japanese things

three funny little things i recently discovered about japan:

1.  in a lot of public toilets, each stall has this little electronic panel.  when you push a button on the panel, it plays the sound of rushing water for 25 seconds.  you know what it's for?  it's so other people don't hear you peeing.

they have these at school, too.

2.  at bookstores, if you buy a book, they'll ask you if you want a paper cover put on it.  i bought two things today and when they asked me, i was like "....no...thanks?" cause i had no idea why i would want a paper cover on my book.  turns out, it's cause some people don't like it when other people see what they're reading, like if they're in the subway or something. 

jesus, japanese people are self-conscious.

3.  this isn't really a "thing", just something that amazed me.  

i went to uniqlo the other day, and good LORD i love japanese clothing stores.  so i was in the changing room with my mom, and this store lady came to help us.  i was trying on pants because i like have none, and i was having my usual scruples about size, color, etc.  so this lady basically like.  attaches herself to us for like an hour, going back and forth, getting different pairs for me to try on.  i didn't even ask for any help in the first place!  and she was so knowledgeable about each brand/type, and gave us so much advice on what to get.  then.  japan does this weird thing where they like.  make pants long on purpose.  i don't really know why, but it's totally fine, because they tailor everything for you right there in the store.  that's right.  and if it's just standard shortening, it's FREE.  (so obviously, because i'm short even by japanese standards i suppose, i got everything shortened hahaha.)  and they do it for you that day and you can pick it up in a few hours.  and everyone who works there is so polite, nice, and kind...i want to live in japanese stores.  when i picked up my stuff the guy at the counter showed me every hem and was like "if you find anything wrong, please do not hesitate to call this number and ask for me, i will make sure it is taken care of".  i was like AHH I LOVE YOU.  

and they do all this for no tip.  japan doesn't do tips.