1/9/2007

Ha, sometimes when you read about Japan for so long, and after you’ve lived there for a while, the “everyday” things have really become everyday and not strange at all. Then you come home and get asked odd questions and you think “Yeah, of course!” but then you realise that it’s not that normal at all. It’s very Japanese. It just became normal for you.

I was reminded of this when I read this entry in Lisa Katayama’s blog:

People are always asking me if it’s true that gasoline comes from the sky in Japan. Yes, it is, they come out of those pumps hanging from the ceiling light, which advertises regular or high-octane gas. And you don’t have to do a thing at the gas station, either, cuz the guys in red do it all for you–fill up your tank, wipe your mirrors, squeegee your windows, and stop oncoming traffic to direct you out of the gas station.

I didn’t drive in Japan so I didn’t think about it too much. I guess that, given the premium they have on space in Japan, this is the only method they can adopt. One thing I did notice about petrol stations in Japan though is that they’re relatively uncommon. Here in Australia, you can find intersections that have petrol stations on three out of the four corners. In Japan, it actually took me a while before I spotted one.

As for the awesome service you receive, well, I’d say that’s not so unusual for a country where you’ll be greeted with “IRRASHAIMASSE!” (Welcome!) each time you enter a store.

Link:
TOKYOMANGO