In my opinion, Confucius roots are present in both Korean and Japanese societies but more in Korea since it was popular there and naturally spread out to Japan in the very early days...ironically not as popular in China where it originated from but their decendants are royalty throughout East-Asia.

Shared respect and responsibility comes naturally to minimize shame, a negative social credit. Self-shaming rises out of being mindful of one's actions and words. Also helps if you are a Buddhist country.

The results are remarkable. For instance you can leave keys in your car, pass out from drinking on the streets with wallet bulging with cash and almost no Korean or Japanese person would think of even touching it. Note that this does not mean theft is absent in these countries but I do note that even criminals seem to be regular citizens, blending in as much as possible unlike street gangs you see in North America that advertises it openly.

Confucianism was designed from ground up to bring peace and stability in societies during time of extreme political and military upheaval and Chosun dynasty (Korea's longest ruling political power) embraced it and promoted heavily.

It's not without problems tho. Speaking as Korean.

But then why does Japan have a massive problem with sexual assault on subways?

And a Yakuza crime syndicate so feared that cartoons don't show 4-fingered characters?

Not sure why getting roped on train or having organized crime like every other country in the world are related

What do we mock about Japanese culture? It's pretty widely admired as far as I can see.

The bowing, for one glaring example.

I'm not a people person and keep to myself in public but I will act if I see someone kidnap or harass a minor. Its common decency and I'm sure Americans still have that?

How do you know it's a kidnapping and not just a parent?

The bystander effect is pretty strong.