As a historical case study it can be used to test theories of what is or is not necessary for development and what is simply accidental about the nature of developed societies in the West. For Africa to learn from Japan it will have to have an understanding of the distinct historical experiences of Japanese society. With such an understanding Africa could decide for itself what could be learned from Japan, what could be ignored as accidental and irrelevant, and in what areas it was already ahead of Japan. Were Japan not around to observe, experts in economic development would be arguing about what a non-Western developed society would be like. In many aspects of its traditional culture Japan manages to surpass traditional Western values, putting the West to shame and posing a challenge to the world.
Japanese punctuality is extreme by European or American standards.
Hard work is such a part of life that karoshi , or death from overwork, is becoming a serious social problem. The discipline and financial honesty of the people is also one of Japan's greatest assets. The attention to detail and fear of making mistakes has helped Japan adopt and improve on American methods of quality control, making Japanese manufactured goods the world standard in quality. Japanese love of and respect for learning has made it one of the most literate and learned societies on earth. Quiz shows are as popular and omnipresent on Japanese TV as violent 'cop shows' are on American.