In Japan, a former patient reported experiencing discrimination after their illness became known to their community. The individual's path was literally swept clean after they walked on it, an act signaling ostracism and ostracization. This incident has sparked a conversation about the stigmatization of disease and the lack of understanding about sickness within Japanese society.

In Japanese society, saving face and social harmony are often considered to be of utmost importance. Health issues, particularly mental health issues, are often seen as taboo and are not openly discussed. Therefore, individuals suffering from such conditions often face discrimination and are socially ostracized. This event exposes a societal issue that the Japanese cultural landscape continues to grapple with.

In contrast, while the US and EU also face issues of stigmatizing illness, particularly mental illnesses, the discussion and acceptance of these conditions have markedly improved. There are also laws and regulations in place, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the U.S., that hold discrimination against individuals with health conditions unlawful.