Empathy Education in Japan – What a Society Without a Backyard Can Teach Us
- Dr. Limor Leibovitz
- Oct 29
- 8 min read
This post is the first in a series about Japan and education in the age of artificial intelligence. The series is based on a conceptual framework I developed and presented in my book: "The AI Generation: Raising Children in a World of Artificial Intelligence."
In the book, I propose that in this new era, parents and educators should focus on four human values: empathy, love of nature, resilience, and equal opportunity.
In this post, I focus on the first value: empathy—and how an entire culture educates for it from a very young age.
The reflections shared here were born out of a one-month journey across Japan in the fall of 2025.
Why empathy is essential in the age of AI
I learned a lot from my trip to Japan.This post is a story about culture, technology, and anti-fragility.
In Japan, cleanliness and quiet are remarkable.Walking through city streets, you won’t find cigarette butts or empty cans thrown on the ground. It’s rare to see even a candy wrapper or a banana peel in a public space.
As a visitor, your first instinct might be to assume they’ve simply swept everything out of sight—into a back alley, behind the building.We tend to think that there must be a "backyard" where everything messy gets hidden.
But in Japan, the backyard is also a showcase. It’s treated with pride.Even the unseen spaces are kept clean and orderly.
Behind the scenes: where no one looks
In a town known for its hot springs (onsen), near the Kamikōchi nature reserve, we walked down silent streets in the evening.Steam rose from the drainage channels that run along the sides of the road. The streets were empty of people and cars. There was only silence.
We found ourselves walking around the back of buildings too. Some were storage areas for local inns and small hotels.
The fact that even in the most remote corners of this little neighborhood we couldn’t find a single piece of trash or any signs of neglect made a deep impression on us.
It reminded me of something essential in education:
Neglect invites disrespect.
From experience, I know that if a small pile of cardboard and cans appears in a street corner, it’s likely that within a few hours it will grow—and new types of garbage will be added. This isn’t just a feeling; it’s supported by theory.
It’s called the Broken Windows Theory.
What is the "Broken Windows Theory" in education?
In schools, when a broken bench or window in the schoolyard is left unrepaired, it sends a message that neglect is acceptable. Students may continue the pattern—leaving trash, writing graffiti, even vandalizing school property.
For years, the Broken Windows Theory pointed to the link between neglect in public space and rising violence or crime.
That’s why, as a woman traveling in Japan, I feel incredibly safe—even in narrow alleys or dark streets. It’s not just about the physical tidiness, as I’ll explain later.
A clean parking lot = "You matter"
In Kyoto, you can find small public parking lots between residential buildings. Some have space for only five cars at once.
One morning, we noticed an empty parking lot across from our hotel. The asphalt was spotless—no leaves, no pebbles. Two elderly Japanese men were scrubbing the pavement with a hose and pressure washer.
This simple scene illustrated just how much care is given to public spaces in Japan. It reflects not only cleanliness but a high work ethic and a deep desire not to disturb the social order.
How does the learning environment affect self-worth?
Caring for the cleanliness of a small parking lot isn’t something we’re used to. In many places, only storefronts or front-facing windows receive attention and care.
But I always interpret things through the lens of education. For about twenty years, I’ve designed learning spaces in schools. My core belief has always been:
A clean, thoughtful, and well-designed environment communicates to learners: You are worthy. You are important. You are seen.
And in Japan, it doesn’t stop at physical space.
How do you teach children personal responsibility?
At the Osaka Aquarium one morning, we saw a group of children on a school trip. Before entering, they gathered in the large courtyard for their morning meal.
Each child took out a small personal mat, removed their shoes, and sat down to eat from a lunchbox they brought from home.
As you might have guessed, the children didn’t leave behind a single crumb or wrapper. In case you didn’t know – in Japan, there are virtually no trash cans in public spaces. Everyone carries their own waste in their bag.
Teaching good habits from an early age
Childhood is the time when lifelong habits are formed. From my experience as a mother of two grown children, I’ve learned that habits are developed by observing adults (who lead with consistent personal example) and by hands-on actions—not through lectures or endless speeches.
Both my children are competitive athletes, and they know that success only comes with effort and perseverance.
Once again, my personal experience aligns with the research. Studies that examined global happiness have found that children who grow up in homes where they are expected to help with household tasks tend to become happier, more successful adults with the ability to shape their own future.
By teaching children in Japan to take responsibility for cleanliness in public spaces, the Japanese education system helps raise them to become happy and capable adults.
The bow that said it all: when every job holds value
While driving on a winding road toward a popular tourist site, we passed several signs warning of roadwork and asking drivers to slow down. A few workers—both men and women—stood holding flags: white for "you may proceed," orange for "please stop and wait."
Two things surprised us in that work zone:
First – the identity of the workers. One of the women holding a flag was quite elderly.
Second – their behavior as we drove past: most of them bowed to us, as if to say: thank you for your patience, and sorry for the disruption. In return, drivers nodded or raised a hand in thanks to the worker who helped them pass safely.
The worker and the driver were engaged in an interaction—each fulfilling a role in the public sphere. Japanese culture supports this flow of interaction between members of the community, all contributing to the smooth functioning of society.
This collaboration is built on mutual recognition: each person’s role is meaningful and part of a larger picture.
One more unforgettable moment on the road
This was the most moving story of all. One morning, near the base of Mount Fuji, we stopped to refuel the car. After the tank was full, two gas station attendants walked with us back to the road and—using glowing orange batons (just like on airport runways)—they stopped traffic in both directions to help us safely re-enter.
After we had safely merged into the road, we looked back and saw the attendants bowing in thanks toward our car. We were speechless.
These workers were embodying Japanese culture in action. This is the very culture that parents and the education system in Japan intentionally nurture. It wasn’t an isolated episode, but an expression of a way of life—of consideration for others, respect for one’s profession, and dignity in daily life, here in 2025.
💡 What the Japanese experience taught me: A society in which every person feels seen is a society without a backyard. A society that leaves no one behind.
What can we learn from this? A message for education in Israel
The Japanese experience taught me that a society in which every person feels seen—from the elderly road worker to the schoolchild—is a society without a backyard. It’s a society that also nurtures the corners no one notices. A society that leaves no one behind.
This is empathy in action—the ability to truly see the other, not just look at them. To create interactions that acknowledge each person’s value and their contribution to the community.
Dr. Limor Leibovitz – A veteran researcher and educator in the fields of innovation, creativity, and education in the age of artificial intelligence. Developer of content, courses, and books for teachers who want to lead personalized learning—without losing the human voice at the center.
📚 Coming Up in the Next Post
In the next post I’ll explain:
Why this is especially critical now, in the age of AI
What the "Invisible Syndrome" is and how it threatens the next generation
Three practical steps you can take today with your children
💬 Share Your Thoughts
Have you experienced similar examples in your daily life? How do you teach your children to truly see others? Share in the comments!
📖 Want to read more about the four core values in education in the age of AI? Read more in the book "The AI Generation"
🔔 Subscribe to the newsletter for monthly insights on education, creativity, and values in the age of AI: Join here
Coming soon: You’ll be able to book a live online talk for your school with all the insights on Japan—and how to nurture children to thrive in times of great change. The talk is based on the ideas shared here and beyond.
This post addresses key questions about education in the age of artificial intelligence:
1. What is the connection between values like empathy, cleanliness, and consideration for others and the Japanese education system? The Japanese school system instills values in children through daily practices like cleaning their classrooms, bowing to others, and taking responsibility for shared spaces. This post shows how these shape empathetic, socially aware individuals.
2. How does Japanese culture demonstrate a model of civic responsibility from an early age? Through everyday routines and informal education, Japan nurtures a deep sense of civic responsibility—not through discipline, but as part of one’s identity. This is reflected in their attention to cleanliness, adherence to social rules, and mutual respect.
3. Why can a society without a "backyard" serve as a moral model for the age of technology and AI? A society without a "backyard" promotes shared responsibility—nothing is hidden or ignored. In a world where it’s easy to shift blame onto machines, the Japanese model emphasizes human accountability.
4. Which principles from Japanese culture can inspire educational systems in other countries?This post highlights principles such as empathy through action, belonging to a space, daily rituals that reinforce values, and mutual respect—all as a foundation for education fit for an automated, AI-driven world.
5. How do everyday experiences in Japan reinforce the idea that empathy is one of the most essential values to teach in the age of AI?This post shows how small details—bowing, tidying up, maintaining cleanliness—build a system of relationships based on respect and care. This is the foundation upon which we can build resilient humanity in a world shared with intelligent machines.
🧳 Tips for Traveling in Japan
If you're planning a visit to Japan, here are a few practical tips inspired by what I experienced:
Carry your trash – Public trash cans are rare. Bring a small bag to store your wrappers or food waste until you return to your hotel.
Respect the quiet – Trains and public spaces are remarkably quiet. Lower your voice and set your phone to silent.
Bowing is a form of respect – A slight bow is a polite way to thank someone or acknowledge their help.
Shoes off indoors – Be prepared to remove your shoes in homes, traditional restaurants, some museums, and even fitting rooms.
Cash is still common – Despite being high-tech, many places still prefer cash. Have yen on hand, especially in small towns.
Early starts – Many attractions open early and close by 5pm. Start your day early to make the most of it.
These habits are not just rules—they reflect deeper cultural values that shape daily life in Japan.
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