So, of all the countries this voyage ports at, Japan is the one that I’m most familiar. Given I spent some time learning the language, living in Tokyo, and returning here many times, I was pretty psyched for the boys and Christy to experience the place. What I realized soon after docking in Kobe is that I was going to do my best to see it all through their eyes.

It took about a day for the boys to come to terms with all of the vending machines. They’re everywhere. And, they sell cold and hot drinks. The boys noted easily that those with writing in blue are cold, those with writing in red are hot. It took a few more days before they were both willing to take the leap and drink from the fountain of youth known as Japanese vending machines. Tate got a warm honey lemonade. And, Linc sidled up to a hot cocoa.This hot cocoa was soon acclaimed as the ‘best hot chocolate ever’. For 100 yen (less than $1), Linc got a can (yes, can) of the best ever hot cocoa from a random street in Osaka, Japan! Look into those eyes of his – do they speak of awesome! It was clear – from their eyes (and taste buds), these vending machines were absolute winners.

I remember these vending machines over 25 years ago and I thought they were pretty awesome then; used to love getting warm milk tea in the can during the winter months when I lived in Tokyo. There’s got to be a market for this in the US, doesn’t there? The boys agree – time to bring this very old innovation to the US.

There as on-going fascination with the displays outside of Japanese restaurants. The food represented perfectly in some odd molded plastic. The colors are perfect, the form is right on. And nearly every place has its display. And, then there is the place in the photo with a very large fried egg. Took the boys picture in front of it. Not sure how much it sank in..they’re standing in front of a very large fried egg…isn’t that, well, unexpected. Or, unusual. Best I could tell from their reactions is that it was interesting, worth a picture, but let’s get it over with it. Through their eyes, it’s just an egg.

The Japanese do go beyond what one might expect in terms of customer service. At least compared to what one generally expects in the US. The plastic food displays are just the start. Check out Tate’s blog about Japan and you’ll get a great sense of what he experienced in terms of customer service. A – MAZ – ING.

Christy, Tate and Lincoln all took note of the efficiency. In different ways. Lincoln loved how the train tickets were purchased, how easily you put them into machines to get in, the clear demarcations for lining up to board trains. He didn’t often comment on it all (as we know, Linc is a man of few words) but it all came so naturally to him. Orderly, simple, clear. It all made perfect sense. Tate seemed smitten with trains that ran on time, station by station, every hour, every day. He was the one that stayed attentive on the trains, ensuring we didn’t miss our stop. And, although he never quite got the hang of chopsticks, I think he intuitively gets their efficiency. Chop and prepare food the right way and all you need are two sticks to eat. Once you figure out how to work them – Tate’s quizzical look suggests it’s still a work in progress for him.

Colors on the train

Cold and Hot!

Egg!

Best hot cocoa ever!

Why is that one pointing this way?

Christy – well, I think she was taken by many elements of the efficiency that is Japan. For example, they are efficient with clothing color selection. See her and Linc on the train. People wear only dark shades – blues, blacks, grays. It’s all very aesthetically orderly. Seemed to work well for Christy. Darn efficient, too. Imagine the inventory management at the department stores; far fewer color SKUs to manage.

I have to admit, I’ve always been quite smitten with Japan. Efficient, generous, calm. My family seemed to thrive there. Tate’s ready to go back. Who’s got a two-week homestay ready for him? My bet – both Linc and Christy would be up for a return visit as well. Of course, I’m always game. Ja, mata ne.