Is there ever something for nothing?

Japan's economic prosperity, spotless facade and their immaculate tidiness and cleanliness do come at a price. People have worked extremely hard to turn the country into what it is and to maintain it that way. The price to pay is the long hours and the stress from striving to become perfect.

We take it for granted that there is something for nothing, that the state is responsible for planning, regulating and cleaning when in fact people have so much self discipline that they self regulate and do their own bits to contribute without state intervention. It could be something to be admired or aspired to but would other people be willing to pay the same price as the Japanese? Would we want to work the long hours? Would we mind being on a go constantly? Could we manage the expectation for such high standards?