Tokyo - The last day in Japan

And away it goes 🚮

I'm packing my things, but not everything. I'm decluttering.
'Maybe I can do that sometime...' 'No!!!!' another voice interrupts. It feels relieving. It's just easier to travel with lightweight luggage. Literally and figuratively.

Helping hand 👩‍🦼

I take the train to the Olympic Island. When I look up from my phone at some point, I see a man in a wheelchair. I didn't notice his entry. In general, for the size of this city, I have seen surprisingly few people with physical disabilities. Throughout my time here, I can count them on one, rather than two, hands.

When I get off, I look to the left, one door further. There's a train employee standing there with a microphone in front of the door, making an announcement. Okay, nice. But then I understand. He has something to bridge the gap between the train and the platform.
It can't be our train driver, the train is too long for that. Also, there is no train attendant on regional trains here in Japan. The wheelchair user has probably pressed an exit button, which has shown a station employee at which point and when the station employee should stand. Efficiency to the last corner. 

Man, he's the Big Man 🤖

Arriving on Neuland Island, I make my way to my last big, typically Japanese destination. And when I say big, I mean big. 20 meters high, almost 7 floors.

I admit, that's what I love about this country. Whether it's the warning against groping or the advertising for instant noodles, everything feels... more playful? Easier? After all, it's the country of manga and anime, and that permeates almost every aspect of society. It has something lighthearted about it, without being ridiculous. It has something inclusive, because you usually don't recognize any ethnicity in the characters. And in such a country, as a toy manufacturer, you can also live out your love for giant mecha suits and place them around town. And no one loses an eye for it.

Your ass belongs to me 🚝

I've already described that public transportation here is a mix of public and private. Under certain circumstances, this may not be so obvious. Today it is being pressed into my face. I take the Keisei Line towards Narita, Tokyo's Weeze. No Rhinelander says: 'Logical, Düsseldorf Airport Weeze, makes sense.' 🤣 The same goes for Narita. If you land in Tokyo, it's probably at Narita, 50 km away. And if you take the train in between, you'll be surprised. Yes, the stations are really named after the owner plus the district or the city.

To all head nodders 😴

Until now, I've only known this from movies or funny sketches. Someone in public, who nods off literally; nodding their head forward as they fall asleep. Welcome to Tokyo's train. A young woman in her early twenties is so exhausted that her head and upper body constantly tilt forward and backward like a bobblehead. I don't know if the teenager would have voluntarily sat next to her, expecting a constant 'her head - his shoulder' encounter. I'm just waiting for her head to fall into his lap.

And let's be honest: Everyone should have a shoulder to lean on, with all the burden everyone has to carry. Whether literally or figuratively. 😉
On another level, it shows respect. Everyone here knows how precious sleep is, so nodders are not awakened. You may also need this sleep someday. In public. At 70 km/h. At 2:00 PM.

HDMI included 📺

I check in; the last time in Japan. Cool, they have a translation device at the reception, but I don't need it because the young receptionist speaks good English. I take the elevator and realize that I've once again been assigned a room on the highest floor. That's more of a rule than an exception. The room is small and cozy, but very comfortable. I wonder if there's enough space for boxing on the Switch, the TV is definitely big enough. Then I see the separate HDMI connection and hear a clear and loud 'Yesssss!' from my belly.

After settling in a bit, I go to the supermarket; for the last time. This one is something quite ordinary. No, I don't mean the products with German names. But the 4 liter whisky in PET bottles...

Last hike 🚶

Even though it's pouring rain, I still want to walk around one last time. One last time to immerse myself in the unique energy of a Shinto shrine, where so many wishes and prayers have been sent into the ether. And one last time to see things that make me think 'What the hell...?'.

Like the green facilities in residential areas. Only when the light is green can garbage be left there (?)? In vain, I try to find out what it's all about. Garbage incineration?
Meanwhile, a sign warns against illegally dumping trash. With surveillance cameras and a four- to five-figure fine, I would think twice about it too.

Something new once in a while 🍼

Do you know the feeling when you really crave a hearty sip of clear, refreshing water? You grab the bottle, open it, and let the cool liquid joyfully run down your esophagus. Only to suddenly realize that the transparent, clear liquid is not water, but... yogurt-flavored water? I mean, surprisingly, it tastes pretty good, even though I didn't expect it. But which lunatic in packaging design came up with the idea of making it look like ordinary water at first glance??? I mean... Yes, the translator tells me "Natural Water - Yogurina Premium"... And there's a spoon with white mass depicted on the label... But it was still a surprise to offer millions of lactic acid bacteria a new home out of the blue.