[yamakadi]

There are quite a few rules and local laws in Japan that don’t carry any punishment or, indeed, aren’t even enforced but are still followed. Making it law in this case is more of a nudge than anything else. Honestly, it’s much more scary here to be stared down by a group old people than the police.

[iso8859-1]

Just curious, what happens when the old people come after you? Is it because they could be yakuza?

[yamakadi]

It’s just extremely uncomfortable. I try to participate in the neighborhood events as well so it’s better to just fall in line (wherever the line is, not really clear either). Just a recent example, I forgot to wear a mask last week when I went to the supermarket and kept getting stares by other shoppers. That wouldn’t be an issue even a couple of months ago.

I’m guilty of it now, too, though. If anyone is smoking on the road while walking or biking, I lock eyes with them and they usually stop or at least turn away.