If I Could Bring My Japanese Lifestyle to America I Would Bring

Japanese crochet patterns are usually picture diagrams instead of the written shorthand instructions. Call me a visual learner but I like it...


Not having to make an appointment to go to the doctor. I walk in and walk out, with meds in hand


On that note, national health insurance. Thank goodness for it


The customer service.... it is the best in the world. They would kiss your feet if you asked. They must be on happy drugs


My kotatsu. I am this girl whenever I am in my apartment


The bullet trains. Such a nice way to travel and see the scenery


Reusing shopping bags when grocery shopping, even though I sometimes forget them and pay the 5 cents for store bags (maybe I should find a bra that turns into a bag like this girl)


Taking your shoes off at the door. Especially in the winter


Instant curry. Just dump on rice (pic not really related)


Omiyage, or souvenirs. In Japan, when anyone goes somewhere they bring back snack-sized souvenir food native to the place they went to. For instance, bringing back kimchi from Korea

I miss the Simple American Conveniences of:

Oh how I yearn for:


Going to a single store like Target and buying everything from milk to medicine to clothes


Not having to sort my garbage into plastics, burnables, tin, bottles, etc.


Being able to hook up my ipod to my car stereo. Come on, I live in the land of technology and yet I can't?!


Having the chance to have a dating life


Turning on a radio and hearing music. Mtv somehow lost their ability to play continuous music videos and Japan somehow lost their ability to play any music on the radio


Turning on a tv and usually finding something I like (in English) out of hundreds of channels


Highways being free. They are all toll highways here


Food slathered in chili (coney islands)


Going to the library to get dvds, music, and movies for free


Pop tarts. I so love Pop tarts

Part 2 (What I like about Japan) is next...