60. Something I used to like

When I first arrived in Japan, almost 20 years ago now, nearly all the stores played classical music while you were shopping! I loved this about Japan. Nowadays, of course, it is usually rock music, which is a fine genre, but not one that I find particularly conducive to shopping leisurely and making purchase decisions. The classical music was a great idea! Bring it back!

59. That extra service touch

I went to a local appliance store today to buy a LAN cable, and wanted to be in and out as quickly as I could. So I went to the service counter and asked where to find them. Directed to the second floor, I headed for the stairs, spent a few extra seconds looking over some of the “impulse” items that were arrayed there and arrived on the second floor, only to be welcomed by a salesgirl who asked “Are you looking for LAN cables?” Imagine my surprise! The service counter on the first floor must have alerted the second floor that a LAN customer was coming. (These are not expensive items.) Then she led me to the cables, we talked about the relative merits of the three basic kinds and after I made my selection she led me to the payment counter. She was cheerful and helpful, stuck with me until I had paid, and said “Goodbye.” I just can’t imagine this level of customer service in my passport country, and it’s definitely something I like about Japan!