One thing I should talk about more on the blog these days when it comes to living in Japan is technology. It is everywhere here and advanced. After living here for nearly 8 months here is my take. Technology in Japan is hard to live with and it is also hard to live without. I consider myself a technical otaku (nerd). I build computers, overclock them, always buy the latest gadgets... but, I do admit there are times where I feel overwhelmed by technology in Japan. As crazy as that seems there has been a few times in recent months where I wished things were just simpler.
Sometimes I wonder how people who are not technical or advanced figure out how to work everything in Japan. Perhaps it is that they are so used to it and have lived here all their lives so technology is commonplace. I sometimes struggle just to use our range/oven/microwave called the Sharp Healsio. It is NOT easy to use but it is quite a gadget. Sometimes I wish I could just push Start and Stop. But things are always much harder and I have to imagine that the majority of people do not use electronics and gadgets to their full capabilities.
It is now getting hot in Japan and it took me a while to figure out how to turn off the heated toilet seat. I also got a new keitai or cell phone as people outside of Japan know it. Keitai technology is so advanced in Japan as many people rely on it not only as their primary source of communication but for many as a replacement for a computer even. So yes a keitai can do everything, from watching TV, to acting as a GPS locator to a Bar Code scanner for purchasing drinks from the vending machine. I love gadgets but I will admit I do not know what half the functions are on my new Docomo D904i (actually over 2 years old but for me like new (^_^)).
Keitai's are so cheap here used, I can actually switch to a new one every few months but it will take me that long to figure out how to stop receiving message R & F through iMode, properly install iAppli's, what PushTalk is, what Chara-den is, what Machi-chara is, what the Kisekae tool is.... yeah I have not figured this phone out yet but it is very cool. (^_^)