Changing of the guard

Why is the day so often punctuated with military stiffness in so many institutions in a country that has apparently rejected militarism?

I see this early morning walking the dogs.

At a car dealership, and the local fire station, with physical exercises, and I believe a J chant.

I think this is a means to infuse pride in one work.

Moonraker

Why is the day so often punctuated with military stiffness in so many institutions in a country that has apparently rejected militarism?

Discipline, obedience, and respect for authority.

itsonlyrocknroll

I see this early morning walking the dogs.

At a car dealership, and the local fire station, with physical exercises, and I believe a J chant.

I think this is a means to infuse pride in one work.

Nope. It's a means to instill discipline, obedience, and respect for authority.

jacknbox

There has to be a strong sense of command order which is also true in most brigrades. They have to make life-threatening decisions.

Again...it's for discipline, obedience, and respect for authority.

Of course, other fire brigades in the world don't seem to need such overt military formality, while some institutions in Japan, such as businesses, are not putting their lives on the line for anything, even if that is a rationale. It's obvious there is something else going on here. garypen may have some of the story.

Is the salute a recognition that firefighters could be ordered into the most treacherous situations?

The captain is required to order his team to risk their lives?

Pay the ultimate sacrifice?

Maybe because Japan was basically a military dictatorship for 800 years, a few decades of civilian government don't overcome the ingrained martial consciousness.

Discipline, obedience, and respect for authority.

Exactly, it's just like Boy Scouts and military school in other countries. I don't see why everyone is so confused.

They should be praised for the life-saving work they do. One day you might need them.

Appreciating the need for firefighters and questioning the generalised need for military formality in many institutions are not mutually exclusive, wallace. I think you might be able to see that.

Moonraker

fire brigades and police across the world use salutes. It’s not unique to Japan.

Strict discipline is a requirement. If people don't follow orders people get hurt and killed.