There's no need to worry if you get thirsty in Japan, because there are vending machines all over the city that sell both hot and cold drinks. 'Jido-hanbaiki' Japanese vending machines are renowned for their ubiquity, variety, and reliability. They're not just about drinks; they dispense with a wide range of items, from snacks and novelty goods to even fresh produce and sometimes even live seafood. They also boast advanced technology and innovative features, including cashless payment options and AI recommendations. Many also accept IC cards (Suica, Pasmo), which are like an 'Oyster card' in London. 

'Pachinko' is a unique Japanese gambling game, not a slot machine or lottery. It's a hybrid of pinball and a gambling game with a chance element. Players shoot steel balls into the pachinko machine using a lever. The balls bounce around the playing field, passing through various obstacles and targets. The goal is to have the balls land in areas that score points, which are then converted into prizes. The prizes are then exchanged into cash. I don't have much time when I go back to Japan, but if time allows, I try my luck at once. I don't always win though.  

Soba, or buckwheat noodles, is a traditional Japanese dish with a long history. Its origins are traced back to the Jomon period, where it was used as a survival food during difficult times. Over time, soba evolved and became a staple in Japanese cuisine. Soba is a versatile dish, enjoyed in various forms, including cold soba (with dipping sauce) and hot soba (with broth). Soba holds a special place in Japanese culture, the long, slender shape of soba noodles symbolizes a long life, and eating soba on New Year's Eve is a common tradition.

Dagashi are cheap, kid-friendly sweets and snacks often found in small shops. Dagashi, also known as kitschy confectionery, are popular among children in Japan. It was common to find them in stationery stores near the school back then but recently, I've been seeing more "Dagashi-ya," popping up in shopping malls and other commercial buildings. What's surprising is that even after so many decades, they are still ridiculously cheap.

Umihotaru Parking Area is a unique, seaside parking area located on the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line. It's surrounded by the sea on all sides, offering a breathtaking panoramic view. Surprisingly, if the weather allows, you can see Mt. Fuji from there. The name 'Umihotaru' is derived from the plankton that glows in the ocean at night, 'sea fireflies' (umi hotaru). The opening of the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line in 1997 has made travel between Chiba and Kanagawa prefectures much more convenient.

'Showa' is Japanese imperial era from 1925 until 1989. Last summer, I popped into a tiny shabby-looking restaurant run by an elderly couple in Tokyo by chance. Once I stepped in, I felt like I was taken back to the Showa era and nostalgic feelings arose. I understand why 'Showa retro' is making a comeback, with people appreciating the unique design and atmosphere of the era. Also, it was a lot more inconvenient than it is now, but there was a lot more real interaction between people.