Still not sure what this phrase means on the menu in Japan
Another mystery
The first time you sit on a heated toilet seat in Japan it can come as quite a shock. I had forgotten what it felt like until I experienced it on this trip and did a double take. Toto, a manufacturer of Japanese toilets, has hit the mark when it comes to designing toilets complete with fun features. There are the always present spray and bidet features – please don’t ask me the difference between the two. Then they get more interesting with the heated seats and powerful deodorizer options, and range up to the ever more exciting flushing sound feature. At work, I entered the toilet and was met with the flushing toilet button being repeatedly pushed by the individual in the stall next to me. The Japanese are very private people.
Japanese toilet
Since arriving in Osaka last weekend, I’ve been quickly reminded of the many different aspects of the Japanese culture. The Japanese are the most organized, efficient and clean culture I’ve ever experienced (in stark contrast to the Chinese, their not so distant Asian cousins, would really couldn’t be more different, at least on the clean point.)
I had a great time noticing the reflections of these qualities in the everyday life of the people. I’ve included a few of these in the photos below.
Japanese vending machines offer cold AND hot drinks
Only the Asians have thought of creating an anti-fogging mirrior
The efficient way to eat - look at pictures and pay from a vending machine. You then take your ticket inside and receive your food
I am here working with my Australian colleague who is completely fluent in Japanese. He has been studying Japanese for the last 23 years and in the past lived there for several years. Having him with me made the experience so much easier because it can be very difficult to find your way around if you don’t speak any of the language. My grasp of the Japanese language begins and ends at “arigatou” (thank you), so he was most useful.
Given my colleague’s language skills, we could experience so much more of the culture of the area. Apparently the people of Osaka have a great sense of humor. We were in a taxi and asking what places we should go to in the area. The taxi driver said very seriously that we should visit Universal Studios. I responded that I really wanted to experience things that were Japanese, not American, like a tea house or a temple. He gave us directions to a temple, but said that no one ever goes there. He also said that he’s never been to a Japanese tea house and doesn’t know where there were any.
The next day we decided to make our way to the temple. We had to ask for directions along the way. The man we asked gave us directions and then asked, “Why would you want to go there? What are you going to do??” Then he mentioned some other areas of Osaka and said we should go there because it is a little rough and not very pretty, but more reflective of Osaka than the temple! Very funny guys.
People clean their hands before entering the temple
The Japanese guys have some exquisite hair. They obviously spend hours and hours in front of the mirror primping – more than the woman I think! I tried to be inconspicuous and get some examples, but these are not a true reflection of some of the true masterpieces.
We did see a few sites - Osaka is famous for the Dotombori area, which is filled with Japanese tourists all day and night:
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