It’s no secret that Japan is a dream destination of so many people because there’s something for everyone. Ultra-modern toilets in skyscrapers in the largest city in the world, historical shrines and temples with a thousand-year-old traditions and rites, a closed-off culture completely foreign to the Westerners. While I mostly knew what I was getting myself into, having been interested in the culture for a while, I was still caught unprepared in certain situations and I’m sure this list will only grow.
1/ Flip phones
I’d heard about it, but I hadn’t thought I would actually see it. Yet, the other day, as I was walking down the street, I saw a man talking on a good old fashioned flip phone!
2/ The clothes
You may have heard of the Japanese summer heat and it really is what everyone makes it out to be. But still, everyone, for some reason wears long trousers (or a long skirt/ dress) and at least a T-shirt or a full-on button-down shirt. And in some cases even multiple layers! I would understand if it was maybe in a desert but because of the humidity, the clothes only stick to you (or at least to me) and it’s quite uncomfortable.
3/ Two prices
There are shops in which I’ve noticed two prices. At first, I had no idea what it was – perhaps the lower price is for the costumers with a special member card? But after a bit of thinking (and looking at the receipt), I realised that it’s the tax. So if you ever come here, pay attention to the higher price, since that’s what it’ll actually cost you.
4/ The time
Specifically, the time the sun sets, which is quite early in summer. Here in Hiroshima in the beginning of September, it’s quite dark at 7pm! I believe it’s due to two main reasons – the distance from the equator and the fact that daylight saving time is not a thing here.
5/ Kanji everywhere
And the lack of English translations (which I don’t know why I expected them to be here, since it’s not anywhere in the world unless it’s an official language). But again, I should have known that there would be kanji on the remove controls for the AC, the toilet, the washing machine, the stove, … But I just somehow didn’t realise. In the end, it’s a positive thing for me, as I’m trying to learn the language and this will push me to see these complicated Chinese characters everywhere around me, so they may stick more easily, it’s just it can take a while to figure out how certain things work so I do appreciate the patience of everyone who’s assisted me so far. ♥
