Boris Akunin. Leviathan (№ 365029)

Christian culture is built on guilt. To sin is bad, because then you will be tormented by remorse. To avoid the guilt of normal European tries to behave morally. Similarly, the Japanese committed not to violate ethical standards, but for a different reason. In their society, the role of moral inhibition, plays a shame. Worst of all for the Japanese to be in a shameful position, be condemned, or worse, ridicule of the society. So the Japanese are very afraid to commit any obscenity. I assure you that as a public civilize shame is more effective than conscience.