In North America, we are largely driven by monetary benefits. Everything is done to optimize profits, that eventually translates to a fatter paycheque for the CEO. That thinking trickles down. There’s only one hard rule, don’t break any laws. Everything else is game.
At the very bottom, you generally have people that have been marginalized. The society has written them off. They work many jobs to merely survive. I’ll save more on that for another day.
In comparison, Japanese society is driven by honour. Executives are less likely to take decisions solely for generating demand, through innovative marketing or trickery. People work their entire lives for the same company - that looks after them. The proverbial “salaryman”.
This kind of motivation creates more clarity on the end goal/purpose, which leads to more innovation. When you’re not chasing the golden goose and are driven by honour/respect, you’re more likely to be focused on the customer and what’s truly in their best interest. Some NA companies do this too - but it’s not a trait we particularly value above all else and is far far from being the norm.
The genuine concern for another being, even in business, is embedded in Japanese culture. Whether it’s being on time, or masking when you’re sick to protect others around you. Truly fascinating and admirable (though not without trad-offs).