Excessive Kindness Floods Public Spaces, Putting Japanese Critical Thinking at Risk

Japanese Society Is Becoming Increasingly Infantilized

“Let’s greet each other as residents.”

This type of notice, accompanied by illustrations, was posted in the elevator of an apartment building. While I initially thought it odd for a building where adults live to need such reminders, the reality is that these notices are pervasive across Japan.

In the stalls of a commercial building’s restroom, for example, there were signs reminding users, “Did you forget anything? Please check for your cell phone, wallet, or purchased items!” along with instructions such as “Do not flush large amounts of toilet paper at once” and “Please be careful not to let children’s hands or fingers get caught in the door.”

On refill packages of detergent, we see tips like “Refill after almost emptying to avoid overflow,” and “Be mindful of where you store it to prevent accidental ingestion by individuals with dementia.” Juice cartons are covered in fine print with warnings like “Be careful not to cut yourself on the edge of the straw or cap” and “Be cautious when drinking quickly through a straw to avoid choking.”

And it’s not limited to written warnings. In trains and buses, beyond announcements of stops and transfers, there are constant reminders to “Step back to the yellow line to prevent accidents,” and “For passengers with large bags, please carry them in hand or place them in the overhead rack,” aimed at minimizing inconvenience and ensuring safety.

Psychologist Hiroaki Enomoto, author of “The Pathology of Thoughtless Thinking”, (Heibonsha Shinsho), points out that excessive warnings and announcements can lead people to stop thinking for themselves, raising an alarm about the increasing infantilization of Japanese society.

“For instance, if people can’t drink juice safely without a warning about potential choking or injury, don’t you think that’s a problem? 

Recently, I even saw a small bag of bean snacks with a warning: ‘Do not give to children under five years old. Running or crying with beans in their mouth may result in accidental swallowing and choking.’ Even if it’s not written, shouldn’t parents naturally consider these risks? 

This rise in overly detailed warnings has led to a decline in people’s ability to be cautious on their own. It seems we have more people who can’t notice things unless they’re explicitly warned.”

Although some may say it’s unavoidable to prevent accidents and disruptions, Dr. Enomoto continues:

“I understand the need to prevent accidents and disruptive behavior, but if people continually rely on warnings and announcements, it only increases the number of individuals who can’t be aware on their own. When more people fail to notice things without warnings, accidents happen, which in turn increases the number of warnings and announcements. 

This vicious cycle must be broken at some point. What’s truly necessary, I believe, is to create a society that functions without excessive warnings and announcements.”