Quote Originally Posted by Maciamo
Hachiro, what make you see the Japanese as "stubborn" ? My impression was rather the opposite, they usually don't insist over an argument (probably due to low self-esteem and an urge not to confront people). Socially, they often do what other people want what seems to be as an very flexible manner.

I have to agree with Hachiro here. Maybe it is because you never really had friends while you were in Japan, but more of a business relationship, but I find many of my Japanese/Okinawan (there is a difference) friends to be quite stubborn.

On the punctual part, I find Japanese to be quite punctual most of the time, no matter what the reason. Okinawans on the other hand are very laid back and time really has a different meaning to them. I rarely find them in a hurry to get something done and they show up quite late at times with a quick gomenasai that usually seems like more of a routine than an actual feeling.