What I’ve realized, recently, is that the skeleton of rules of the “game” of “life” is just too visible here in Japan, where multiple perfunctory sentences are required to start any conversation, where you can use a certain positive verb to soften the preconceived impact of a negative verb form, where you can prove mathematically that you are a good person by drinking alongside everyone else, by being the last to go home every day, by ritualistically screaming in the middle of the street after a company party. Oh no! You messed up today! The company lost money. BONUS ROUND: At least you get the opportunity to apologize to the boss. People who can apologize well are respected! Be sure to apologize every time you pick up the phone! Miss one, and you’ll lose points! Your score in this game is represented by the balance of your bank account. When you reach the goal, you have earned the right to play a game with much simpler rules. Man, life is like the world’s most boring MMORPG. If I’m going to be forced to play it, I might as well live somewhere I can get affordable groceries more suited to my lifestyle.
— “Japan: It’s Not Funny Anymore,” the world’s most amazing blog post, Kotaku (via somethingchanged)
