Cold waves have hit the Japanese archipelago intermittently, but on sunny days in Kitanomaru Park near Palaceside Building in Tokyo—with the Nippon Budokan and National Museum of Nature and Science—people stroll slowly, unable to wait for spring, or point cameras at cherry buds that seem slightly swollen.
Did you know there is a sign at the park entrance about walking dogs? Under the title "To Those About to Walk Their Dogs," written in red, seven rules are listed: rabies vaccination within one year; no biting habit; dog firmly leashed and never released; clean up and take home waste; no brushing dogs on site—and more. It states that if rules are not followed, patrol staff will order you to leave. To prepare for accidents or trouble, visitors are asked to wear a manners card reading "I will observe good manners" on the dog or owner.
As befits a park managed by the national government (Ministry of the Environment)—a painstaking measure born of frustration with manners. Extending that idea, perhaps a sign in the Diet reading "I will keep my manifesto promises" for lawmakers to wear?