Saving, Saving, and Saving
Like in other countries, oil price increases have pushed up inflation in the Japanese economy. The price of every item has increased, including gasoline, food, and air surcharges. Checking my household account is the scariest of my daily routines, and it urges me to do something to manage my spending. Well, it looks as though I am not the only Japanese who thinks this way. The following explains how the Japanese cope with inflation:
July 25 2008 | Economy and Weekly Articles | No Comments »
“Japanese are polite.” This is what foreigners tell me when they visit Japan for the first time, and I agree at first. It amazes me how courteous the service is of companies and shops in Japan, especially since I have returned from overseas. For instance, early one morning when I visited a bank branch office, all of the bankers greeted me with a deep bow and said: “Ohayo Gozaimasu!” (Good morning). When I walked through the door I also heard a voice saying: “Arigato Gozaimashita” (Thank you very much) from somewhere in the ceiling. Everyone certainly seems to be polite, even machines. But, are they polite from the bottom of the heart?
Denshi-money (electric money or smart cards) makes our lives more convenient. With Edy, a rechargeable smart card, I can buy a lunch box and a snack bar at a convenience store. With Suica, a rechargeable smart card for trains and subways, I can take the subway without using a ticket machine. I can buy things and travel around even if I do not have enough cash in my wallet!