Germs and the Japanese

Masks for sale at the local 7-11

Based on my totally unscientific count, it appeared that every fifth person in Japan was wearing a mask.  Was this because they were sick, getting sick, or trying to avoid getting sick?  I never figured that out.  But I can tell you that when I first arrived I thought I'd been deposited in a cancer ward.  On the other hand, you are never exposed to sniffles in Japan.  How polite is that?  So polite.

All your mask needs can be met at the local 7-11 or Family Mart where an endless selection of masks await you, including a lavender scented mask. 

And look at how beautifully the Crunky is packaged!

The masks were right next to delicious chocolate bars, including the Crunky.  Now, I don't know about you, but "Crunky" would not be my first choice for naming a chocolate bar.  I think the name is meant to refer to crunchiness, but as they say, something has been lost in translation.  Nonetheless, it was one of the tastiest chocolate bars I've ever had.