0114 Tokyo Street Lights

Jun 01, 2012, 04:37 PM

Here in Tokyo, at least one form of culture shock comes as a most pleasant surprise. In the US, when you cross the street, almost before you’ve stepped off the curb, the “Walk” sign has blinked off and you’re being told that you have only 17, no 16, no 15 seconds left to get to the other side before the light changes and the impatient American drivers put the pedal to the metal and it’s road kill time. Talk about stress! In Tokyo, crossing the street is a leisurely undertaking. The light changes, you step off the curb, you stroll to the other side and still the friendly green light shines benevolently upon you. What’s more, a pretty little tune plays as you walk. We’ve embraced Japanese cars and gadgets: is there any reason why we shouldn’t embrace this, too? #ceas #hacker #japan #tsutsui