Today I’m going to share some pictures I’ve taken of things in Japan that I’ve never seen before in the U.S.
The picture above is a QR Code. I see them everywhere here, even at McDonalds. They’re on buildings, billboards, magazine ads, product packages, etc. You take a picture with your cell phone and it brings up information or a website.
From Wikipedia: A QR Code is a matrix code (or two-dimensional bar code) created by Japanese corporation Denso-Wave in 1994. The “QR” is derived from “Quick Response”, as the creator intended the code to allow its contents to be decoded at high speed. QR Codes are common in Japan where they are currently the most popular type of two dimensional code.
The picture of the shochu bottles above were explained to me as a “bottle keep” and from my understanding these are unfinished bottles of alcohol. If a person comes in (probably with a group) and orders a bottle but they don’t finish it the restaurant will put the person’s name on it so that person can enjoy the tasty beverage which they’ve already paid for during their next visit. That’s awesome!
The picture above is a package of coffee creamer. I consider it a powdered coffee creamer refill since I fill up my jar from this package. What’s so different about it? Well it has a dotted line and you’re supposed to cut all the way across. When you cut it all the way across only this small portion is opened so you can conveniently pour the contents out. How awesome is that? In the U.S. if you do this you have an opening the full size of the package.
The picture above is a refill pack of shampoo. In the U.S. there are refills jugs or really huge bottles of shampoo so I think the Japan version is interesting and I think it’s more convenient.
The above picture is an umbrella holder. They are everywhere here. Most large stores don’t have an umbrella holder but instead they offer plastic bags you can use to cover your umbrella so you don’t get any of the products wet. I don’t come from a state that has much rainfall so seeing a lot of people carrying umbrellas was new to me. And a place to put your umbrella and trust that nobody will want a free “upgrade” from theirs (or from none) is different.
The above picture is a Lawson convenience store. Convenience stores are commonly called “Conbinis” in Japan (sounds like cone-beanie). There are conbinis everywhere in Japan. It’s insane. None sell gasoline like the American version and the staff is very nice (again, unlike the American version). Stores are really clean and they have a ton of items including ready to eat fried chicken and other random fried things that I’ve eaten but can’t tell what they are. They’re often used as landmarks too when you’re trying to navigate through town.
Ah yes, the picture above is a vending machine. Why is this so different? Well… they are everywhere. Within a 3 minute walk I will see at least 4. Some are sneaky and are hiding around the corner. Some have hot and cold drinks. I’ve even seen one that sells are regular size + large size for the same price. Some even make noises and it makes me feel that they’re taunting me. You can get coffee, tea, soda, juice, and I haven’t looked but I wouldn’t be surprised if you can get soup and milk.
Those are all the pictures I have right now. I hope you enjoyed them, and stay tuned for more!
oh yeah.. you have captured all the “unAmerican” things well..wouldn’t hurt though if the good ole US of A took some hints.. I guess here in JP it’s all either “cone beanies” or hair salons… in Shizuoka..there are THREE Starbucks on one street alone!! what gives…..?
I liked the vending machines at stations selling flowers so that Businessmen can take something home for the wife after being out drinking late after work with Boss.
After awhile you’ll forget these things are strange and interesting.
Thanks for the reminder.
By the way, I read somewhere (probably on Wired) that Google is running print ads in California now that include QR codes. With QR codes I guess the advertiser knows the exact number of people who responded to a specific ad.
Great post. I am going to have to mention this post on my blog this week.
But…. do you have any vending machines that dispense ‘medial marijuana’?
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/posted/archive/2008/01/28/vending-machines-in-california-dispense-medical-marijuana.aspx
Oh yea, I did not think so.
On more thing. What ‘tasty beverage’ would come in a bottle that you would want to save? Pop? Beer? That would be nasty since they would lose carbination or taste.
So what comes in these bottles that you would want to save until you return?
@Jyankee: Three Starbucks? I have two that are across from each other here in Fukuoka.
@Cardinal: Flowers? I haven’t seen that yet! It’s a great idea.
@Tori: QR codes are interesting. I think they’re a great marketing tool as well because you can get coupons, etc.
@Ed: Haha, what! Medial marijuana? I wonder how long until one of those machines gets broken into by some teenagers. And the tasty beverages would Shochu! I’m not sure how to properly describe how it tastes. Maybe 2x the POW as sake and a flavor that has a bite. It doesn’t taste like whiskey. I’m sure you can save other drinks like sake, vodka, and other hard alcohol.