Early reflections from Japan

It is still early days but first impressions do count. Technologically, the Japanese are way ahead. On the metro trains, most people use their mobile phones to surf the internet or watch videos on demand since talking is prohibited. One thing which impresses you most is that you rarely hear ringing tones in public places.

But if you want the best example of technology all you need to do is examine the different technologies competing in the toilets nearby.

This morning I made use of a sink which had an automatic soap dispenser, automatic water and even a hand dryer combined. There was a toilet which had an automatic sliding door as you approach for hygenic reasons. Giulia made use of a toilet which opens and closes automatically and even flushes automatically. Now this is what we call comfort.

And if this is just not enough, then just call a taxi and the driver will open your door without needing to disembark from his cab. And its not as if the cabs are new. Most of them are old Toyota Crown (which never appeared in Europe).