That is true, but my point was that Detroit automakers have been fighting the future for years now. They've lobbied very hard against higher fuel mileage standards instead of feeling the winds of change and moving accordingly. The comment was directed more towards companies than state and federal governments.

Jordan, maybe your comment would be better pointed at state and federal governments as they are the ones that can implement real public transportation in more cities besides NY, Boston, Chicago and D.C. Personally, I would rather see Tokyo focusing on improving bike commuting conditions as the city is relatively small and flat. For example, it only takes 25 minutes to cycle between Shinjuku and Tokyo stations. If there were less annoying red lights and less obstructions on the road and an actual bike lane, I could make that ride in 15 minutes. Japanese already use bikes for getting around their neighborhoods, so it would seem a natural step to take that to commuting to work.

Walk on road? Walk left side, safe. Walk right side, safe. Walk middle, sooner or later get squish just like grape.

No, not thinking of getting one at all, especially this late in the current incarnation's life cycle. As we know, 360s are really jet engines. If I ever got one, they first have to release an updated model with a cooler running CPU and GPU. In fact, I might even be selling my imported from the U.S. Wii....just no time for gaming much anymore.

Thanks, Not late, but very early in the morning. The last train at night is a nightmare of crowdedness on any day.

So you're thinking of getting one? Surely you'd prefer to get one from the US shipped here.

Haha. I like that.

I continue to wonder about the fascination with monkeys in Japan. If it were, say, a tiger, people would just say "Oh. A tiger. Well, here's the train." But monkeys? They go ape.

I was about to make a reply along the same lines, but you beat me to it!

I still can't get over Koizumi.. Haha. 1970's Koizumi should be named "Austin Danger Koizumi."

Finally Microsoft is learning how to do business in Japan.

Very exciting. I love how Japanese companies are at least trying to move towards greener solutions for today's transportation needs. Hey, Detroit! Are you paying attention?

Perhaps Microsoft were practicing the Japanese "Just-In-Time" method of keeping inventory to an absolute minimum to cut storage costs? It was going so well until demand jumped from two to three units. [sarcasm]

I got one installed in the US, just google "Toto washlet" and you should find different vendors!

I suppose I was more surprised they didn't evacuate the station, call in half the nation's police forces and hold a stake out for a few days until the little fella left the building. ;)

Surprised Nick? Really? Haven't you ever seen what happens when even the smallest insect starts flying around in a train? I'm surprised the monkey did start a mass fainting! This kind of thing is why I always carry my Xacti with me everywhere I go.

Well, I plan on going to Shibuya on Friday so I hope that I can see him.

I do not know how you were able to find the stations totally empty. It must have been really late or something.

There is now also a 109 men`s

I have not yet been brave enough to try the crazy thing.

Yeah, I'm not really sure why there was a palpable terror amongst some of the people there. I kind of chuckled at it myself. Poor little guy all stuck in the big city.

I saw this on the telly. I was surprised to see people screaming and running for safety when the monkey ran through the station. That kind of thing in a crowded station could start a stampede!

Perhaps the title should read 'A guide to experiencing Shibuya 109' instead. You are correct that there are no map or directions, but I suppose the author assumed those would be fairly redundant since 109 appears in many guidebooks and maps about Tokyo (and is readily visible from the station).

Hey, I live in Gifu! That must be the Nagaragawa Festival. It's so big they run it on two consecutive weekends if I'm not mistaken. Amazing photos you've got there. What kind of camera did you use?

I finally tried it towards the end of my trip and I may use it again when I return. I have a tip for first timers. If you're curious about these buttons, press them when you're sitting down. Water up your bum is a far lesser shock than a fountain of water all over the toilet, floor and your trousers!