Blogs_Honest_Truth: Random Photos and Random Facts about Japan

Fact 1: This is a Japanese toilet, which baffled me. Women squat, facing the toilet, with their feet on either side of the bowl. The sink is located on top (not featured here).

Fact 2: McDonalds has a different menu in Japan, and the portions are much smaller than in the U.S.

For instance: they sell a "McPork" sandwich, "Shaka Shaka Chicken," and "Shrimp Burger" (not featured in this image). No, I did not eat at McDonalds, I just found the menu interesting, so I photographed it.

Fact 3: The Japanese do not tip - anywhere!

Fact 4: Trains always run on time. If the schedule says 7:53, it will arrive precisely at 7:53!

Fact 5: The Japanese are very aware of the people around them and they do not display affection, speak loudly, or argue in public.

Fact 6: You can buy wonderful ice cream treats in the convenient stores (Am/Pm and Seven Eleven) like this one, which is a giant wafer cookie with vanilla ice cream and chocolate inside. This one is called "Monaka."

Fact 7: Snacks like this one are also prevalent in convenient stores and subway stands. This is my favorite Japanese snack, called "Kaki No Tane," which translates to Persimmon Seeds. Kaki No Tane are spicy rice crackers with peanuts.

Fact 8: "Domo" is a word used for everything - hello, goodbye, thank you, good morning etc etc.

Fact 9: Valentine's Day is the time when women give candies to the men (not the other way around). If the woman's gesture is reciprocated, they will receive candies from a man on "White Day," which is celebrated March 14, exactly 1 month later.

Fact 10: It is NOT uncommon to see women applying makeup in restaurants and subway cars, or other public places. The Japanese do not consider this behavior rude or offensive.