{} i can push a button and the bath tub fills, singing a song to me when its ready.
{} i love that its so easy to be eco-friendly in japan — the hybrid cars, recycling, eco-bags for groceries, public transportation, bike-riding, heating one room at a time — all if this is so normal here, everyone just does it. and i love it.
{} the mainstream style is modest, fun, and flattering, making it a cinch to hide the post-baby pooch.
{} no shoes in the house. period. makes cleaning so much easier, and all your shoes are at the door, waiting for you.
{} our suzuki wagon-r! its so tiny and fun, and not a bit more space than we need.
{} i love that the food has such a seasonal rhythm — its given our diet so much more variety, to actually know what is in and out-of-season, and eat accordingly.
{} i love that stepping outside my comfort zone is such a norm for living here.. i hate being bold, but its just part of life in another culture. i hope it will help me become more comfortable with uncomfortable situations.. “for God has not given us a Spirit of timidity, but of strength, and of discipline, and of power.”
{} THE. SERVICE. if you’ve ever visited, you need only nod your head. i’m a little frightened for our short trip home over Christmas and the culture shock i’ll have when ‘served’ (or not-so-much) at American establishments.
{} the japanese value quiet and personal space cultivated via silence, since physical room is hard to come by here.
{} though this also presents some issue, i really enjoy that the Japanese people are so proud to be Japanese. in this election year in America, i think that’s ’nuff said.
{} the smaller portions of food and drink. starbucks has a short size, which i purchase frequently — just the right amount.
{} in our current city, living so close to the ocean (15 min. walk) and the mountains (20 min drive) — but its just the ocean, NOT the beach! no swimming, just visual enjoyment.
well put. Hopefully I can do a similar post in several months and have something different to say, but I can agree with you specifically on eco friendly. It’s just a way of life for them. I plan to take several concepts back with me to the states (except for the sink trap….ewww).
I love this list! Thanks for posting what you love about Japan. It makes me even more interested in seeing this country now.
Ahh, makes me want to visit Japan again. It’s a great place.
I forget to stop by and comment, but I read you on my Google Reader every time you post … and I am still praying for you!!