Fire Someone Today: Visiting Japan

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June 17, 2006

Visiting Japan

I was in Japan on business recently, and I had a great time. The people were friendly and the food was great.

(I say that about everywhere I go, though. I am beginning to suspect that travelers’ reports of unfriendly locals and bad food reflect more on the dead palate and grumpy disposition of the traveler than on the varied destinations...)

Tokyo was full of interesting machines, unexpected automation, and clever ideas. Every day I encountered another great idea. And another Engrish sign.

A sliding tile puzzle with cars.

Aluminum bottles are everywhere.

Drain excess liquid and ice before throwing away your cup.

Why waste space on ramps when you can use a turntable and an elevator?

There is a 15 minute wait for a haircut.

Going "do not disturb" is push-button easy. And there's no need to open the door to check for the newspaper. An optical sensor detects when it is "deliverd" and flashes the message inside the room.