity.

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Unlike Japan, which preserves its cultural and gastronomic traditions, Italy is experiencing a period of cultural impoverishment: local traditions and festivals see increasingly less involvement from young people; labor policies don't help, as many Italians have to work during holidays, which doesn't contribute to keeping cultural and religious traditions alive, to which less value is being assigned over time. In recent years, even traditional Italian cuisine, which is very diverse and rich in local specialties, is being abandoned and despised by an increasing number of people who prefer industrial food, perhaps precooked, but especially oriental "all you can eat" cuisine (of poor quality) and fast food.

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Furthermore, in Italy, it's very common to speak loudly, to make eye contact with the interlocutor, and to gesture while talking. Additionally, when meeting someone, it's customary to shake hands or exchange two kisses on the cheek. These are behaviors that in Japan are considered inappropriate or even prohibited.

These are just some of the many differences between Italy and Japan, which represents the country that best reflects my way of thinking and my values!

Thank you for reading my post. Good luck to all participants!