PEACE SIGN IN PICTURES. I noticed that the Japanese loooove to do the peace sign when getting their pictures taken. How do i know this? I see it all the time, everywhere. It can be cute occasionally but I wonder sometimes who started this trend...
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TOILETS. One would never think 
of this in a tropical country but here, warm toilet seats abound. I think it's a cute touch. Especially for someone like me, who feels cold quite easily. Sometimes though, you wonder what all the buttons on the side are for. I can't very well bring Ruther in the Ladies' Room to ask for instructions. The small illustrations beside the buttons help a bit, but I'm still scared of trying them out lest a spray of water hits my face and i die of embarrassment. P.S. They also have the other kind of toilet, the latrine which is more common here. .....
BROCHURES. They never run out of it. In some frequently-visited sites, they also have English versions. Want a floor guide? Just grab one. How about a restaurant guide? A site map? Maybe even a description or photos of the place? Yup. Very handy indeed-y. And makes good souvenirs as well.
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"IRRASHAIMASE." Next to sumimasen, this is the most frequent word I hear here. The moment you enter a store or retaurant or boutique, you are endlessly greeted by this. It means welcome, what can i do to help, please come in. The first time i heard this it sounded like wasai-mas because they spoke so fast. I thought they were scolding me or something. After I found out what it meant, i appreciated it, but sometimes, it can be grating especially when it's screamed at you a lot.
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INEXPERIENCED DRIVERS. They put this green and yellow sticker on the front and back of a car to warn other drivers about their inexperience. When I saw the sticker, I thought it was a University logo. But of course, Ruther told me what it really was for......
DISABLE-FRIENDLY. Japan is disable friendly. They have ramps everywhere as well as escalators and elevators. Once, I saw a station employee wait patiently for a train. When it arrived, he put this small ramp beside the train to allow a passenger in a wheelchair to get off without mishap. Also, they have this yellow tiles for the blind. This way they can walk independently without worries of getting lost or getting hurt. Braille is also used.
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PETS. Japanese take good care of their pets. I sometimes see dogs with cute accessories on them or sporting a trendy "shirt". Also, they look healthy and their coats, shiny. One couple had their dog in a doggie stroller! So cute! When we went to Nissan Stadium to see the flea market there, a store owner's dog wanted a pat so i rubbed its ears and just petted it. Wish I could have a cute doggie soon...
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ANOTHER ARTICLE. Again, not an observation but an interesting little tidbit: "More companies are encouraging employees to work productively and go home on time, according to the Daily Yomiuri. One underwear maker fines its employees up to Y50,000 if they are caught working overtime." Metropolis, May 5, 2006.
Maybe(?) more next time...
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