I want to take a minute to share some of what I would call the little differences in Japan. These are simply small things about daily life that are slightly different then what life was like in the USA. Right now, I’m past the point where everything is new and exciting. I’m really settled into a routine now. However, this is the time when its the little things in life that start to wear on you. Here’s my list of little things I notice all the time (by the way, this is not an exhaustive list and I will add more in the future).

1. Garbage. Andy and I have 5 different containers for trash. You also have to take certain trash out on specific days. It’s very complicated and annoying.
2. Driving. Even though I ride my bike every where the driving thing is interesting here. In the States you drive on the right hand side of the road. In Japan, its the left. Also stop signs here look more like yield signs
3. Shaka Shaka Chicken. Now this is a great difference! McDonald’s carries this large piece of chicken breast meat as a part of their 100 yen menu (dollar menu). It comes in a bag, you sprinkle the seasoning (lemon pepper, cheese, or hot chili) into the bag, and then shake it all around. Then half of the bag is perforated so you tear the bag in half and eat the chicken.
4. Use of Umbrellas. In the States, people use umbrellas only when its raining. In Japan, I see many women using their umbrellas when its sunny outside. The use them to block out the sun so that they don’t get too hot and I suppose they don’t want to be tan.
5. Squatty Potty. This isn’t the only kind of toilet in Japan, but it is very common. Luckily, I haven’t used one yet. I’m too nervous to attempt it and I think its weird to have someone show me how.

Well, there’s a short list to get you started. I will be adding more to this series of blogs as I continue to investigate the Japanese culture. Here are some pictures for you to look at and see what I’m talking about. There are also some other pictures just for fun. Click on the picture and a cool little scrolling menu will pop up and give you a caption too.