What's that??

Often visitors to my site E-mail me and ask about some uniquely “Japanese” thing that they’ve seen here.

They ask me to explain what it is.

I’m happy to answer any questions about Japan as best I can. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. I often get e-mailed questions about things, places, events, schedules, etc., etc. about Japan.

I reply to all of these e-mails as promptly as I can. But I started thinking that maybe I should put the answers to some of these questions on my blog.

So, I made this page to try to explain what some of the sights in Tokyo that I have been asked about by my blog’s visitors.

(Click the links to read posts I’ve written with more detailed explanations)

So, here are some of the questions I’ve been asked:

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• Q: What are those bags that are taped closed at the front of many stores in Japan?
  
  A: Those are 「福袋」 (“Lucky Bags”). You must have seen them in January…they are a Japanese New Years tradition at many stores. (Click here to read my post about them.)

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• Q: What are those yellow blocks with bumps that are on the sidewalks in Japan?
  A: Those are 「点字ブロック」 (Braille blocks). Braille is found on the sidewalks, elevators, shampoo, money and other places in Japan. (Click here to read my post about them.)

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• Q: What are those plastic bottles that I’ve seen around the streets in Japan?

  

  A: Those are cat deterrents. (Click here to read my post about them.)

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• Q: What are noisy places around Japan that are full of people sitting in front of machines?
  A: Those are called “Pachinko“. They’re like a cross between a pinball machine and a slot machine. (Click here to read my post about them.)

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• Q: What are those small groups of people dressed like samurai and geisha who walk around the streets of Japan playing unusual music?
  
  A: Those are called “Chindonya“. They’re traveling bands-for-hire that help promote a new store’s grand opening. (Click here to read my post about them.)

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Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.