Apropos of the news story “Nepalis in Japan face psychological problems, suicide cases rising” (THT, Feb. 6, Page 1), many Nepali workers, students or migrants do not prepare themselves well before diving into Japan. They are attracted by the false promise or imagination of unlimited income and cushy life. Neither is possible. It is truly an alien country very different from others right from the daunting language and culture. Life is hard; the pace is hectic and robotic in Japan. The workplaces are formal, serious and rigid. Nepali workers will find it difficult to cope with the long work cultures, stifling ethos and etiquette of the delicate society. Forget about going to work late, one cannot even afford to be late for a date by a fraction of a minute. Work is serious business like in the fictional ‘Brave New World’. Some of the don’ts include refraining from chit-chatting, vanishing from office, taking frequent toilet and tea breaks or long dal-bhat session; talking loudly in person or on phone will invite strange looks even at public places and on trains; no slouching on the chair, no standing akimbo or arms crossed on the chest or in the pockets or behind the back, no walking even in public places like footpaths and railway stations by brushing against people and definitely not going home at the dot of six on the watch. Do’s include standing up and bowing endlessly at appropriate body angle, arms in right postures, to greet and bid farewell to visitors, speaking politely to customers and agreeing with them all the time, being courteous to the point of servility. Following the customs and social and business etiquette can themselves be a full time job, a depressing routine, for us who are used to a nice, friendly, casual, informal lifestyle at home and at work where we call all seniors and bosses as ‘dai’ or ‘uncle’. It is, therefore, not surprising that Nepalis in Japan suffer from serious sychological problems.

Manohar Shrestha, Kathmandu

Honour her

Recently mountaineer Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Akita was named the 2016 National Geographic People’s Choice Adventurer of the Year. Born in Lukla of Solukhumbu district, Sherpa Akita was selected from a group of adventure innovators whose extraordinary achievements in exploration, conservation, humanitarianism and adventure sports distinguished in the previous year. She is considered one of the best climbers of Nepal as she has scaled mountains like Mt.Everest, K2, Ama Dablam and Lobuche. She is also part of the women mountaineering expedition of the country which has climbed all the highest peaks from all the seven continents. Well it is really a matter of pride for us because she has made us feel proud. Now time has come for the government to bestow a national honour on her, too.

Pratik Shrestha, Kathmandu