Letter From Tokyo Analysis

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In the article, “Letter from Tokyo” journalist Michael A. Lev shares his complications in Japan.. Lev has had many difficulties because he is not used to the changes in culture’s. Lev had a realization in the beginning that made him realize that his attitude could affect the way he writes since people in Tokyo do not have such a temper as New Yorkers. Also, while at lunch with his Japanese interpreter, Naoko Nishiwaki, Lev had a fallout with the server. When Lev received his order of a cheeseburger compared to Naoko’s “One’s” burger, he was stunned. He could not believe that people actually could obey such rules. Even if it is just food. Last, Lev needed a phone, but to do that Japanese citizens need a residency card. However, his card was …show more content…
Lev got so fed up that he couldn’t see that the world does not care what he thinks because they will stand by their own rules. It was very difficult for Lev to not get his way in the restaurant because he is so used to knowing what he gets on his food. Finding out that he can’t “get his way” is very hard, especially when that is the way you are used to living life. Lev’s argument to the server over her adding lettuce and tomato to his cheese burger was as if it was World War 3.While he was driving, Lev got pulled over for speeding. To be tricky, he gave his international I.D. because he knew the numbers wouldn’t match up with the ticket. What would be worse a warning or a sloppy ticket from the cop? Also, the hardship of getting a phone was not only exhausting but confusing to him. However, he understands why they are so uptight about their rules. In the article he says, “Japanese society does not teach or tolerate independent thinking. All decisions are reached by consensus. Everything is done by the book.” (479). This means citizens can’t do whatever they want or it’ll cause chaos. Last, Lev realizes that even though money is a huge thing in life, if people do not have the proper paperwork to do things they will not be able to continue in Japan. The life of Japan is very different from a life in

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