Japan Chronicles #61 à 64

Chronicle #61 (April 7, 2025): Japanese genius in action! A tablet integrated into the toilet latch, so you don't forget your phone—a discreet but brilliant invention. And that little hole? Perfect for hanging an umbrella—because yes, even the rain won't ruin the experience here. Special mention to the truck stop toilets: clean, equipped with a heated seat and a bidet… We're a million miles from the rest stops on Highway 20! Tokyo proves once again that even the simplest details can be optimized to the extreme.

Chronicle #62 (April 7, 2025): The paradox of the Japanese subway—impeccable discipline… until the moment the doors open! At rush hour, everyone waits in line, without pushing or shoving, giving priority to passengers getting off. But as soon as it’s time to board, compression becomes a survival technique—clamped on all sides, carried by the human wave rather than by one’s own will! Tokyo proves once again that order and chaos can coexist… within seconds of each other.

Chronicle #63 (April 16, 2025): Japanese coastal cities take safety very seriously—and it shows in every detail. Signs dot the streets indicating your elevation above the ocean, a vital reference in case of a tsunami warning. On the ground, evacuation markings clearly guide residents to safe areas in case of a tsunami. This careful anticipation reminds us that prevention is always better than cure!

Chronicle #64 (April 17, 2025): Japanese honesty is truly fascinating—here, trust shapes everyday life. Last Monday, after a three-hour commute, a surprise: not enough money on my card to pay the $27 fee… and no terminal or agent in this tiny station. Another passenger calmly explained to me: "Take a paper coupon, leave as if nothing had happened, and pay later at a large station." And it works! An honor-based system, unthinkable elsewhere, but which allows small villages to be connected without heavy infrastructure. Today, of course, I had to stop at another station to pay what I owed. Tokyo proves once again that integrity can be a true pillar of collective functioning.

Chronicle #65 (June 16, 2025): The art of baggage handling in Japanese airports—here, not only do suitcases almost never get lost, but they're also delicately arranged upon arrival. Each suitcase is placed handle-first, ready for effortless retrieval. This attention to detail transforms a simple conveyor belt into an impeccable service experience.

Chronicle #66 (June 16, 2025): Chocolate-butter bread—a Japanese pastry that defies the laws of nutrition! A slice of butter, a slice of chocolate, all nestled inside a bread roll. A combination as decadent as it is surprising. How do the Japanese stay slim despite this? It's an absolute mystery!

Chronicle #67 (June 16, 2025): Japan and its vending machines, a true institution! With the highest number of vending machines per capita, you can find everything... including cigarette and beer machines. This one, spotted in the lobby of a spa, proves that everyday products are easily accessible everywhere.

Chronicle #68 (June 16, 2025): The fight against the sun in Japan—a true protective discipline. Japanese people, and especially Japanese women, take skin care very seriously. And here's the pinnacle of this quest: an SPF 100 coat, even covering your fingers and cheeks! But with 38 degrees and a feel-good temperature of 42 in summer, is this really viable?