Oddly enough, Japanese people do it because it's not that much trouble and the rewards for the overall community are substantial—perhaps even existential—in nat

Oddly enough, Japanese people do it because it's not that much trouble and the rewards for the overall community are substantial—perhaps even existential—in nature. I agree with you that a selfish, lazy culture where everyone is in it for their own short-term gain will not be able to function in this way. There is indeed a problem with foreign enclaves in some Japanese cities refusing to put in the effort. As far as I know, that is where the municipal authorities come into the picture, levying fines, etc. There is a very strong "can't do" attitude that is pervasive all across America and Europe (with perhaps Scandinavia excepted) and it is quite obvious once you join a group that actually puts in the effort to serve the group's overall interests based on rational thinking.