Tuesday, January 19, 2016

The Most Lovable Quirks in Japan

tokyofashion.com
Wowza! Been a long time! It's been quite a year for us. Clearly, I've been a little busy and distracted. We: (a) had a two-month stint back in Minnesota with family, (b) got pregnant, (c) had said child; our second!, (d) went to Guam, and (e) weathered (counting on fingers...) five deployments! Do I get a medal for all this? Oh yeah, life just happens, and then you buy yourself chocolate.  

Another thing has happened in our lives, but it feels more like a pending circumstance. We got orders!  

We've been stationed out here in Yokosuka, Japan for three. consecutive. tours. That equals almost six years and an eternity of staying in the same place, in Navy terms. Japan has become our normal, and to be honest, going back to the States is kind of nerve-wracking. There's going to be a lot of people there. And rude drivers. And subpar public transportation. And too many choices when I'm buying peanut butter.  

Oh.  

No.

Are you allowed to have culture shock in the mother land? Yes? Please? It'll only take me about six months to adjust, I swear. That's a long time? Really?

Well, crap.  

As soon as you hit the ground in Japan, you find things to appreciate. Facebook is riddled with lists of how Japan does it best. Oh the vending machines on every corner! With hot beverages! The trains that come every ten minutes! Convenient stores that actually sell good food. And the cutest old people you ever did see. But, in honor of our trans-Pacific PCS* from the Land of the Rising Sun, I'd like to share some of the lesser known things I've come to appreciate in Japan. Consider this a list of quirks I know and love.

(1) It's acceptable (and even encouraged) to get a short sized coffee


Did you even know that was a size?? We in America are coffee gluttons, and while I'm not saying that's a bad thing (trust me, I will be the last to say that's a bad thing), sometimes you just need something quaint. Size short is a wee 8 fluid ounces, and I see people walking around carrying those tiny cups all the time. I appreciate that. Yeah, nihonjin, get that tiny cup of joe and be satisfied.  

(2) It's also acceptable to run in public


We're all rushing somewhere. And in Japan it's no different. It is heart-breaking to just miss the train, and though people are discouraged for safety reasons, people do make a break for it. Unashamedly. They run when they're running late. In their suits and heels, with their briefcases in tow. They run for the train, across the street, into their office buildings. I think in the States we're a little too proud to admit that we're late to everyone around us. But in Japan, no one cares and we all run when we're running behind.

(3) People carry their big kids!


Baby carriers are useful until about age 4. I've seen countless mothers (yes, you know, those sweet, small-framed young women) carrying their big kids. I'm a firm believer that each mother should do whatever makes her life easier and blesses her children. But I so admire the draw to carry your kid for so long.  


(4) In Japan, fashion is (mostly) comfortable


Ok - I will admit. Stilettos are everywhere. I still don't get how women navigate trains, city streets and restaurants in massive heels.

BUT.

Japanese street fashion also has an element of embracing comfort. The other day I saw a hoodie dress. A. Hoodie. Dress! Excuse me, ma'am, are you donning a cousin of the snuggie in public and rocking it? There's also sweater tights (so warm!), flowy boho skirts, fuzzy shorts, and flannels. And conveniently, they're what's in.

(5) Any machine that accepts money will take multiple bills at a time. Seriously.


This is just pure convenience. When you submit bills into a cash machine, you can basically throw all you have in there and not worry about organizing floppy bills.  

I realized how great this was about a year after moving to Yokosuka. I was back visiting family in Madison. I boarded a bus and shoved my two dollars into the fare box. The thing freaked out and rejected my bills. Then I got a fun little lecture from the bus driver about separating my bills and how the machine can't handle how I did it. It was then I missed filling my PASMO the most. Sigh.  

(6) Top notch gardens


Japanese people can garden. And they garden like it's no one's business. Zoos are spectacular. City parks are so beautiful. Heck, walk your kid to school and it's bliss. Public gardens of any kind are well kept, and it truly adds life to a place.

(7) You can embarrass yourself comfortably


It's common in Japan for something embarrassing or striking to happen in public, and for it to go completely unacknowledged. Have an awkward moment and you'll never have to worry about leering stares or judgment. People just casually act like nothing happened. It's as if we all have poker faces on.

My family once experienced this when we were at our local Starbucks off base. It was crowded, as it usually is, and we were sitting on stools in the kids' section surrounded by people. Apparently, my husband let his guard down, because he went right ahead, lifted a cheek, and passed gas.

Loudly.

Welcome to my life.

It was so utterly obvious what had just happened, but we got a reaction from no one. Not a single person flinched while we gracefully represented American presence in Yokosuka.

Learning these characteristic has been quite an experience, and I'll truly miss this place when it's finally time to hop on a plane with a one-way ticket. It's been good, Japan. I shall miss your wonderful quirks.  

*PCS: Permanent Change of Station; basically, we're moving.