The 1000 Day Holiday

Some of the weird and wacky things Ive seen in Japan:

Shop Japan TV Infomercial
The set looked like it was made of tinfoil
The host was wearing a sparkly suit and had a large suitcase full of travel items..
Emergency ponchos, hypothermia blankets etc.
He then pulls out a rigid plastic bag, unfolds it, its a cube, with the opening at the top. he tilts it so we can see that the bottom is lined with foam, so it appears to be self supporting.

At this point I said to Amy & Sarah, I bet its for taking a dump in.

Lo and behold hit sits it on the ground and shows how to squat over it.

BUT WAIT THERES MORE!

He then proceeds to demonstrate how to seal it. and to be extra secure, he pulls out a slightly smaller bag (the Super Zip Lock Bag) and puts the first into that, and seals it.

Then he shows how you could now use this as a pillow!
I kid you not.

—————
The Euthanasia Bag
I was in the 100 yen shop ($1.20ish) ala $2 shop
And I came accross this package with the picture of a woman with a plastic bag over her head. Ala euthanasia bag!

I couldnt believe that, so i picked it up and on the back was a pictorial for use.
1: open package and remove bag.
2: Flap bag to fill it with air
3: Place over head and hold tight around neck.
4: Run thru the fire and escape..

Aha! its for when you’re in a building thats on fire.
Of course. now theres just the problem of it melting onto your face as you try to escape.
I bought this, so will upload pics when i get a chance.

—————
Politeness

When cars are stopped in traffic or at intersections they turn their headlights off so as not to annoy cars in front of them or across the intersection. 

—————
Japanese that want to practise their english

Lonely Planet mentions that you will be able to spot these people a mile away. They lock on and home in on you, trying to prevent escape until they have sated their desire to speak white.

I began to think I couldnt sort them from the masses.. Until.

I was taking a final pic of Himeji Castle, I turned around to continue my exit and there he was.  A 70ish year old man, bad teeth, cardigan and that glint in his eye.

The conversation went something like this:

Are you from America?

No,  New Zealand

Ahh, Have you been to Hiroshima?

Yes, I came from there this morning.

Ahh, Do you have a JR pass (Japan Rail)?

No. I have a 18 Youth Ticket (Uni Holidays)

Ahh, So are you a student?

No, Anyone can use those tickets in the uni holidays.

Ahh, Are you a teacher?

No.

Ahh, Have you been to Kyoto?

No, I’m going there now (hint – train coming soon)

ahh, have you been to Tokyo?

Ok, see you later….