ah yes I long for the halcyon days of socializing while filling up with gas.

Matches the culture. I’ll give you a clue why they’re declining in population growth, zero interaction with other people.

It does match the culture in the sense that Japan had been a mostly cash society until recent years. In addition, gas stations are not getting robbed as it is a much safer place than the U.S. (as an example).

As to your remarks, I see people interacting everyday. But since you purport to be an expert, I’d love to hear some more of your hands on experiences and observations regarding zero interaction with other people.