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Japan is considered a prosperous and progressive country in the world, but its social and cultural aspects have brought deep dissatisfaction. Japanese tend to eat less at home, spend less time with family, and feel less close to each other.
Weakness of family relationships, feeling lonely and giving importance to personal life are the social challenges here. The young generation, especially, has moved away from the idea of settling down and creating a family life. In such a situation, the society appears to be mechanistic, where material development is given priority over the spiritual relationship between people.
Nepal is completely opposite. Nepali society is based on religion, culture and mutual sympathy. The customs here bind people in a bond, which strengthens the family and society. In Nepal, 'social life' is not limited to mere words, it is integrally connected to people's daily life. The knowledge of sin and religion, the feeling of kindness and compassion and mutual support have made the Nepali society civilized and cultured.
In Japan, the development of physical infrastructure has reached its peak, but spiritual peace seems to have disappeared. No one cares about anyone here. During leisure time, people tend to go to restaurants, bars, gambling parlors and casinos. The problem of lack of family ties and loneliness is serious here. The ultimate dark side of Japan is the lack of spiritual satisfaction, even though it is the height of material happiness. Even though Nepal is a poor country, it is heavenly in terms of spiritual happiness. Nepali society's sense of mutual affection and cooperation is rare in the world.
The importance of family life, religious beliefs and cultural activities have enlivened the Nepalese lifestyle. If what Japan should learn from Nepal is spiritual peace and contentment, Nepal can learn material development from Japan. But ultimately the true development of society depends on spiritual satisfaction, in which Nepal is far ahead of Japan.
Santosh Simkhada, Tokyo Japan
