The blog title above links to an interesting article, addressing an interesting question.

My #1 theory: superspreader individuals make a huge difference, and Japanese culture is one of the few cultures that gets close to universal compliance with advice—thus having few superspreader individuals.

Other contributors:

• The advice to avoid the 3 Cs recommendations are superior to the recommendations in many countries. They 3 Cs to be avoided are:

  • Enclosed spaces with poor ventilation

  • Crowded places with many people

  • Close contact settings such as face-to-face conversations.

• Japanese authorities were also clear about the dangers of heavy breathing in proximity to others.

• The fact that restrictions were voluntary made Japanese authorities willing to activate those restrictions earlier.