Athlete Yokoyama managed to finish a grueling marathon, dedicated to his late mother. In an awe-inspiring moment upon crossing the finish line, he exclaimed, "I did it", as a tribute to his mother. The event took place recently in Japan, where the resilient runner's strength and determination captured the heart of the nation.
In Japan, there is a deep social value associated with perseverance, known as 'Gaman', which is highly respected. Additionally, the bond between parents and children is paramount, and honoring one's parents is an integral part of the culture. Yokoyama's performance and his spirit through adversity resonate with these cultural values and found a special place in the hearts of the Japanese people.
In contrast, while endurance and resilience are respected in the US or EU, the emphasis on these qualities is not as deeply ingrained culturally as in Japan. Expression of personal grief and commitment on such a public platform might be less common as cultural norms around grief and death are generally more private in Western cultures.