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Fun Facts to ASTONISH YOUR MIND

  • Writer: William Breckenridge
    William Breckenridge
  • Aug 23, 2016
  • 5 min read

Up until this moment my posts have been predominantly biographical. I hope that through reading them, you, my faithful audience, can understand what my life is like in Japan. But I don't want this blog to be just about me or about my impressions of Japan. I want you to understand some of the fascinating, random, and curious qualities that make Japan such a unique country. Thus this post is anecdotal and includes some random observations that could be helpful to you if you ever decide to visit Japan.

1. No tips/minor taxes: I enjoy eating at restaurants not only because the food is superior to what I could cook at home, but because I know exactly how much I will spend. I don't have to worry about tipping, taxes, or a gratuity for a large party: it's all included within the cost of the meal (which is still reasonably priced). My friend was low on cash so I paid for his meal tonight: for the two of us it was $16. I dig it. As for taxes, I believe there is a charge for groceries but it is reasonable.

2. You can never out-thank or out-bow a Japanese person: Don't even try. I unsuccessfully attempted to do it but was soundly defeated in a fashion not seen since the San Antonio Spurs' annihilation of the Miami Heat in the 2014 NBA Finals. Respect is so deeply ingrained into their culture that even I, a person who endeavors to be respectful, am at a loss to surpass or even equal their respect. It's astonishing but goes a long way towards smoothing day-to-day interactions. Since arriving in July, I only saw an angry Japanese man once make a scene shouting at the Haneda Airport staff. Everyone else I observe--employee and patron alike--are respectful and polite to one another.

3. ATM sadness: ATMs typically ARE NOT 24/7 in Japan. They close when the bank closes and will inconveniently be closed on weekends. While I wouldn't describe this as frustrating, I would offer that it is slightly inconvenient because...

4. Japan is a cash-based society: I hear tell there are credit cards but most people use cash (not that I, a green ALT fresh off the plane from Seattle-hipster land, would be eligible). I don't even have a debit card from my bank: I was given a bank statement book and a card both of which allow me to make withdrawals from ATMS (and that's it). Thus perhaps once or twice a week (now that I got paid!) I go to the bank and withdraw cash. I'm not disappointed with this difference, however. I figure I will be more attentive to my expenses when I withdraw money rather than enjoying the mindless luxury of swiping my debit/credit card.

5. Toilets: Below is a picture of a traditional Japanese toilet I copied off the Internet. These toilets in addition to urinals are present at my base school, Sakiyama Junior High. Thankfully in my apartment and in most businesses there are Western-style toilets. This is certainly a unique and recent phenomenon for me as I spent the majority of my time at an international university when I lived in Japan previously. Without going into too much detail, I am very glad I practice squats regularly at the gym. I won't lie: these toilets are awkward as hell. I have only needed to use it once thankfully. It's a stimulating challenge, but not one I endeavor to repeat.

6. BEER: The Japanese love beer so I am in good company. The market is basically owned by three companies: Sapporo, Kirin, and Asahi (conveniently ranked in order of my preference though the differences between the beers are slight). The vast majority of Japanese beers are light lagers. I won't lie: they are certainly appreciated after an especially hot summer day. But eventually the beer snob in me rears his head. He craves depth, sophistication, complexity, higher ABVs, and malt. I would be content with a brown ale or a stout (nothing too demanding or crazy). I will just wait and explore the wonderful world of umeshu (plum wine) and sake. Speaking of which...

What we consider sake (rice wine) is called Nihon-shu in Japanese ("Nihon"=Japan and "shu" is the suffix for alcohol). Sake is the general word for alcohol but Nihon-shu narrows it down just to the rice wine.

7. Convenient stores: convenient stores like 7/11, FamilyMart, Lawson, and RIC ('conbini' in Japanese) exist in Japan but they are more useful and dynamic than their American counterparts. For example, they provide not just snacks but full 'bento' meals. They may be equipped with an ATM, a printer/fax machine, a machine to buy tickets to movies, sporting events, or concerts. I like them.

8. Relaxed Service: Oh yeah! There is something else I enjoy about dining in Japan: there is no rush. Whenever I ate out at home in the U.S., I always felt rushed. The waiter swings by asking if you want anything else: it begins as a courtesy but soon means "please leave". In Japan, you can take as long as you want (assuming the place isn't really crowded; if it is, you may be asked to share a table if space allowed for it--similar to dining at a teppanyaki restaurant). In fact, generally you have to call the waiter over to take your order because they may ignore you otherwise. At first my conditioning missed someone checking in to see if I needed anything; then I realized I enjoyed being left alone with my friends. I could always say "Sumimasen" (please excuse me) and someone would rush over to hear my request.

Well, will you look at the time! I need to get ready to visit my island school. Catch you next time! Thank you for reading.

--Post Island School Amendment--

9. The Needs of the Few: I will explore this idea in its own "concise" post but I wanted to briefly mention that today I went to Saganoshima, my island school. The island has perhaps two hundred people living on it. The junior high school consists of only one student; the elementary school has six students. The environment is relaxed and I feel this will be my most "chill" school. Nevertheless I was surprised and asked my mentor, "Why don't they close down the school and move the students to a larger school?" My mentor looked at me confused and said, "By law every child is guaranteed an education." Even if it is more expensive to keep the school open for several students (or just one) the government will ensure that this is happens and the populace happily foots the bill. "Impressed" doesn't even begin to describe my feelings.


 
 
 

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