By; Ali Syarief
Japan and Indonesia may be thousands of kilometers apart, but their hearts are growing closer every day. Through culture, technology, and human connection, Japan has quietly shaped the way many Indonesians live, think, and even dream. Whether through a bowl of ramen, a bullet train, or a simple morning greeting at work, the influence of Japan is present in many corners of Indonesian life.
This story is not just about globalization—it’s about inspiration, friendship, and the power of cultural exchange.
Anime, Manga, and the Language of Fun
For many Indonesian children (and adults, too!), the first contact with Japan often comes through anime. Shows like Doraemon, Naruto, or Attack on Titan are loved not only for their stories, but also for the values they carry—like teamwork, perseverance, and respect.
Some children even start picking up Japanese words naturally: “arigatou,” “hai,” and “ganbatte!”—because language feels fun when it comes with a story. Just like in Lex Hippo, where we learn through joy and real-life experiences, anime and manga create an entry point to deeper curiosity about Japan’s language and culture.
Cleanliness, Precision, and the Spirit of Kaizen
One of the most powerful Japanese ideas that has touched Indonesian life is kaizen—the idea of continuous improvement. This philosophy is now practiced in many Indonesian companies and even schools.
For example, car repair shops that used to be dirty and noisy are now clean, tidy, and comfortable to visit. Why? Because the people working there have learned to take pride in their space and their service—just like their Japanese partners and mentors taught them.
Morning meetings with cheerful greetings, shared responsibilities, and a focus on doing one’s best—these things are now happening more and more in Indonesian workplaces, creating a kinder and more respectful work environment.
Riding the Rails: From Local Trains to Bullet Trains
If you ask someone in Indonesia about a big improvement in the last decade, they might point to one thing: the train system. Indonesian trains used to be messy, crowded, and often late. But now? They’re clean, cool, on time, and even have modern apps for booking tickets.
And in 2023, Indonesia proudly launched Whoosh, the country’s first bullet train—connecting Jakarta and Bandung at speeds of up to 350 km/h. It’s the first high-speed train in Southeast Asia and a giant leap in public transportation.
While the technology came from a collaboration with China, the dream of a bullet train has long been inspired by Japan’s world-famous shinkansen. The commitment to safety, comfort, and punctuality reflects values that Indonesia has learned from Japan—and adapted in its own way.
For many Indonesians, riding Whoosh feels like stepping into the future. For kids especially, it’s not just a train—it’s an experience of wonder, speed, and national pride.
Food, Simplicity, and Healthy Living
Another warm way Japan connects with Indonesian hearts is through food. Sushi, ramen, mochi, and even Japanese-style lunch boxes (bento) are popular in Indonesian cities.
But it’s not just about taste—it’s about lifestyle. Japanese food teaches us to enjoy natural flavors, eat in balance, and take time to appreciate what we have. The Japanese way of life, with its focus on simplicity and mindfulness, is becoming more attractive to Indonesian families who want to live with less stress and more meaning.
Learning Together, Growing Together
Every year, hundreds of Indonesian students travel to Japan to study. Some go with scholarships, others through cultural exchange programs like JENESYS. When they return, they bring more than just degrees—they bring stories, values, and friendships.
Many Lex Hippo families in Indonesia and Japan have experienced these kinds of exchanges too: hosting each other, sharing meals, learning each other’s languages without pressure—just through daily life and natural curiosity.
This is how true understanding grows—not from textbooks, but from the heart.
Conclusion: A Friendship that Teaches and Transforms
Japan is not just a country on the map—it’s a living inspiration for many Indonesians. From how we work to how we eat, from how we learn to how we dream, Japan’s influence is a beautiful part of our lives.
And just like in Lex Hippo, this connection grows stronger when we share our stories, our homes, and our hearts. It’s not about who is teaching and who is learning—it’s about walking side by side, growing together.
Because in the end, the best kind of influence is the one that brings people closer, not just across countries—but across generations.
