Japanese Fitting Room Surprises

Shoes Off Please 

OFF WITH YOUR SHOES THEN OFF WITH YOUR CLOTHES

Clothes are not the only things you take off (and well of course put on) in a typical Fitting Room in Japan. As what they would traditionally do before entering a house, customers are expected to remove their shoes as well.  I think it is very convenient because you would easily figure out whether someone is inside the room or not (avoiding bending down to peak through falsely closed doors which I would usually do back home..hahahah)

Facial Covers for Make Up Users

OFF WITH YOUR SHOES THEN COVER YOUR FACE FIRST??

But another surprising addition to a typical fitting room ensemble would be this thin delicate facial mask usually boxed in the corner of the room. While I would often disregard it, I wondered for a while whether this was really necessary for hygienic purposes. As I read through other blogs I later on found out that these masks were designed to protect clothes from female enhancement products (read:make up). It would not take some time for you to notice that Japanese women are indeed make up lovers and as a precaution masks prevent the unwanted transfer of glitters and colors to clothes when they are pulled over the face. Makes sense I guess..^_^

Cover Up Please (Photo Credit)

Happy shopping!

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When Your Neighbor Throws A Pile of Manga, What Will You Do?

The pile

Welcoming me as I arrive home one long night from the lab is this PILE. At first, what they were did not sink in but when I came a little closer my eyes went bigger and then my heart raced and then my palms became sweaty and then... (just kidding..but indeed my eyes became bigger because it was a bit dark ). My neighbor just threw away his collection of Manga. Truly??? Why? How could he possibly?

The Mailbox with Promotional Flyer

 Just so you know, this spot in our apartment is the place where you put your paper trash. It is near the mailbox area. Usually a lot of promotional materials about restaurants, real estate and sale items are stuffed into our mailboxes which kinda makes you feel you receive mail each day. But usually most of these unwanted paper then find their way into the strategic trash bin below.On special occasions you may find other piles of paper in this spot such as the pile of manga above.

The common trash bin for paper trash

Times like these make you wish you could read Japanese. At least that was what I felt. I mean sayang! (A Filipino word for what a waste). Akin ka na lang sana!  Made me realize that you should always be prepared for opportunities. I may be lucky to find this pile but I am not prepared to react well enough and grab the chance. Seriously, if you plan to take someone's trash, you have to at least know what to do with it, and how to make good use of it.

But it also made me realize how it felt for the owner. Why would you keep trash in your room? Why will you hold on to something far longer than needed? Throw away the stuff that you don't  need anymore. Let go of the junk, free up your space to make room for new things...just like in life. Throw them away and move on.

Oh well neighbor...the next day your pile was already gone. I will start cleaning up my closet as well.

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Why Japanese Manhole Covers Are So Adorable

Japanese Manhole Collection (photo credit)

I have always equated manholes to a lot of negative words: filth, slime, grime and the "dark abyss". I remember walking down the streets of flooded Manila during board exam review days, and each step made me feel a little closer to God because I would constantly whisper to myself "Lord, sana 'wag po akong mahulog sa manhole" (Lord, I hope I will not fall into a manhole). Because, back in my country, manhole covers would sometimes mysteriously disappear.

More manhole cover (photo credit)

Here in Japan, manhole covers are not just dark, metallic, circular objects that you would expect of a typical manhole. Instead, such humble objects have become an outlet for creativity and artistry. Each piece is unique and specific to a particular location, sometimes adding a local symbol as the motif for the overall design. Its colors and intricate details makes me want to have one for myself! 

Detective Konan!! (photo credit)

Chiba Japan Manhole Cover (photo credit)

I think collecting manhole cover images would be a great hobby. Why not? There are a lot of holes to cover here so you will certainly never get bored. If you do a Google search of Japanese manhole covers, you will probably see a lot lot more. Enjoy!   

Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture (Photo credit)

Mr. Fireman!

Osaka Prefecture, my prefecture with the Osaka castle
Photocredit

Also check more pictures here in Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/groups/japanese_manhole_covers/pool/

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Why am I in Japan? Let the Peanut answer the question.

Why am I here? Now that is a Tricky Question.

And because my mind is still juggled by my research woes and caught up in introspection, allow me to dissect this very basic question and let the peanut explain the solution. (I hate it when I sound too scientific. Blame it on graduate studies...^_^)

Anyway, here goes.

No.1 The shell: The hard part (get it? the "hard" part)

Technically, I am here to study. I have a scholarship and within 5 years I must (stress given here) graduate with a PhD (now don't get me started on this one). Anyway, on the surface, this is the

truest and most certain reason why I am here. Notice how peanut shells make up most of the peanut's volume? In the same way, graduate studies will basically eat up most of my time. The funny thing about peanut shells though is that we peel them off and throw them away. Does this mean...( I would rather not finish this sentence). ^_^

No.2 The brown skin: Thin layer of happiness, thin layer of anything

I am not really sure why the peanut has this thin layer, all I know is that it comes in between the hard shell and the inner core. It is like a thin membrane of anything and everything under the red Japanese sun. I am here to experience a bit of everything, from the sights and sounds to food and the people. I am here to enjoy all that comes in between.

No.3 The edible nut: biting the moment of truth

But after peeling off all those peanut layers, discovering what is inside is still a surprise. Frankly speaking, I am as lost as ever. I am in that certain stage of life where I question the world and its Creator. Why am I where I am now? What is my purpose? What is it that I must do and learn at this moment in time. These questions, not research problems are the hardest to answer and these moments drive me nuts once in a while.

And as I figure out the path which I need to pave for myself, allow me to share the other half of the peanut with you. As they say, some things in life are best remembered when shared. So nibble at these Japan Tidbits with me. Let us enjoy life wherever we may be.

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