Hello friends and fam! I thought today I would share a couple Japan-isms that I’ve noticed since moving here a little over a year ago. What’s an “ism”, you ask? It’s a distinctive practice, system, or philosophy. So in this case, things that I have noticed that work differently here in Japan.

1. If you go to the movies here, nearly everyone sits through all of the credits. Theaters don’t even turn the lights on until they are completely finished, so if you were to try and get up, you would have to climb over all the people (who are still sitting and watching) in your row in almost complete darkness.

2. When election season is at its height, sound cars, or gaisensha, drive through the streets with (incredibly!) loud speakers talking about the upcoming election and promoting candidates/platforms. In a place that is known for being so quiet, it rings as strange to me that this is allowed. Here is a photo I snapped of one behind me on the road:

3. You can pay all your bills at 711. Chase and I pay our electric, gas, and water bill at 711 every month. The bill comes in the mail with a bar code on it, and all you have to do is bring it to the cashier and pay. So easy!

4. “American core” fashion is huge. A couple weeks ago, at a vintage store in Harajuku, a trendy fashion area, I saw a used Tractor Supply Co. T-shirt for sale for the yen equivalent of $35. Trader Joe’s bags are also popular. There is not a single Trader Joe’s in Japan, but you can purchase the bag on Amazon.jp for the yen equivalent of $20. Interesting. Check out this vintage find from my most recent trip to Harajuku:

5. We all know our astrological signs in the states. Here, knowing your blood type and what it means is as common and culturally normal as knowing your astrological sign. It is called ketsueki-gata and there is personality and compatibility information for each type. Curious? Check it out! Yes, I have recently texted my mom asking what my blood type is..

6. Riding in an ambulance is free. You read that right. Free. This is true even if you don’t have health insurance. For reference, in the US, it costs $450-$1000+, depending on what state you live in and what insurance you have. Crazy.

7. In most homes, air conditioning/heat isn’t centralized. For instance, in our house, each room has a separate unit. For this reason, open floor plans aren’t really a thing and Japanese homes are much more segmented, with doors separating all the rooms and typically no A/C in the hallways and bathrooms. This was surprisingly not difficult to get used to.

8. Vending machines are everywhere! And they sell more than just soda and water. You can find juices, teas, multiple different types of coffee, electrolyte drinks, sriracha, etc. There is quite literally one right across the street from our house. But wait, there’s more! In the winter months, the vending machines change and offer warm and cold drinks! It’s a lovely, simple joy when it’s cold outside.

9. It is common for there to be no hand towels or hand dryers in public restrooms. Most people carry a small, bandana sized towel around with them for this reason. In the summer, the towel is also handy for dabbing the sweat off of one’s face..

10. Trash cans are few and far between in public spaces, so you just have to carry your rubbish around until either you get home, or you strike gold and find a trash can. Coming from a place where trash cans are everywhere, I have had to completely change my trash-related habits.

Curious or surprised about anything on my list? Think I missed something? Let me know in the comments! As always, thank you for reading! xoxo