You Know You're in Japan When...

Japan was a while ago, but I made this list and just hadn't posted it yet, so I will now. You know you're in Japan when:

1. Everyone else is more fashionable than you are.

2. There are no garbage cans anywhere but the streets are inexplicably clean.

3. You look at a sign of a map and north is not actually at the top of the map - the top is whatever direction the sign is facing. So confusing.

4. You expect to see a baby in the stroller rolling by, but when you look closely, it's a small, trendily-attired dog.

5. Everything edible is filled with seaweed, bean paste or green tea.

6. You see more false eyelashes and stilettos than you know existed.

7. Vending machines are ubiquitous.

8. Fresh fruit and veggies are worth their weight in gold.

9. People are extraordinarily polite and helpful.

10. You find yourself starting to bow slightly as you meet people.

11. Your toilet can warm, spray, air dry, and massage your bottom at the push of a button.

12. You see kimonoed women and geishas disappearing around the corner like something from another age.

13. The grandpa next to you on the subway is engrossed in a manga magazine.

14. Sometimes you feel like you are in the isolation ward of a hospital, judging by the numerous masks covering the mouths and noses of the people walking by.

15. People are adept at multitasking while using their cellphones.

16. Every part of an animal is up for consumption.

17. Hello Kitty is the country mascot.

18. Everyone but you is approximately a size zero.

19. You can't understand anyone anywhere - English is scarce!

20. Mmmmmm....sushi at 7-11.