Exiting the speed train from Narita International airport, we transferred to the local line that would take us from the busy Shinjuku Station three stops over to where my friend grew up: the more residential area of Tokyo known as Nakano (not to be confused with Nagano where the 1998 Winter Olympics were held).

The first cultural difference I was taught on this subway/train was that it is against the rules to talk. Yes, that’s right: no talking on Tokyo trains on weekdays. Hundreds of commuters on public transportation heading home from work, out to shop, over to a friend’s house, etc. and one must respect the rules of a library. Coming from America, this surprised and somewhat perplexed me.

Don’t get me wrong: I get it. Continue reading →