The Shinkansen—the bullet train—is a feat of engineering... but also a feat of social discipline. Departure: 10:02. Arrival: 11:19. Not a minute more, not a minute less. Where is kaizen? In punctuality, in the perfect coordination, in the silence of the carriage, in the swivel seats that always face forward.

Not only is the Shinkansen highly efficient, but it is also a model for safety. They have had zero fatal accidents in over 60 years of operation. I am not an expert in train safety, but I could not help noticing one element of safety: the train attendant.

The attendant wears white gloves to enhance visibility for signaling. They ensure safety and make sure that no bags are caught in doors. They also confirm safety by pointing at clocks and screens in a technique called Shisa Kanko, which translates to pointing and calling. This method of gestures and vocalization reduces human error by employing multiple senses simultaneously. This is how it works:

1. 1. Look: focus the eyes on a target such as a clock or signal

   2. Point: confirm by firmly pointing your index finger at the target

   3. Call: state the action out loud, for example, "Shingō, yoshi!" (Signal, okay!) 

   4. Listen: hear your own voice to confirm the information in your mind 

The streets are remarkably clean. No empty wrappers, no spilled food or gum stuck on the sidewalk. It is also hard to find a trash can. As a tourist, it is advisable to carry an extra bag to keep your trash and “carry it home.” 

Public cleanliness is no accident; it is a part of a culture developed from an early age.  Every day, school children clean their classrooms for 15 minutes. There are no janitors; instead, the students and teachers sweep, mop the hallways, and clean the bathrooms. This moral education has become part of the culture and carries into adulthood. Shoes are removed before entering a home and some restaurants. Bags and purses are placed in special baskets to keep the aisles clear and safe.

People think 5S is just about cleaning, but it is more than that. It is about letting go of things that we no longer need. Japan is a small country, and they do not have the luxury of keeping things forever. They must let go of the old to make room for the new.

It sounds simple, but anyone who has tried realizes how difficult it is in practice. We often lack the discipline to sustain. Entropy takes over, and things fall apart over time. I have heard of companies performing a “5S event,” expecting to fix it forever, but they painfully realize that things fall apart over time. 

Meiwaku can be translated as nuisance or inconvenience. Japanese society expects avoidance of meiwaku to promote social harmony. It is considered a moral responsibility. Some examples include:

• Maintaining silence on trains and subways and avoiding phone calls in public areas

• Arriving early to ensure meetings start exactly on time 

• Carrying trash home rather than leaving it behind

• Standing on the side of the escalator to let others pass

• Not eating while walking 

It is a culture shock at first, but then one gets used to it, and after a while, it becomes pleasant. It is nice to be able to sit without having to listen to someone’s loud conversation.