Hobo in Tokyo: February 2013

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.