Safe and Sound

Sunlight streamed through the window, signaling the start of a new day.

Stretching, I sat up in bed, pulling open the curtains to see the sun rising above the buildings of Tokyo.

I followed all my morning routines, said goodbye to my parents and exited my building, beginning the walk to school. A cool breeze brushed my face, rustling the leaves around me. Checking my watch, I saw it was 7:59am. I had 11 minutes before the school gates closed.

As I made my way down the street, I noticed three first graders walking to school all by themselves, with no adults in sight. At first, I felt worried for them. What if a kidnapper came? It wasn’t safe to walk through the streets alone at such a young age. But then, I remembered that this is Japan, and crime isn’t much of a problem here. I had also seen small kids at the park, in a café and even taking the subway by themselves.

Speaking of cafés, I peeked into one on the side of the street, where tables were filled with people working and families talking—something you would find anywhere. However, as I continued watching, I spotted a man standing up and heading outside to answer his phone, leaving all his items on the table. Once again, a wave of worry rushed over me, and I took a step toward the man. But then, I remembered that this is Japan, where thieves aren’t as common, and your belongings are usually safe and sound. Just as I started to pass the café, I spotted the man reentering and returning to his work on his device.

I checked my watch once again. It read 8:06am. Only four more minutes to get to school! I picked up my pace, hurrying past restaurants, stores and parks, just barely making it before the guards shut the gate behind me. I let out a sigh of relief and ran over to my friends, a wide smile spreading across my face.

At the end of the school day, I was walking back home when one of my friends asked: “Hey Linc, I’m going to Step Park. Want to come?” “Sure!” I replied. As we arrived at the park, I noticed a line of bicycles and scooters on the street facing the park. There was a neon green bicycle with “SPEED” written on the side in black. This bicycle didn’t have a lock and had been left unattended. But this is Japan, and your items, no matter where or what they are, will always be safe and sound.

Having visited and lived in a variety of countries, I’ve noticed that these things are unique to Japan and don’t happen elsewhere. In other countries, parents watch their children closely, and people never leave their belongings unguarded. But here, people don’t feel the need to be cautious of strangers. This knowledge brings me a sense of security and pride, knowing that Japan—my country, my home—is a unique place where everyone and everything is always, always safe and sound.

Lincoln Zhang is a seventh grader and a Member of the Club.

Words: Lincoln Zhang
Illustration: Tania Vicedo

November 2024