Little differences, part 1
I thought it might be interesting to compile a running list of the little differences I notice as an outsider visiting a brand new cultural landscape. Note that none of these observations are meant as criticisms or critiques, as I don’t believe that there is necessarily a “right” or “wrong” way to simply be. Rather, my intention is to try and cultivate more mindful awareness of my environment, regardless of where I am, and challenging my own pervasive, preexisting notions of “how things are supposed to be done” seems to be a good way to do that.
Plus, it’s just fun!
- Napkins don’t seem to be a common thing at restaurants (or, at least, the few I’ve visited in my first few days here). I generally tend to be about as neat of an eater as a nine-month-old baby, so I’m going to need to start carrying some with me.
- The Japanese are fastidious about recycling–it puts Americans to shame. There is a 32-page booklet that I was given when I arrived in my apartment here that explains the proper procedures for sorting out recyclables from other waste… and people do it. It makes me feel ashamed that most of the time I can’t be bothered to even put bottles in a separate container at home.
- Tipping isn’t a thing here–like, at all–and frankly it’s refreshing. (It also saves you from having to do mental math.)
- There are vending machines (mostly for beverages) almost literally everywhere, though interestingly (1) they aren’t all “open” 24 hours a day, which I find curious, and (2) I haven’t frequently noticed people actively using them.
- There are interesting differences related to paying for things. At many markets, for example, particularly those that are larger, a cashier will scan your items but direct you to a self-service payment kiosk usually located behind the check stand. Coins for change are almost always automatically dispensed by a machine. In smaller shops, there’s a small tray on the counter where you are expected to place your money to pay–don’t hand it directly to the cashier.
- Virtually no one crosses streets against a signal. Oddly enough, the one time I saw it happen today, I felt myself judging the guy… “What kind of hurry is he in that he can’t obey the rules like everyone else?”