Principal's Message

Principal’s Message

January 2025

Dear CHRians,

Three Observations in Japan

During the December holidays, I spent some time travelling in Japan. Here are three observations I made there. What do these tell us about Japanese culture and values?

Observation #1: Rubbish bins are rare in Japan. You will hardly see any on the streets, in shopping malls, train stations, and public toilets. Despite this, Japan is very clean. When buying food and drinks at a market, you are expected to stand near the stall to enjoy them, so that you can pass your trash back to the vendor when you are done. If you happen to have anything to throw away, like tissue paper or a food wrapper, you need to hold on to it, or keep it in your pocket, until you are back in your hotel. Many other big cities around the world also have few rubbish bins, for various reasons (e.g. as a precaution against terrorism), but are not as clean as Japanese cities.
Observation #2: When you are travelling on a train in Japan, you will hardly ever hear locals talking – not even on the phone. You will also rarely hear phones ringing or notification alerts. If anyone is talking loudly, they are likely to be foreigners.
Observation #3: Japan has very interesting toilet bowls. In some public toilets, once you sit on the toilet bowl, it will automatically play music or pleasant sounds (like the sound of a flowing stream), while you are answering nature’s call.

Do you think there is a common thread linking these three observations? My theory is that consideration for others is highly valued in Japan, which explains, to some extent, all three observations.

According to this website that addresses the phenomenon of Japan’s “missing trash cans”, “In Japanese culture, societal harmony is among the most highly regarded values… inconveniencing others and disrupting societal harmony often requires an apology, even in situations that may seem minor to an outsider… Japanese people are especially sensitive toward public spaces and how they use them as an individual. They are aware that the public space belongs to others just as much as themselves, and because of this, keeping the environment clean simply becomes everyone’s personal concern. As a result, there’s a strong cultural norm of keeping public spaces clean and, therefore, handling your trash properly. There may be no trash cans around, but Japanese people aren’t bothered by this, as it’s already an established norm to carry the wrapper of your candy bar or the plastic bottle you finished in your bag until you get home.”

This online Japan Guide has a section on Train Manners, which advises travellers: “Keep your voice down. Talking loudly on trains is considered bad mannered and ranks highly amongst the most annoying behaviours on trains in Japan. Don’t talk on the phone… Set your phone to silent mode. Set the volume of your headphones low.”

Similarly, musical toilet bowls masks the sounds of people relieving themselves, making the experience a pleasant one for all – even for those in neighbouring toilet cubicles!

I think we can learn much from the Japanese about being Thoughtful Contributors, which is our focus for 2025. There will be many opportunities for all of us to be Thoughtful Contributors to each other, to the school, and to our environment.

Here are two basic ways I would like all CHRians to be Thoughtful Contributors, based on Jesus’ teachings.

Let Your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’, and Your ‘No’ be ‘No’

“… let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’, and your ‘No’, ‘No’.” (Matthew 5:37)

When Jesus said this, He was teaching us to be men and women of our word. There is no need to swear in God’s name, or by heaven and earth, or on your life. If you are trustworthy, dependable, and honour what you say, people can just take you at your word. When you say ‘Yes’ and commit to something, follow through on your commitment and give it your all.

Be wise about what you say ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ to. Say ‘Yes’ to learning, growth, and whatever is good for others, for the school, and for the community. Say ‘No’ to whatever is unhealthy, toxic, and hurtful to yourself and others.

CHR Ambassadors and other student volunteers @ Open House 2024

Sometimes, saying ‘Yes’ all the time, even to good things, can lead to burnout. Having said that, I hope that you will say ‘Yes’ to opportunities more than you say ‘No’. Thoughtful Contributors turn up and are fully present. Thoughtful Contributors know that they have unique strengths, gifts, and personalities to bring to the table. When you say ‘No’, not only do you lose an opportunity to grow – you also lose an opportunity to contribute.

Emcees, Class Champions, Designers, and Multimedia Managers preparing for Sec 1 Challenge Showcase

Be Trustworthy With Little Things

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” (Luke 16:10)

Some of you hold leadership positions and responsibilities in your classes, CCAs, and Houses, such as Peer Support Mentors, CCE Champions and keyholders. Even if you do not hold a leadership position, I am sure you will be entrusted with, or volunteer to take on, certain responsibilities from time to time. Don’t look down on little things. As Thoughtful Contributors, fulfil your responsibilities, big or small, to the best of your abilities. If you can be trusted with little things, bigger things and bigger opportunities will come your way.

Orientation Group Leaders leading Sec 1s in the school cheer @ CHR Family Dedication (Jan 2025)

In 2025, let’s all resolve to be Thoughtful Contributors who honour our word and are trustworthy even with little things!

Mr Tay

[This message was adapted from my address to the school during the first morning assembly of the year on 2 Jan 2025.]

References:
https://japan-dev.com/blog/trash-cans-in-japan
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2230.html