NAGANO, Japan -- As the graffiti-free streets and trains testify, vandalism like that committed by some members of the U.S. hockey team is rare in Japan.

Although most Japanese see such behavior as extremely infantile and socially abhorrent, foreign guests -- especially Olympic athletes -- are no doubt more easily forgiven.

SINCE CHILDHOOD, MOST JAPANESE are taught to conform to rigid standards of behavior, down to the color of socks and underwear in schools.

Criminal charges against the hockey players are unlikely. Police are unable to make a case unless property-owners, in this case the Nagano Olympic organizers, file a complaint. The maximum penalty is three years in prison or $2,400 in fines.