I have often thought I should "level up" my "life communication space" by joining one of the various clubs in my community, such as the pottery club or stained glass-making club. Although I would like to interact with my island community more, I hesitate because of the commitment. In Japan, people pursue even hobbies with such rigor there is little time left for things as sustenance, personal hygiene and sleep.
Japanese maintain a frenetic pace in everything they do. Keeping up with the Joneses is nothing compared to keeping up with the Satos.
So when my neighbor Kazuko asked me to join her "zeni daiko" group, I declined. With so many demands on my time already, I had no desire to sacrifice even my unborn children for the cause.