RANT 'N' RAVE
Winter Blues
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Illustration by Yukiko Leitch |
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Before leaving for Japan I had images of a
land awash with up-to-the-minute technological gadgetry. Upon arrival, I soon realized
that the cars didn't hover and the streets weren't exactly reminiscent of Blade Runner.
My preconceptions weren't totally unfounded though. The number of people using mobile
phones in Japan is incredible, the minute size of the phones even more so. Also, look at
the number of car navigation devices in use here, merely something to be gawped at in my
native England. Then there's Akihabara, a gadget heaven. Electric Town says it all really.
These things and countless others struck me when I arrived here in the summer of 1998. I
remember it was incredibly hot but I actually had an air conditioner in my room.
Unbelievable. Most shops back home don't have them, let alone somebody's house. Like a kid
in a sweet shop, I couldn't believe my luck.
Disappointment and disillusionment were, however, just around the corner. As winter
quickly approached, I thought it would be about time to switch on the central heating. It
seemed Japanese technology had even managed to conceal the radiators, either that or they
had invented some other futuristic heating system. Imagine my devastation when this system
turned out to be an oil heater. I mean, an OIL HEATER for God's sake! Not only are they
big, cumbersome and ugly, but they stink. Then, just as you get your room nice and warm,
you have to open the window to let out all the noxious fumes.
Now this brings me onto my biggest gripe. Why don't Japanese homes have heating in the
bathroom? For the love of God, it's like living in the dark ages! If there was at least
some kind of basic heating system then I would just keep quiet and put up with it. But
NOTHING! Why? I don't care what anybody says, that feeling when the shower is switched off
or when you finally pluck up the courage to leave the bath is not a nice one. My body is
blue, as is the air, as I curse my way to the oil heater, attempting to dry myself as
quick as is humanly possible. Getting out of bed on a cold morning is traumatic enough
without this added curse. I've heard the excuse that winter doesn't last long, but frankly
this is utter nonsense. Four months is not a short time in anyone's book.
I can't be the only person who feels this way, so come on Japan, sort it out. Robotic dogs
are all well and good, but a warm bathroom has got to be priority number one.
Many thanks to reader Lee Chapman for this Rant.
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