A resounding display of collective action in Japan as more than 1,100 Japanese residents unite and bring a lawsuit against their landlord. This move reflects an increasing push for more right and protections for tenants in the country. The lawsuit is expected to shed light on the broader issues surrounding landlord-tenant relationship in Japan.

This mass lawsuit signifies a significant shift in Japanese society. Japanese residents are known for their respect for authority and societal hierarchy, including in the landlord-tenant relationship. This legal action not only challenges these norms but also reflects an increasing awareness of individual rights, spurring a fight for fairer treatment and improved housing conditions.

This event starkly contrasts with Western countries like the US and EU where tenant-landlord disputes are usually handled individually. Here, collective action to this scale is rare. However, these nations have comparatively more well-established tenant protections and regulations which may result in less need for such action.