When I first arrived in Japan it was almost impossible to find a modern can opener, the kind with the knob attached to a cutting wheel. The old type where you cut the can open was still prevalent.
One day I found a modern opener at a small dept. store in my neighborhood. It was in a package with a cardboard backing and clear plastic covering it, so I could see it clearly. For whatever reason the label said Pet Food Opener in katakana.
I took it to the register where a man of around 60-65 was working. He asked if I had a dog. I answered no. He then asked if I had a cat. Again no. He then told me it's a pet food opener and will only open pet food cans. Of course I thought WTF? A can is a can. I tried to explain that it will work fine, but  he was insistent that it would only open pet food cans. We went back and forth like this for a few minutes. At one point he almost had me believing it. In the  end he basically wouldn't let me buy, so I left without it.
I returned the next day. There was a young woman working and then was able to get the opener without any  fuss.

The cream bun story reminds me of one of my favorite quotes from an Indian guy, "In India nothing works but anything can be arranged. In Japan everytyhing works but nothing can be arranged".

The bakery reminds me of going to Starbucks in Japan for some sort of seasonal frap that was mocha and blended banana.

They said they were out of bananas, but they had bananas for purchase on the counter.

And when asked if they could use the banana on the counter, of course they refused…

About the lack of ability to customize orders or make changes, it gets really weird.

My friend was studying abroad in Japan, must have been 20 years ago. McDonald’s had introduced the Mega Mac. Basically a Big Mac but with twice the beef, so four hamburger patties instead of two.

He tried to order one and was told that they were sold out of Mega Macs. Odd.

“Can I order a Big Mac?”

“Yes.”

“Can I order two Big Macs?”

“Yes.”

“Well, then you can make me a Mega Mac.”

“No, sorry. Sold out.”

Yes, please, bring on part 2. It was very interesting.

Part 2 Kudasai!

Your Bosozoku 暴走族 impression is just fabulous 🏍️💨💨💨

Your motorcycle revving imitation was spot on! Exact!

日本では暴走族でもon timeっていう話は笑えました。その視点はわたしの頭にはまったくなかったです 笑

Insane homepage refresh, extremely early to a video, bet it’s another banger.

I love ur videos. So chill. Perfect length

(6:15)   "There can be only one" ⚔

I'm eagerly waiting for part 2!💪

Hey Paul! Just wanted to say thanks for the videos. I enjoy them each time they come out. Really appreciate and enjoy your insights and stories about life in japan.

I have heard this about Japanese weddings… but my wife wasn’t about that luckily. We had a very simple Shinto ceremony at a shrine near her childhood house. Still had a costume change but way more low key than the presentations I was seeing in Tokyo. 🤣

🤣 they were good! Looking forward to part 2 already!

Let's see a Part 2 video!

I’d like a second wtf moment show.

This one video was so hilarious! Thanks for sharing!

Congrats on 24k subs. Channel is growing fast.