In Japan, it’s normal…

… IF SOMEONE FALLS ASLEEP ON YOU IN THE SUBWAY

Elsewhere we all know how this situation would end up. However in Japan, at least in Tokyo that’s not rare to see someone fall asleep on his/her neighbor in the subway. It’s socially acceptable. The first time I experienced it, a man fell on my shoulder. At first I was amused but then quickly caught up by my non touchy-feely side, I tried to make him understand that I was not a pillow by moving my shoulder. Did it work? Nope 😂

… TO SEE (UNUSUAL) THEMED CAFES 

Themed cafes are the proofs that Japan doesn’t lack creativity. In big cities, Japanese usually live in small places which don’t allow them to welcome pets. That’s basically the reason why Animal Cafes were launched, a place hosting the animal of the theme (cats, owls, bunnies…) where the customer can interact with. The creativity doesn’t stop here 😌. Let’s take the example of Maid Cafes. They are cafes where the waitresses are dressed with maid costumes and treat customers as masters… and sometimes at the customer’s request the maids will kick his/her ass 🙃.

… TO BE GREETED IN THE SHOP WITH “IRASSHAIMASE”

In a Japanese shop you will always be greeted with a Irasshaimase (いらっしゃいませ). It’s a one way courtesy formula which means welcome. No answer is expected from you. However if you feel uncomfortable not answering you can always reply with a smile or bow slightly. This is part of the Omotenashi (お持て成し), the Japanese concept of hospitality. 

… TO GET A HOT COFFEE CAN FROM A VENDING MACHINE

No words of mine can describe this invention 🤩. In the land of the rising sun it is possible to get a hot drink can from a vending machine. Good new: in addition to be available at any time you find them on every street corner. 

… TO SLEEP IN CLASS OR AT WORK

This phenomenon called inemuri (居眠り) is a perfect example of the culture gap. Overseas sleeping at work or in class would be interpreted as disrespectful and would lead a warning. In Japan it’s the opposite. The reason why? It’s socially acceptable and Japanese consider that the person will be more productive after the nap. 

… TO RESPECT THE ORDER OF ARRIVAL TO GET IN THE TRAIN

This is a standard rule but let just say that where I am from (Paris 🙄), it’s still in progress 😂. The rule is simple: thanks to the signs on the ground, all passengers line up. Then when the doors open people get in the train respecting the order of arrival. No rush except when the doors are closing 😌

… TO SLEEP IN THE SUBWAY AND WAKE UP AT THE RIGHT STOP

Japan is one of the countries where people sleep the least. That’s why sometimes you see people catching up their lack of sleep in the train. So far nothing unusual. It becomes interesting when you notice that these people wake up naturally at the right stop. That’s not all, it become more surprising when you see other people… sleeping while standing! 😌