Random Differences

Here are some random differences between the US and Japan:

In Japan, salaries are paid monthly.  In the US, usually they are paid every other week, although in some cases they may be weekly or monthly.

In Japan, envelopes do not come with glue on them.  In the US, just moisten the edge of the flap and seal the envelope!  In Japan, you supply your own adhesive.  Grr -- I found this out the hard way.

Japan Post also offers banking services.  A good place to find ATMs that will accept foreign VISA cards is the post office (when it's open -- ATMs aren't always available 24/7).  Another place to go is 7-Eleven stores.  Just be sure to contact your card issuer and let them know that you'll be in Japan, or they might shut your card down.

There still are smoking sections in some restaurants in Japan, and most pubs (izakaya) are all smoking.  There is debate going on about whether there should be a smoking ban that would include izakaya, and how it would affect business.  Would the people who might come to a non-smoking izakaya make up for the smokers who leave?  This time, I've seen glass walls around the smoking section in restaurants, so that's a good first step.

The US uses stationary sizes like letter and legal.  Japan uses the international sizes like A5 or B6. There are 2 series, A and B.  The smaller the number, the larger the paper (or whatever) -- A5 is A4 cut in half.  A4 is a bit narrower and longer than letter size.

Japan has hot cans of coffee in vending machines.  Instant coffee seems to be more of a thing, too.  I guess it's because people don't have coffee makers in their homes.  I've bought single serve disposable pour-over coffee packets.  The packet unfolds to fit over a cup, and you just need to pour hot water over the coffee.

Beer in Japanese grocery stores is sold largely by the can.

It's OK to drink alcohol in a public park.  It is absolutely not OK to drink and drive -- the blood alcohol limit here is 0.00%!

No need to tip at restaurants in Japan.

Consumption tax (sales tax) is now 8% nationwide in Japan, up from 5%.  It also applies to unprepared food in grocery stores, unlike my state in the US.

The academic and work calendar starts in April in Japan.  Large companies hire their regular, career staff once a year and they start in April -- after they've graduated college at the end of March.   A lot of planners/calendars have an April start version, and I see a lot of suits being featured in stores now.  These are black or dark navy suits and are the thing to wear to an interview.    

When you buy a book in Japan, the clerk will offer a paper book cover, so you can read your book in public without anyone knowing what you're reading.