Hobo in Tokyo: Culture shocked

Monday 28 September 2009

It startles me to discover how different the same city can seem, once you throw yourself off the tourist circuit.

It's one thing to observe the quirky Japanese culture and be amazed by it, another to as they say, do as the Romans do.

I've been here what, 36 hours? But it feels way longer than that. I've done so many things out of the ordinary — not to mention out of character.

And I'm exhausted just trying to keep track of them all.

Seven highly effective habits of people who can fool you for being Japanese

1. Stand in line for your drinks at the bar.

2. Don't ask for the bill at the restaurant. Pay at the counter.

3. With disposable chopsticks, fold the tail end of the paper packaging and slot in your chopsticks to signal that you're done eating.

4. Don't wear swimsuits to DisneySea. Streetwear or cosplay outfits do just fine.

5. Return utensils to the counter or designated return area at a soba-ten, fast food joint or coffeeshop.

6. Stand on the left and walk on the right when using the escalator.

7. Carry around a coin pouch. With coins in denominations of up to ¥500 (app. S$8), you'll almost always have chunks of change on you.

Hobo in Tokyo