Kappa Sushi

Chain sushi restaurants? Only in Japan I’ve been saying that a lot lately. Only in Japan. But where else do you know where sushi, edamame, cakes, drinks, and anything else you could possibly want to eat is put on a conveyor belt that carries it around the restaurant to the waiting customers? I myself have never actually seen that. The best part besides the pay-by-plate theory (you generate quite a stack) is the mini bullet train that carries the special order items to the correct table.

On the topic of Only in Japan. I have noticed it in all the countries I go to. In Germany, I have said “Only in Germany” many times- mainly referring to drinking norms and the open window theory that seems to be engrained in every German’s head. In Amsterdam I used the “Only in” phrase to express my awe in that the coffee shops were frequented not only by foreigners, but locals as well. Everywhere I go, I seem to notice the “Only in” attitude. I’m sure it is a cultural difference that my mind is still trying to fathom.

Only in….the USA can you not realize how culturally diverse your neighbors are, and yet not interact with them to better understand and maybe even assimilate parts of their culture into your own. That is why experiences abroad are so culturally and life enriching.

Toilets

The bathroom experience in Japan is fascinating. About now, a lot of you will probably think I am insane or something for bringing up this topic. It really is a pertinent and interesting cultural topic. I had heard that the Japanese toilets were similar to the typical “western style” toilet. Well, for the most part, that has generally been my experience. But then there are what I like to call “technologically advanced” toilets as well as the antithesis- “stone age squatters.” The high tech toilet has buttons for everything. And I mean EVERYTHING. You can heat the seat, release a deoderant spray, get a squirt of water, and even a button that makes a flushing sound to block out otherwise “impolite” sounds that (god forbid) you may make while in the toilet. Sometimes, the best part about these toilets is flushing. On the top of some of the most advanced ones I have seen, is a sink- the water flows when the toilet is flushed. And then there are the buttons that I still have not tried to figure out.

On the other hand is the wonderful squat toilet. I truly have no idea how this thing is properly utilized. When we first saw our option in the Hirakata-shi area, we were horrified! After lots of jokes, we finally tried it out. The squat toilet versus the high tech gadget…how can there be such a difference in facilities I wonder.

In addition to the schism between restroom facilities, the Japanese have toilet paper with comics and advertisements printed right on the paper! I guess you can reach a high number of potential customers that way, since everyone has to use the restroom at some point…but I still cant help but feel a bit weird using comics in the bathroom as something other than reading material.

Overall, I have been surprised with the cleanliness and availability of bathrooms in Japan. It is fascinating to experience both the high tech and stone age versions in one day, and even more fascinating to attempt to read some Japanese comics in the process.

Karaoke

Last night I experienced true karaoke for the first time. Unlike in other countries I have sung karaoke in, you aren’t in a bar with a ton of strangers watching and listening to you. Instead, you and your friends are given a private room. Complete with two phonebook sized song lists, complete temperature, lighting, and sound control, food and drinks, and of course….microphones. It was very fun to see how into the music the Japanese get, as well as seeing how different countries came across through song and interaction. I am happy to say that Japanese karaoke was a great experience, and one that will surely be repeated during my stay

First Impressions

Japan. Foreign. Everything is different here. From the food to the fashion…the laws to the cultural norms. I had to throw out nearly everything I knew from Germany and the US. Every cultural aspect that I have grown up with. They drive on the left side of the road, and without any inhibitions or care for things in their way, and yet they are the most polite people I have ever met. They eat bean paste on pancakes, and rice with salmon for breakfast. They don’t tolerate noise from foreigners, but slurp their noodles, talk very loudly, and sing karaoke when they are drunk. They have ancient world heritage sites surrounded by modern skyscrapers and industrial companies.
Overall, it is just plain different. Good and bad. But its an experience that most people never have. And I can and will deal with the disappointing parts so that I can experience this unique culture to its fullest. Every day thus far has been an incredible learning experience. The next few posts will explore the things I have noticed and experienced over the past two weeks.