Reverse-parking?

My trip to Kagoshima with two guests felt long, but it now seems like it passed very quickly.

One thing they found interesting is that we always reverse-park. Australians, and Americans, as far as I know, seldom do so. They were wondering why. I think it is safer because you do not have to reverse when you go out. It is safer to reverse when you park because you have just confirmed there is no one in that space you are about to park. On the other hand, if you are backing-out, it may take some time to get into the car, put your luggage in, start the engine, and then change the gears to reverse. By the time you start moving backward, there may be something behind your car; it may be a cat, it may be a pedestrian, or a child that is too short to be seen from the driver. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to me to reverse-park.  I hope many people understand it and be safer! (Even though it takes you more time to wait for other cars to park!)