In a quiet bakery tucked inside a train station, a woman who barely knew me changed my view of connection in Japan. I never expected a goodbye letter from her—but in her quiet way, she saw me, and I never forgot it.

When I first moved to Japan, I was stunned by the punctual trains—but even more by the passengers fast asleep all around me. Why do so many people nap on public transit—and how do they always wake up at the right stop? Let’s take a closer look at this fascinating everyday ritual.

Ever felt like throwing away trash was a quest? In Japan, it is! Discover why finding a public trash can feel like a scavenger hunt—and how this unusual system helps keep the streets remarkably clean, organized, and beautiful.