(More likely UI than food, but you know this already.)
It’s my first time here. Please comment away and/or point out my cultural insensitivities!
Tons of solar panels passed by on the way.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU77_11V4AArwpm.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU78uHIUQAADmzt.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU78-OjVMAA8H19.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU79kRiUQAEDZov.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU79kUuVoAESinI.jpg)
(But also, I am really tired and stressed out after a turbulence-happy flight, so perhaps I’m projecting.)
(Contrast: San Francisco BART gate that slammed itself into my thigh and gave me a bruise *after* I paid my fare.)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU8BqybVwAEFioY.jpg)
But FROM A DISTANCE.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU8Ehg0VQAEUlVJ.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU8JUIgVAAAcm5m.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU8JUIeVwAAmrPQ.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU8iEVZVMAAPsIG.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU8iEVZUMAASRIo.jpg)
Also, is it stretched type all around? 0_O
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU8l_yNUMAArjga.jpg)
What do I need this for, though?
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU-TA7OU0AAl6tm.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU-TA7OVAAET0gD.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU-TA8SU0AAJ2Gy.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU-XHdoU0AAeBXp.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU-XgDEVoAAVx1V.jpg)
In general, only 50/100 look like they’ve been designed together.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU-axK_WkAEKz_m.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU-dShqU0AA5U51.jpg)
(As you can see, it took me a while.)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU-jfCGVwAAPffZ.jpg)
· good relationship luck
· nuclear accident investigation
· language reform
· emperorship of Japan
· WWII (the visuals were about Japan’s reconstruction)
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5_yen_coin
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU_JweyVQAEnkOw.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU_SkOZVAAAl1cP.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU_SkOZU8AAsnYc.jpg)
(Related read about noise in Japan: japantimes.co.jp/life/2014/10/1…)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU_Xt39UMAE1vyf.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU_X-CbU0AApunD.jpg)
Does this road signage say “watch for children 7:30-8:30”?
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU_Yt9gU0AAzF7o.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU_aMuSUMAA4ZJJ.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU_b-clVwAAOEw0.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU_b-ckVAAEgDeL.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU_b-hdUQAA9wnF.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DU_dBFUU8AAefpa.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVACGHUU8AAT20a.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVADqYOV4AEwkDH.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVAJRyZVAAEFul8.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVAJR1QVoAEFh_y.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVAOmQvU8AIJS6b.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVAPE5iU8AA6_Ob.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVAPE5pVAAYnjj-.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVAPE5lVoAAkuJl.jpg)
*turns to camera three, does a very slow salute*
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVAQMVgVoAASBqH.jpg)
(Also, thanks for following this thread!)
Examples: tactile presentation of the train configuration, and lower handlebars. Also, each elevator has a second set of buttons for people in wheelchairs.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVATiWXU0AAAuYD.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVATilXVwAEl7bj.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVAVmurVQAEXpX4.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVAVmu2V4AABkuQ.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVAVmvoUQAE0uUC.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVAVmviUMAAKQwI.jpg)
(And I saw a bunch of things on the way I couldn’t take photos of. :·( )
(However, the sort order of soundtracks defeated me.)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVAzEuxUQAE9T7p.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVAzEvTVMAE-IV4.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVAzEwbUMAABa2B.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVAzyS7UMAACmjT.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVAzyS2U8AAemG8.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVA2iPuVMAA4lTs.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVA2723U0AAbWls.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVA3wvgVwAITzC4.jpg)
I needed to go to the restroom today. I found one in the subway, behind fare gates. When I tried to leave, the gates closed on me, saying I should seek assistance. But I didn’t know how to.
Comically, of course, that train ended up being some non-stop express.)
Clever, but a bit overwhelming from my perspective. However, if you’re used to UIs looking like that TV guide or subway above…
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVA7OJfU8AAbRs8.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVA9rURVoAANymW.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVA9rUKV4AAiIiB.jpg)
(Also, an amazing place name in that second photo.)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVA-XWHVwAAGh51.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVA-XWHU0AAqRyo.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVBIcD3V4AARsfw.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVBIcDzVMAAtoqL.jpg)
I wore my Crater Lake slippers on the way for good luck! But also memorized the etiquette three times over: sentoguide.info/etiquette
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVBarUNXkAAtV-n.jpg)
Here’s “big bathhouse,” the first try:
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVBbPItWkAA6Wvu.jpg)
(My initial reaction was probably the same as ancient people seeing an eclipse. The smudge on the right is me trying to understand the phenomenon.)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVDgVtHVoAAe29T.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVEUKAtU8AAk-Dt.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVEUKAuU8AA9q4u.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVEY0YaVoAAtt6z.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVEY0YZUMAAs5Lz.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVEY0YXVMAAPcVF.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVEY0YcUMAAKVec.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVFHDzYVoAE7c4U.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVFHDzcUMAU2fbY.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVFHDzaVMAAgaxs.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVFHayCUQAAwrJN.jpg)
Google Translate says both buttons (which I assume are for manual advancing) say “push,” but they look slightly different?
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVFHzyHU8AAkmHb.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVFHzyJUQAAseZI.jpg)
Also, I liked the convention “grayed out text = stations already visited.” It helped me once I got it. Does it mean each line is always shown in the same order?
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVFIuM_UQAEPZVl.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVFIuM_VAAEgV22.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVFIuM_VoAAtcEk.jpg)
(Which explains the money cover above.)
Also, vending machines don’t seem to be gross here! Which is becoming kind of an overall theme.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVFNKe_U0AAWha2.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVFNKe-UQAIsO7S.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVFNKgIVwAAuSm8.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVFR_05VAAAq4fq.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVFR_1gU0AA4PkV.jpg)
That’s a wrap, everyone! I don’t think I am ready for anything more.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVFY7KNVAAAAsZC.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVF4TccU0AExSc4.jpg)
(Unless it’s zero-bit, always lit up to brag how often trains run here.)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVGIxaFVQAIBSHX.jpg)
(I read this top to bottom: Friends abandon you when you have a kid, your kids grow up, eventually you die and they take over.)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVGKN5UVAAA9btW.jpg)
Nice.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVGKo9xUMAAlvm9.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVGKo_DVMAA-0Nb.jpg)
The line of gingko trees held a surprise.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVGRY6TU8AAeZTe.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVGRY9kV4AAIRqA.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVGRZA-UQAAxepX.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVGRZB0VwAAJMO-.jpg)
It’s a bunch of city blocks that look like this. I don’t think I know how to explain how much of an assault on senses this was.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVGslL2V4AEQmvA.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVGslL4VAAEagCj.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVGslN2V4AA901P.jpg)
If I was a kid, I think I would just live here. This would be my Terminal.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVGuOVmU8AA_xlI.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVGuOViUMAEY-JR.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVGuOVlUQAEx7Do.jpg)
*
pause
for
dramatic
effect
*
…SONY’S FIRST EVER WALKMAN!
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVGvhG3VwAAN6m4.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVGvhIhUMAAw4WZ.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVGvhKaVMAEX3Dy.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVGvhPaU8AAHvVN.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVGzUAtXUAAq5HK.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVGzUDqW0AEOwgH.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVGzUDwWsAAGYK3.jpg)
“Best.”
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVG1DPVVwAEDL5p.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVHEjsPVoAAeJJZ.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVHEjsOU8AAdy-l.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVHEjsQV4AEK2oO.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVHEjsNVAAAqYwd.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVHJSHXVwAAe6jY.jpg)
And yes, this does appear to be a magazine about spreadsheets?
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVHKOB1VQAEKCY6.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVHKOCaUMAAr_pE.jpg)
(I drew the complicated one on my trackpad. It says 解体工事: demolition work. February 4 is Sunday = no construction.)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVIZ7ODVQAA9jT8.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVIZ7SVVwAANTnH.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVIafymVMAAu9yV.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVIafykU8AAPF-A.jpg)
(Fun moment elsewhere: A nice lady tried to help me when lost, and I said “subway” and then tried to visualize it with my arm going underground, after which she asks “metro?” and I’m like “I’m European! Why on earth didn’t I say that?!”)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVIbnRIUQAAMx96.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVIbnRWV4AAdHKn.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVIsN--V4AU0pDW.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVIsN--VMAA4mnf.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVIsN-_VAAAXjQi.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVItERSVwAAFcwj.jpg)
(However, this is not typical. I just learned, post factum, that by visiting this hotel I put money in the pocket of a person who’s looking like Japan’s Trump: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toshio_Mo… :·/ )
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVI66CfXUAEy4Eq.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVI9MB-U0AAsuAe.jpg)
(Also, not an expert, but I haven’t seen this type of PlayStation before.)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVI9_kNVAAAr3Ww.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVI9_kOVoAAh4Bs.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVI9_kIVQAAS0J-.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVI9_olUQAAdc5e.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVI--dcVAAAz7qe.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJAvi6U8AAVApV.jpg)
Of course not me. Jesus. It took me like 20 minutes to work up the nerve to press Oscillate.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJCP_yUMAANske.jpg)
(There must be a name for this kind of a situation, as it happens to me all the time…)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJFZwfVQAAQ8p6.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJPww2U0AAtg4Q.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJPw5YU8AAkEv5.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJQc8WU8AElXh8.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJSSb-VAAEIiZL.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJSSb-U8AEniiP.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJSScIV4AYLb5z.jpg)
(Last photo: women’s bathroom.)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJV-CTUQAAhhHE.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJV-E-U8AUOM6F.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJV-GiUQAUS3fJ.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJV-L1VAAMDuRV.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJXzPrVoAAcCUb.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJXzPpVMAAsJu6.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJXzPqVoAE1GY3.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJXzPoVQAAdSvZ.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJdokgU0AAW_5M.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJdokhV4AAYFgH.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJdokiVMAAwBtp.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJdokiV4AAmeui.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJeu1AVoAA35mF.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJeu1DVwAAH3m0.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJeu0_VMAAmBgP.jpg)
You’ve seen a lot of them in my photos already. It’s those distinctive (usually yellow) lines. They seem to be EVERYWHERE.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJgQN5U0AAw9Ka.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJgQlIUQAAxub2.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJgQzRU0AE-BWf.jpg)
I think parallel lines tell you to go, and dots to be careful?
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJhBhjU0AAT-th.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJhBhjU8AE6Nd4.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJhBhjVwAEBne7.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJhftYUMAA4BDH.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJhqSCVwAEM04f.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJiIX3UQAAlqyc.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJkAc6U0AAWXMJ.jpg)
(But also: electronic mail?!?)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJpwZDVAAIr1nj.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJpwZAV4AAXqbc.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJpwaiVwAAQSBl.jpg)
(Also! I love the typography there with West, Dusk, Dawn, and East in English alongside all the kanji.)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJuFGRUQAAH1ar.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJuFGSU0AEG-g0.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJuFG7UMAEwJ9Y.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJuzjlUQAAb8Hk.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVJxCejUQAAePgK.jpg)
I used it to get a drink wonderfully named Pocari Sweat (thx, @Racoon1300).
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVKe3O9VMAAcZN9.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVKhIuxVwAEKTT2.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVKhIvEVoAAxqnB.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVKhIuxU0AE00g1.jpg)
This is just one tiny part of one floor, just aisles of iPhone cases… and I’m stopping only because Twitter has a limit of four photos.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVKzj8nU8AAbAbb.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVKzj9vVwAEHm8A.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVKzkD5UMAAtZeM.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVKzkHuVoAA5hFZ.jpg)
“Please do not push this button unless fire emergency occasion.”
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVK1S8JV4AA55bq.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVK2eCdVAAEaR4f.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVK2eCgUMAAsOt9.jpg)
/cc @jonwiley)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVLI4icVMAAix0N.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVLI4idVAAAcarc.jpg)
There’s a kernel of truth here, but it’s all very fickle.)
(It says 止まれ, or “stop.” 🤦🏻♂️)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVLQUX2VQAAlepu.jpg)
The 24hr clock still makes me so happy.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVLRHbdVoAEOD4b.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVLUdzIVoAA5Yex.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVLUdzHVMAEFE2e.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVLUdzHVAAE9DsF.jpg)
It’s weird watching someone play without seeing what they see. Also, there is a LOT of screaming going on.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVLf1LmVAAMsuJH.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVLf1LsUQAIgfOe.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVLf1LxVQAAtwAB.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVLf1L6V4AAj_S6.jpg)
(There are a few more games in here.)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVLjLeUUQAAtZcx.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVLjLeXVAAAhlnm.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVLjLedU0AArl3j.jpg)
(Funnily enough, I learned of mechs not from Japanese sci-fi, but from Stanisław Lem’s “Fiasco,” my favorite book of all time.)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVLnYDCUQAECSzq.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVLnYDCV4AEr8Tx.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVLnYDDV4AAG846.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVLnYDDVAAAbp3r.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVLry5OVoAERp7d.jpg)
(Seeing a non-English speaking country adopting English can sometimes be so playful in unexpected ways. I’ll have more examples later.)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVL35zvV4AA40cv.jpg)
I am now going to Hiroshima – a place that means a lot to me – and I need to be more in my head there.
I’ll be back here, and in Tokyo, in a few days. Will continue this thread then. In the meantime, this bunch of verboten wanderers will keep you company. さようなら!)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVL52aOVMAAqhOk.jpg)
I. It was snowing as I approached the half-destroyed Industrial Promotion Hall dome early in the morning. It seemed like the most peaceful place on earth, and it broke my heart.
Fortunately, we didn’t get in trouble.)))
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVtnJ-lVQAAAEDb.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVtnHbGUQAIFsNC.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVtnHbIUQAAA5l2.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVtnHbKVMAANu8e.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVt5BcIU0AAIMFM.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVt5BcNVMAAk5ZK.jpg)
(Google Translate tells me the last option says, and I quote, “it will be bad.”)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVt8FrfUQAAhXzr.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVuI2ThVoAMlt56.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVuI2TjV4AAefvZ.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVuI2YbVAAAx4qi.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVuI2ZlVAAAklfN.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVuJJt6VMAEjr5m.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVuJJuIV4AAkR3h.jpg)
This sort of blew my mind.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVuJ-DvVAAAIvbQ.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVuJ-DwV4AER5xt.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVuPmobUMAEJWcH.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVuPnRoU0AA7113.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVuPn9yU0AAg5vi.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVuQTivU0AAL6f9.jpg)
(I listed them all for future search purposes, not because I don’t trust you to name them!)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVuopAqU8AAr81w.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVuopAqVQAEB39P.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVuopAqV4AE-hgO.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVuopAqV4AAM4zZ.jpg)
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^_^
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(They also alternated between languages, in case you were wondering.)
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I loved this. Whoever made it and the Medium underline guy should hang out! They live in the same kind of universe.
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven-seg…
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When I was biking through some rural areas near Hiroshima, I was astonished not just that they were there – but that I saw one every few minutes.
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(Although I can’t decide whether that’s good. On one hand, it’s easy to grab with whatever you ordered – but also sometimes I forgot, and I had to reach further down again.)
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– hot green tea
– hot milk tea
– hot corn soup
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I love Stanisław Lem’s books enough that I sometimes have a dream where I go to a bookstore and find a stash of his books that I somehow never knew of.
I failed in a few bookstores here, hopelessly lost. I started doubting if Lem was even read in Japan. Was *any* hard sci-fi?
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I never looked for a ladder faster in my life. They were there, with Polish titles alongside Japanese ones! Apparently Lem *is* “big in Japan,” too.
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And so, I got three, including a paperback of Solaris, and a hard cover of Fiasco, which is my favourite book.
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en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obi_(publ…
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It’s kind of incredible: this book that I have read so many times, appearing once again as a mysterious, unknown artifact.
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There are toys that are all about train infrastructure, like this car that transports train parts. <3
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I’d be exactly the kind of kid that’d get excited about “Midtown ticket counter.”
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This is a particularly Marcin-shaped mystery. I know this clock from my childhood. From Poland.
I recreated it in JavaScript. I wrote about it (medium.com/the-outtake/th…). So why is it here, now, all over the place!?
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Here, it was really easy to grab my card and the receipt via one gesture.
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There are also many more automatic sliding doors around, even in little stores. Opening a “normal” door seems like a rarity.
(I went to a coffee shop really early and they didn’t put one out yet, and really scrambled, not wanting to do the transaction without it!)
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As you bring it all to the cashier, they transfer them onto a plate or basket for you, or into to-go bags. PLEASE TELL ME I DIDN’T DO ANYTHING WRONG.
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One is a list indicating the presence of allergens (milk, peanuts, and so on).
The other, and I miss it so much from Europe: the price with tax included! (Which is typically usually even the default here?)
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I seriously have no words.
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Here’s an example from the side of a (modern) bus and a (vintage) tram.
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These displays show the interim stations that the train will stop at. You can immediately sense whether it’s a local or an express, but it also gives you more!
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV1mMmeVAAA1oZe.jpg)
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Look at “cars” here!
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Here is an archive of a guestbook from a small museum. Japanese entries have been retyped, but English ones just copied and pasted.)
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It’s a really interesting ATM in a number of different ways…
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(Old 1970s and 1980s arcade games called that form factor “cocktail,” I think because you could put down a drink on your Ms. Pac-Man game?)
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For example, in less populated areas, they are not connected, but the straight line is implied?
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(I felt so uncomfortable taking that photo. In general, I feel I’m getting away with things, since my iPhone doesn’t have a forced shutter sound like Japanese phones do!)
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(Bonus: more humanoid trash cans.)
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The floor below 1F is B1. No F.
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I basically use Google Maps here and rarely if ever know what street I’m on.
Read more: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_…
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(Also, it was fun to spot one button with kanji amidst icons and all the Latin.)
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(Good thing they didn’t go with “flammable” and “inflammable,” I guess? Har har.)
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By the way, restrooms are everywhere! Malls, tiny convenience stores, minuscule train stations. EVERYWHERE. They are free and clean. It’s REALLY glorious.
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Here, 1964 was the 39th year of the Shōwa era, 1993 the 5th year of the (still current) Heisei era. More: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_…
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Of course “height” is going to be misspelled since it’s so inconsistent with “width” and other words!
Of course “here is not parking” seems like it’d make perfect sense!
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(Although I like the idea of a “very button”!)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV6cD-UVMAAEbto.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV6cD-LUQAAwWis.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV6cwLxUQAAeKMN.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV6cwLkUQAQJZ5_.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV6cwLkU0AEipVG.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV6cwLjU0AEjg5q.jpg)
Walking through the otherwise completely incomprehensible bookstore with it was like having a lens with superpower, like glasses that made *information* naked. (If you know what I mean.)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV6daLyVMAIHiz0.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV6daMPVAAAqqR2.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV6daMaVwAIrg-g.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV6daM8UMAAEY0h.jpg)
(Otherwise I mostly feel like the attached surreal vignette I witnessed today.)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV6ef3dVwAA7fEm.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV6gFF9UQAEcG_4.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV6gFF-VwAAO9vR.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV6hXM0VoAA9wNs.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV6hXM1VwAASUTN.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV6hXNAUMAE5gpK.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV6zYG7VQAExowx.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV6zYG9VQAAmSyE.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV6zYG8VQAAf0FO.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV6zYH1UMAEbkui.jpg)
(From a phone booth. There are phone booths!)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV8yqEeUQAELzI1.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-JIj6W0AA8dxs.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-JIj7XcAEUyD1.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-JIj9XUAUK0cH.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-JcR8XkAAfjv6.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-MSQOXcAIKymY.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-MSRqXcAI5ypk.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-MSQ8X4AMydIv.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-MSQ5XUAEkNvI.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-MeOjW0AsWOX5.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-NGWeW0AAraFF.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-OSzeWAAE3sOt.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-OSzoWsAI-uoP.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-OS2KXUAUQhJw.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-O74GW0AEpx3u.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-P8qzWsAAYoNf.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-P8qxW4AIBs2B.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-P8qxXcAA8Y_N.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-P8qwWAAEJfd9.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-Q2q1W4AAmSvB.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-Q2q5X4AICHFs.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-Q2q1WkAcZqjh.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-Q2qzXkAsX5P1.jpg)
(I wonder what HR has to say about *that* relationship.)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-R810X0AA43vA.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-R81wW0AA_kFl.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-R819WsAA9gto.jpg)
(By the way! I have done many since my first day: open air hot bath under the winter’s sky, and public town hot bath, and I’m now so good at it that I notice other foreigners’ etiquette mistakes. :·) )
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-VNbAXUAId1r-.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-VNbAXcAALaXu.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-VNbFW4AE6JEq.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-WXD8WAAI3iPH.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-WXFOWsAA221S.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-WXFKW0AEjlGE.jpg)
¯\_(つ)_/¯
(I’m not saying it’s *good*, but it has to count for something!)
As far as I understand:
Emoji: 😃
Emoticon: :·/
Kaomoji: ಠ_ʖಠ
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DV-YDSnXkAcneMD.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMSL6HVwAAZFqq.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMSL67VoAEEmSL.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMSL6GVoAAcbWI.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMSL6FVoAACxyn.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMT-SrV4AAEDEM.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMT-SrU8AA__Ai.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMT-SqUQAAU0db.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMT-SsV4AE2aqE.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMVOwxUQAAzN4K.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMVOxdVAAADLEO.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMVOw7UMAAESXx.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMVOwyVAAAWLrY.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMfkpkUMAAjG0d.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMfkpkVAAAvYQW.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMfkpmVoAMzqd7.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMfkppVQAE_ZZj.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMgkJfVoAEAB3F.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMgkKJVMAAb4D-.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMgkRoU0AASjQe.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMkTmSUQAEX95r.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMkTmSVwAAqXhV.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMkTmQUMAEEBO1.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMkrnVUQAA4UzM.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMkrnaUMAAGb69.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMkrnUUMAAIqpj.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMk3o_VMAAi0-k.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMk3qDVoAAEsR0.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMk3tvUMAACokz.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMml8SVMAAkdHg.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMml8QV4AAyOJX.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMml8WVAAABWLr.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMnf-vVwAALr28.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMnf-uVwAAt32s.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMnf-tVoAAc55m.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMouIQVwAEWYja.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMouIRUQAAWUSN.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMouIRU0AAHiDD.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMouIQVAAArRQZ.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMpmUnVAAUhFQk.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMv0cwVQAUpgM9.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMv0crVMAAXqDP.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMv0csVwAAHJIt.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMv0crU0AAlG1q.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMw0q7VoAAXK6F.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMw0q7U8AAZDHT.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMw0q5UMAA-QuH.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMxA8mUQAAzF--.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMxA-JVwAAvp4d.jpg)
(Bonus points if you notice a fun typographical detail in that last photo.)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMx7KHVQAASFxk.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMx7KGUQAEGmAT.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMx7REVAAAFl7l.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMx7WaVAAAaAlM.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWMyTUIVoAAW_Im.jpg)
Also, a random thing I learned: Fixies without brakes are illegal in Japan.)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWM02wWVAAA7PEW.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWM2MYEV4AE6329.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWM2MYOVoAAQrR7.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWM2MYDVwAAtuHV.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWM2MYEU0AAxZRv.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWM3KrQU8AA3gU6.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWM3KrSVQAAk_tw.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWM3KujU8AAAobX.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWM3KzyUQAAPNf8.jpg)
(Although, I feel bad for split-flap displays that don’t change often.)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWM3hKDVwAA7mfh.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWM3hKNVAAAs6EZ.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWM5NYdVAAEz0KW.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWM5NYeVAAAVCnG.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWM5NcDUQAAOj4t.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWM5NfpVMAAuwOy.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWM8k1LV4AE3Wzs.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWM8k0-UMAAX3Zh.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWM8k1dV4AAqouK.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWM9Tq-VwAE1CWp.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWM9Tq9U8AEvXW7.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWM9TrJU8AAVDww.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWM9l9pVQAEL6HH.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWM9l-WU8AAx2Bm.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWM9mByVoAA0RFu.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWM9mG3VMAANruB.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWM-76VVoAA8l_C.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWM-76VUMAA5RRP.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNB8XcVAAASqe1.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNB8XgVQAAbapz.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNB8XeVQAED0KH.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNB8XeVoAAmn1c.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNChhzU8AAgvTl.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNChiEVwAAQ-bM.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNChj3VMAEJCX8.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNChkYUQAEF_9w.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNCxuBUQAILu6C.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNCxu5VQAATnnS.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNCxyqVQAAf0_y.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNCx3iVQAA2Vvt.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNDF0ZUMAAmVqn.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNDF6aU0AAL4Cp.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNDF6jVMAA6vxj.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNDF8UVAAAdNQS.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNEhcUV4AAjsJa.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNEhcUVQAA_UMQ.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNEhcXU8AED2vQ.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNEhcVVwAEjUOl.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNFhsUU8AA_c8L.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNFhscU0AAC5Bb.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNFhsWVoAAuKRM.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNFhsXVwAEe9hj.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNGnyFVQAATSuI.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNGnyEU0AIAiwo.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNGnyfU8AAVngV.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNJBenVMAEBfPf.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNJBeoVQAAn-LA.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNJBenV4AALGbE.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNJBepVQAAaBjt.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNJWzzU8AAFRhe.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNJWz9UQAES4s-.jpg)
I tested it out and indeed! Alchemy.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNM9XYVwAA4L7l.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNM9XgUQAAoXbJ.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNM9XfU8AUpubx.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNM9XdUMAA9Cjg.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNNtTuU8AEY3cD.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNNtWGU8AArLAE.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNPdvOVQAEq9P0.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNPdvQVQAABJNO.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNPupTVMAADQ4B.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNPuqEU0AEa41M.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNRnKBVMAAQdZS.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNRnJ_V4AAsMBa.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNRnKDV4AAo5Os.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNRnKBUMAA0gBf.jpg)
(I saw other VOD machines and other trouser presses, too.)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNTCK-VoAAsgzY.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNTCLAUQAoSToS.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNTCLBUMAA-KMF.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNTCLwVoAAkl0Z.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNUmi-UMAAqczs.jpg)
Seemed…. vastly preferable than TSA employees shouting it in your ear.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNVRhGU0AADaa0.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNVfMfU0AAUkPV.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNVzJ5UMAAx3KS.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNWmwVVMAAPt5g.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNWmxbU8AEkcFc.jpg)
At some point, I wondered why my transit card has a notch. It’s so that you can tell it apart from others with fingers!
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNXWObUMAA6XKa.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNXlHLUQAAGk0K.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNYPCEV4AEBKPn.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNYuTwU0AAYPyV.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNYuUrV4AAicy3.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNdVImVoAEZRbz.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNf5NRVwAA1H6B.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNf5NSU8AAE8XQ.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNgpJ5VwAAehzG.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNgpKQVwAAu_d6.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNgpKoUQAAoOU7.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNiV11VAAAWZgu.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNjFc6U0AAYoyY.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNjFc7VwAAsoxH.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNnGXcVoAA2OT_.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNnGXdUMAAaj5w.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNnGXcUQAEhplw.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNnGXaVMAAKtlY.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNnUfiVoAEZL4m.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNnUgUU0AEUHYq.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNnUhJV4AAOgEb.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNnUl2VMAEcHVT.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNnpA6VAAAG_cl.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNnpB5UQAAAUcd.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNnpEaVMAAyDsO.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNnpEzVMAEUy5u.jpg)
So much better than an enigmatic “board center.” *cough*BART*cough*
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNoUo4U0AAtL8G.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNoUpKVAAI_fUD.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNoUpwVoAELhm1.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNoUt0U8AA0jFx.jpg)
(Other fav name: Eveningliner.)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNouGVU0AIH8DP.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNpllpVAAEHE_U.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNpllqU0AEuQdE.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNpllyUQAEf2LW.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNqOvpVoAAOEJ9.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNqOvzVoAAIYq7.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNqrhzU8AApDMX.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNrXIpVQAEnhdC.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNrXIoVAAAAZGD.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNrXImVMAANW6h.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNrv46VwAAZTqA.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNrv45V4AE4dqR.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNrv46UQAA3M9Z.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNsAXcVwAEbLr3.jpg)
…which I learned about the hard way (by boarding the wrong train).
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNs_tmVMAELEUB.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNs_tnVwAE1Cxu.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNtur9VoAAs8bU.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNtur-VMAEh_14.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNtur6VwAAsLgB.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNtur-VQAAHY-M.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNvojEV4AAcFEp.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNvojEVQAAceXW.jpg)
(I’ve been told that when the train reverses at the terminal, all the seats are rotated automagically from the control panel, which would’ve been AMAZING to witness.)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNwPTaVwAAl1tK.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNwhr-VwAAjGjx.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNwutnU0AAmY6U.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNwutmU0AAormJ.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNxg_lU8AEelnw.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNyPmbU8AId0t2.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNyPmcUMAAg4i8.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNz15mVQAAx9ML.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNz15kV4AELy7Y.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWNz15lU0AI4VMx.jpg)
First: Sitting in the cabin of the original 1960s Shinkansen train.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWN0UNiVQAI-J3m.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWN0UNQVoAATjjg.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWN0UNRVQAAM1YL.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWN1JBFV4AEfwZJ.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWN1JBHU8AAQk-C.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWN1JH6U8AEJb08.jpg)
(And survived to tell my story.)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWN3mgvU0AANNst.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWN32iTUMAANT_N.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWN32jjU0AACYA9.jpg)
Which I am!
BTW this is not a photo of me. :·)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWN4nuOVoAEROx1.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWN4nu7V4AEPUaX.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWN5D-rUMAAlDgF.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWN5D-uUMAEIE14.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWN5EAEVQAA3dN2.jpg)
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1. Discover something amazing.
2. Realize this amazing thing is EVERYWHERE, a baseline.
3. Discover an even more extraordinary version of that thing, in some places.
I’m pretty sure, however, all of the following fell under the second category.
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“Guides you” comes out. I nod.
And below, the translation: “A pleasant journey.”
But one thing that surprised me most: it also made me *kinder*.
It might be a trip that will change my life; the possibility of me moving to Japan is now bigger than zero. I don’t know how much bigger.
I guess we’ll find out.
300/300. The green tea Kit Kats!!!