Exams begin tomorrow

After a VERY hot weekend (maybe 32 degrees?), it got refreshing cooler today with some drizzle. Air-con temperature in my room at the moment.

Some of the little things that make Japan (Tokyo?) the place it is.

May I place this chair here for you, sir?

Was at Starbucks today sipping my Matcha Frapp and reading up my Kanji for tomorrow when a staff member brought a stool over for a guy sitting opposite me, studying. My first thought: it's the tea time crowd - there isn't enough space and someone's going to squeeze in with that stool.

Yet, this is Japan, and things are different. The staff member actually brought the stool for the guy to put his bags and belongings on (!), probably to free up space that they were occupying on the seat. The staff then apologised for the inconvenience before going back downstairs (this was the top floor of the three-storey Ikebukuro outlet).

Crowded trains

Trains are impossibly-packed every morning and evening - you probably have to experience it for yourself to believe it. Space is always made even when there doesn't seem to be anymore for those who want to board.
The first few times that we exchange students were in packed shoulder-to-shoulder trains, we naturally didn't think so. S0 the train arrives at the next station and we see people queueing up, prepping themselves to get in. Before we could begin to think "these poor peeps will have to wait for the next train", they have already squeezed their way on board and the doors have shut. You may be rendered immobile for the remainder of the journey, but the train chugs along towards Ikebukuro. Repeat at the next station.