Who knew ... ? #2

... that you need a bank account at the post office to pay for school lunches? Hunh?

Ethan was very eager to try the unicycles.
I was far less eager...

... that unicycles are standard issue playground equipment at Japanese elementary schools? As well as stilts?

... that kids get portable EKGs at school (as in lying on a table in the library with wires attached to the chest and such)?

... that kids also get swimming lessons at school?

... that kids can stay after school and play until 5 pm with basically no supervision and then walk home when they feel like it?

... that shiba inu puppies lose their teeth?  OK, maybe others knew this, but I had no idea.  Our dog never teethed...

... that daikon is a great source of vitamin C?

Ryan and his teacher during our home visit

... that teachers do home visits? For elementary school and pre-school...

... that things really are smaller here?  The sink in our hotel literally came up to my knees.  I am always hitting my head on the wrist straps on the trains that are mounted low enough for smaller people to reach them.  And my knees literally touch the wall when sitting on the loo.  Seriously.


... that we would get on the wrong train multiple times - even after being here for a few months?  It's the subtle differences between express, commuter express, limited express, and rapid express...

... that you can ONLY buy rental insurance FOR Japan while living IN the U.S.?

... that we would be without a TV for 4 months and survive just fine?

... that even I would be bitten by the bento box bug and make snow-man shaped rice balls and carrot flowers?

The Recycling Instructions, at least
it's in English!

... that there are 12 different types of recyclables? And the only days in the entire month that we DO NOT have to recycle something is the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month?

... that things that are available on-line at home are not available on-line in Japan (at least not for free)?  For example, hulu, pbs, etc...

... that Japan only legalized low-hormone birth control pills in 1998?  Are you kidding me?

... that you don't make an appointment for a pediatrician? You just show up and it all works fine - and did I mention that it's free?

... that "medical massage" is covered under Japanese national health insurance?  Go figure...