Yay!!! No disrespect to Tokyo, or the other mega cities, but I'm a suburb/ farmlands resident here in Ohio, so even a much, much smaller city like Toledo is too populated for my taste. Hokkaido is the area I sincerely find gorgeous, and where I think I could enjoy a visit to. So thank you for making the effort to visit there! The knotty pine in the restaurant @ around 530 when I noticed it. Adore. My childhood home had knotty pine in the entirety of the kitchen. The one knott was in the shape of a duck head. My dad who'd spent lots of time in time out as a kid pointed it out to me when I was little:D So the design of what I've seen of that prefecture just feels like NW Ohio home adjacent:) Question for you, or those who read comments that may have familiarity. Autism spectrum, I'm a substitute teacher, and obviously those with severe autism markers I'm sure equally as diagnosed as here in the US, but those highly functioning like my daughter, who was/ is also in gifted and not until she was near an adult for her diagnosis given cultural norms I'm guessing she wouldn't have ever been diagnosed in Japan. So just curious if you can tell me where to look for information about Japanese diagnosis criteria. For my daughter just quiet, prefers not making eye contact like us Americans. My daughter not the only one, but many of my intervention kids. I sincerely think would enjoy life in Japan better just given how Japan is structured over here. This inquiry more for high functioning people on spectrum. I.E. The no scent is the preferred norm expectation of Japan from what Ive been told. Things designed to limit sensory overload seems just more naturally built into your society over my own. So just a passing curiosity that if you can comment on I'd be interested. Even cleaning things those I've worked with seem more aligned with desired Japanese traits. Not that I think Japanese people are on spectrum, but given the population density and common courtesy towards others the things just culturally seem to allow an environment that allows a peaceful existence. Not being expected to have conversations with everyone around you for instance benefit for even more shy people. Hope my rambling on this question makes sense. Just the norms in relationship to my own countries norms and how they could benefit those I've worked with has been tickling my thoughts in curiosity:) Sorry not fully organized, yet to ask more clearly.
I’m not an expert, and I don’t have all the answers, but I’d like to share my thoughts with you. Thank you for your thoughtful comment! I’m glad you find Hokkaido beautiful and that it brings back memories of your childhood home. Regarding your question on autism spectrum diagnosis in Japan, you're right that cultural norms can influence when or if someone is diagnosed, especially for high-functioning individuals. Japan follows international guidelines (like DSM-5), and diagnosis rates have been increasing, especially with growing awareness. The country does have a quieter, less sensory-overloading environment in many places, which can be more comfortable for those with sensory sensitivities. There are also support systems in place, such as developmental disability support centers and specialized clinics. I appreciate your insight, and I agree that Japan’s social norms, like less pressure to engage in conversations, might create a more comfortable atmosphere for individuals on the spectrum
