Life in Japan: The good, the bad and the ugly

You’ve got to love what you hate

Japan is a country of juxtapositions: East meets West, ancient tradition versus modern technology. I love the technology — the keitai. I hate the lack of house insulation, taking my damn shoes off every time I enter somewhere, or wearing toilet shoes

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While on the subject, I love the heated toilet seats, hate the Japanese-style squatters, though you do get used to them. Japanese people can be very friendly, super helpful, but then extremely reserved, refraining from expressing their opinions because one should be able to know how they feel through mental telepathy! Right?

Train system-The Clean Machine

Upon arrival in Japan I was impressed with the train system. As a New Yorker I have been used to the nuances of a disorganized transportation system. Allow me to compare. The first thing you notice in the NY subway is the smell or rather the stench. The repulsive odor consists of rat droppings, trash, urine and the homeless. There is no such thing as ventilation. So imagine getting dressed going to work smelling fresh and clean then having to subject your fine wardrobe to the stench of this underworld. By the time you get to work you will feel as dirty as the less fortunate that make it their home.