"Ikebukuro... it's on the Yamanote line... I know where it is because of Devil Survivor, don't judge me." It's okay, Kathleen. It's also true for me that everything I know about modern Tokyo I learned from SMT.
Oh hey, Kimi Ryokan. I stayed there in 2013 and it was awesome. One of the staff saved my bacon by doing research on her own initiative and letting me know that the luggage sending service to the airport I was planning on using had to go the day before, otherwise I wouldn't have had my luggage!
I'm sorry, I just still find it adorbs that G-money has a little Canadian flag, presumably so he doesn't get mistaken for an American gaijin. Kathleen, of course, eschews such fripperies.
Job description for JR Rail train conductor: - Have to able to enjoy beautiful scenery every day; - Be able to wear white gloves; - Be able to graciously point your time. OK, I'm in!... :-)
+ravensshade Not so random :-) David Yu in the comments liked to the Checkpoint Plus epusode where G & K discuss it, has to do with keeping time... well, mayne not "keeping it", as much as a ritual to help them. That would be my guess.
For comparison, in a US 7-Eleven: 590ml coke, $1.89 Lay's chips will be $1.49, but the same size from a smaller brand can be as little as $1.09. About 70g Peanuts - while bags around 40g will be $1.49 each, 25g packages are often 2 for $1. Kitkat - a "regular size" bar will be $1.39 or $1.49 and be at least 70g. The size package you hold up (both time) looks more like a King Size, which is $1.99 and even bigger. Banana - 69 cents or 2 for $1. Eclair - $1.39. Sales tax would be by local jurisdiction - there is no federal sales tax, though most states have one and many cities have one as well. Locally, we pay about 4.5% So $8.95 (plus 40 cents tax) gets you more of everything but peanuts. At current exchange, that's like $12.19 Canadian.
Oh, two more things: 1) 7 and I Holdings, which owns all the 7-Elevens in Japan, bought 7-Eleven Incorporated a fer years ago. 2) There is no good reason for the clerk not to give you a receipt if you asked for one. Like, you might want to call the customer support line and let somebody at corporate know about that.
To be 100% clear: I worked in a 7-Eleven corporate store for ten years from 2000-2010. I am still .... affiliated with the company in a way where I am totally not authorized to speak for them. Every 7-Eleven in North America (Corporate or Franchised) uses the same hardware and software for their registers (in my experience). While I have worked in stores that ran out of paper for the register, and I have seen issues in the supply chain where that paper was out of stock for more than a week, causing all the stores in a small area to run out, it is a standard thermal printer and will print on any thermal paper that fits. If that doesn't work, the computer in the office can print a copy of that transaction on plain copier paper. There is no excuse for not giving a customer an itemized receipt if he asked for one. (It really upsets me when somebody does a poor job and makes us all look bad.)
I didn't know that the train drivers did a hand gesture as well. I found it fascinating that the station masters ALWAYS did a similar gesture when a train left/went by/entered, even if the train was blowing by at 300KPH, and there was NOBODY on the platform. It was just his job, so he did it every time. I don't think that could happen in the US.
Wow, both of those bags of purchases were cheaper than in the States, lol! Then again, I'm only going by the USD amount. Perhaps if I actually went out to a US convenience store, it could be cheaper, but I feel this isn't the case.
The question was where not "do you live in a place that taxes bananas". I'm curious as well where bananas are taxed (you know... beyond regular sales tax)
It has something to do with speeds and train schedules. Graham talked about it in a stream at some point in the past month or so, I believe it was a Checkpoint aftershow but I don't remember specifically. If anyone knows where to find it I'd appreciate it.
The best cracker I ever tasted in a Nabisco factory were the crackers just after they got out of the oven and before they hit the spray on oil with salt/flavoring. 🙃
To be fair, that Yates St. 7-11 is on the edge of downtown and not the best. There's a couple further out that have a slightly better track record at wiping up counter spills. But only slightly.
I don't know what the CAD to NOK (I'm norwegian) exchange rate was then so I'm just gonna use todays'. About 1.5 CAD for a 500ml bottle of coke is an absolute *steal!* Here in Norway (where food is also very expensive) you're lucky to get one for up to somewhere around 35 NOK, which is about 5.4 CAD! That's just complete cray cray. It should also be mentioned that NOK is rather weak atm, but still, that is a huge difference.
That HAS to be some kind of government tax on carbonated sugary beverages. Can you get the same size bottle of generic-brand cola for much much less? I can't see how Coca-Cola would make as much money selling the product as a luxury item if generic cola is good enough for most people and less than half the price.
Grahams price comparison makes me sad, because all of that stuff would cost twice the Canadian price here in Denmark, and he thinks Canada is expensive.
Oh I do know of Yokai Watch, I'm living in the same house my 9-year-old nephew during the summer. It has the weirdest opening song I've ever heard in a kids dub anime. ALSO THE EXERCISE SONG OH GOD
Graham, I was actually in Tokyo to climb Mount Fuji this past week. I recorded quite a lot of the trip as I was inspired by this series. Could you tell me what video editing software you used for this, or some other worthy substitute?
The curb can actually deflect low-speed vehicles (at a low angle) so it makes roads slightly safer for pedestrians. On high-speed roads curbs actually make it more dangerous because hitting on can make you lose control of the car even more or flip the car.
Why does the train driver keep pointing with his hand from time to time. I doubt he is pointing to show somebody where something is. Is that the gesture he needs to do to prove to the system monitoring him that he is not asleep? Yes trains have systems that monitor if the driver is awake, but from what I know it usually involves hitting a button every minute or so.
Pointing and Calling. Because it requires the driver to use both eyes, mouth, and arms it's more effective at keeping them focused than pushing a button. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pointing_and_calling
I don't know what the exchange rate is between the US and Canada (and I'm too lazy to look it up) But I'd be PISSED if I had to pay $2.29 for that Coke!
I knew that the 7-11 quality, monetary differences would be in Japans favor. Its terribly expensive convenience store prices. Play it smart kids, go buy chips and pop from dollar stores.
Yokai Watch is out here and nobody cares. Everyone could see that it was just another Pokemon. Wasn't even cool enough like Ni No Kuni to get some traction.
NO! NO! NO! I WILL NOT GO THROUGH ANOTHER POKEMON PHASE. My wife is already addicted to pokemon in general plus she plays the games. Right now everyone is going plum insane over pokemon go. Please tell me it is not true.
![Getting Angry at Pokémon Gyms [gvlog]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/L6OGWW5jZ6M/mqdefault.jpg)
Straight up, those trainseats at the start would be a highlight of my trip :D
The train rides with transitions timed to the beat were really soothing.
I watched those first three minutes with my mouth agape. I'm going to watch it again.
"Ikebukuro... it's on the Yamanote line... I know where it is because of Devil Survivor, don't judge me."
It's okay, Kathleen. It's also true for me that everything I know about modern Tokyo I learned from SMT.
You guys are way too good at the clever editing thing. That 7/11 comparison was great to watch!
The music is awesome! And also I am loving this series!
Goddamn, these are SO well edited.
Oh hey, Kimi Ryokan. I stayed there in 2013 and it was awesome. One of the staff saved my bacon by doing research on her own initiative and letting me know that the luggage sending service to the airport I was planning on using had to go the day before, otherwise I wouldn't have had my luggage!
1:21 Yes, I would definitely say you got the good seats.
That clock is amazing. Long live the tiny people if the clock!
That is some dedication to a good edit
Dat train ride tho. You can quite safely say I r jelly.
I didn't realize what a beautiful country Japan is. That train ride is something I could take every day.
It is super cool you can see the conductor.
I'm sorry, I just still find it adorbs that G-money has a little Canadian flag, presumably so he doesn't get mistaken for an American gaijin.
Kathleen, of course, eschews such fripperies.
That's such a different experience looking forward out of a train. And that line looks amazing to travel on!
Man that first train trip was actually breathtaking, Japan should mount cameras on their rural trains and stream that shit
Job description for JR Rail train conductor:
- Have to able to enjoy beautiful scenery every day;
- Be able to wear white gloves;
- Be able to graciously point your time.
OK, I'm in!... :-)
Have to be* able...
+ravensshade Not so random :-) David Yu in the comments liked to the Checkpoint Plus epusode where G & K discuss it, has to do with keeping time... well, mayne not "keeping it", as much as a ritual to help them. That would be my guess.
Awesome scenery
I realized at one point I was just mesmerized by the train view with a big grin on my face. Mmmmmmmmm
A 70 gram bag of potato chips is a lot of Grahams
I was wondering what that idea was. Cool thing to do, loved the edit.
During those shots out the window of the train I couldn't stop thinking of the Star Guitar music video
I love that video!!
+loadingreadyrun :) It's an amazing video, how not to love Gondry?
Could you share the link of the video?
We have those crepes in Melbourne, Australia. Soooo good!
For comparison, in a US 7-Eleven:
590ml coke, $1.89
Lay's chips will be $1.49, but the same size from a smaller brand can be as little as $1.09. About 70g
Peanuts - while bags around 40g will be $1.49 each, 25g packages are often 2 for $1.
Kitkat - a "regular size" bar will be $1.39 or $1.49 and be at least 70g. The size package you hold up (both time) looks more like a King Size, which is $1.99 and even bigger.
Banana - 69 cents or 2 for $1.
Eclair - $1.39.
Sales tax would be by local jurisdiction - there is no federal sales tax, though most states have one and many cities have one as well. Locally, we pay about 4.5%
So $8.95 (plus 40 cents tax) gets you more of everything but peanuts. At current exchange, that's like $12.19 Canadian.
Oh, two more things:
1) 7 and I Holdings, which owns all the 7-Elevens in Japan, bought 7-Eleven Incorporated a fer years ago.
2) There is no good reason for the clerk not to give you a receipt if you asked for one. Like, you might want to call the customer support line and let somebody at corporate know about that.
I'm with you on the receipt thing. Not giving you an itemised receipt is straight up illegal where I live.
To be 100% clear: I worked in a 7-Eleven corporate store for ten years from 2000-2010. I am still .... affiliated with the company in a way where I am totally not authorized to speak for them.
Every 7-Eleven in North America (Corporate or Franchised) uses the same hardware and software for their registers (in my experience).
While I have worked in stores that ran out of paper for the register, and I have seen issues in the supply chain where that paper was out of stock for more than a week, causing all the stores in a small area to run out, it is a standard thermal printer and will print on any thermal paper that fits.
If that doesn't work, the computer in the office can print a copy of that transaction on plain copier paper.
There is no excuse for not giving a customer an itemized receipt if he asked for one.
(It really upsets me when somebody does a poor job and makes us all look bad.)
Train montage!
Only just started but I want that clock!
Kath plays Pokemon Shuffle
Not gonna lie, my jaw dropped when you turned the camera around to show the train seats and the view as a result.
I also found very few foods in Japan that I was disappointed with, but it did happen. I feel for you Graham.
That's why if you want a pop and/or a bag of chips in Canada you go to Dollarama, not 7/11.
The whole anime Durarara!! takes place in Ikebukuro. Worth a watch. :)
I kept expecting you to cut to Pharrell and Daft Punk during the train rides! :P
Man, these videos have made me want to go to Japan SO BAD
I didn't know that the train drivers did a hand gesture as well. I found it fascinating that the station masters ALWAYS did a similar gesture when a train left/went by/entered, even if the train was blowing by at 300KPH, and there was NOBODY on the platform. It was just his job, so he did it every time. I don't think that could happen in the US.
I miss Chip Star, yes they are like pringles, but they're thicker. Also you get used to low salt after a year...
14:20 yo Graham, you bought Lays instead of a 7-11 brand bag of chips, maybe that is why the sizes didn't match up right?
There wasn't one at ours-those were the only option.
+loadingreadyrun weird, usually 7-11's stock their own brand of snacks like that.
The things I miss from Japan are the convenient stores, vending machines, and trains lol
You got the best seats ever.
Not gonna lie, I owe most of my knowledge about Tokyo's subdivisions to Kathleen Saves The World.
There is a line friends store in time square. I had to take a moment and question a few things about life.
Huh. Ikebukoro looks just like it did in Durarara. Neat.
Best seats!!
i think that phone case was the most excited Kathleen looked the whole trip lol
Wow, both of those bags of purchases were cheaper than in the States, lol!
Then again, I'm only going by the USD amount. Perhaps if I actually went out to a US convenience store, it could be cheaper, but I feel this isn't the case.
Y'all need to consider a Kickstarter that has you VLOG-ROUND-THE-WORLD!... I'd pay to see that.
9:31 to 10:00 what is the name of that song? Also 10:55 to 11:10.
The Coke in Australia can go from anywhere from $3.50 to $5 per 600ml bottle.
No banana tax.
Moving to Japan.
Where do you live that taxes bananas?
Jeremiah B yes
The question was where not "do you live in a place that taxes bananas". I'm curious as well where bananas are taxed (you know... beyond regular sales tax)
You live in a place that taxes food?
Fucking awesome you didn't forget your idea and did an across time and ocean comparison! You are da MAN,
I assume he's been watching through and doing some edits of the video
1:46 - Does anyone know what that train driver was doing when he pointed down the track from time to time?
Could be hand signs for construction workers etc. ?
It has something to do with speeds and train schedules. Graham talked about it in a stream at some point in the past month or so, I believe it was a Checkpoint aftershow but I don't remember specifically. If anyone knows where to find it I'd appreciate it.
I found it. Here ya go. Explains the timing for the trains.
www.twitch.tv/loadingreadyrun/v/78756097?t=56m17s
+David Yu Thank you so much!! This would have taken my whole day, not being able to focus on anything else if it was not for you!! :-)
I'm not judging, I know Ikebukuro from Durarara!
The best cracker I ever tasted in a Nabisco factory were the crackers just after they got out of the oven and before they hit the spray on oil with salt/flavoring. 🙃
did you guys go to the Tamagachi store by the Harajuku station?
Why was the engineer pointing ahead like at 1:30 every so often?
To be fair, that Yates St. 7-11 is on the edge of downtown and not the best. There's a couple further out that have a slightly better track record at wiping up counter spills. But only slightly.
And also; thansk for the answer for the "what was grahams idea?" :D
I don't know what the CAD to NOK (I'm norwegian) exchange rate was then so I'm just gonna use todays'. About 1.5 CAD for a 500ml bottle of coke is an absolute *steal!* Here in Norway (where food is also very expensive) you're lucky to get one for up to somewhere around 35 NOK, which is about 5.4 CAD! That's just complete cray cray. It should also be mentioned that NOK is rather weak atm, but still, that is a huge difference.
That HAS to be some kind of government tax on carbonated sugary beverages. Can you get the same size bottle of generic-brand cola for much much less? I can't see how Coca-Cola would make as much money selling the product as a luxury item if generic cola is good enough for most people and less than half the price.
Generic Cola is not good enough for most people.
I thought I was the only one that got backpack shirt!
Did you try ume flavored chips?
Grahams price comparison makes me sad, because all of that stuff would cost twice the Canadian price here in Denmark, and he thinks Canada is expensive.
Oh I do know of Yokai Watch, I'm living in the same house my 9-year-old nephew during the summer. It has the weirdest opening song I've ever heard in a kids dub anime. ALSO THE EXERCISE SONG OH GOD
Graham, I was actually in Tokyo to climb Mount Fuji this past week. I recorded quite a lot of the trip as I was inspired by this series. Could you tell me what video editing software you used for this, or some other worthy substitute?
D'aww, no multi-track drifting
Now I want to compare a Newfoundland Circle K to BC 711.
good seats? BEST SEATS!
Strangely the one place that does Japanese style crepes in my city does not let you take photos?
I work with kids ages 3-12 and none of them care for yokai watch, and most of them can't even name more than 3 pokemon. this young generation man.
my nephews and nieces dont even watch tv. it's like they never have a childhood
Dunno why, but the sidewalks being at the same height as the rest of the street are really weirding me out.
I guess in japan people don't need a massive bump to tell them they are about to run someone over.
The curb can actually deflect low-speed vehicles (at a low angle) so it makes roads slightly safer for pedestrians. On high-speed roads curbs actually make it more dangerous because hitting on can make you lose control of the car even more or flip the car.
Why does the train driver keep pointing with his hand from time to time. I doubt he is pointing to show somebody where something is. Is that the gesture he needs to do to prove to the system monitoring him that he is not asleep? Yes trains have systems that monitor if the driver is awake, but from what I know it usually involves hitting a button every minute or so.
Pointing and Calling. Because it requires the driver to use both eyes, mouth, and arms it's more effective at keeping them focused than pushing a button.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pointing_and_calling
指差喚呼（Pointing and calling）Driver not only, we'll do well at the factory in Japan .In order to reduce the work mistake.
For the canadian kitkat bar you said $1.69 but the screen read $1.49. I assume you misspoke because the calculation was with $1.49.
It was probably scaled down with the weight difference.
Yes, the screen was correct.
Guess I'm headed to Japan the next time I need to hit a 7-11!
Day 10 woohoo
I don't know what the exchange rate is between the US and Canada (and I'm too lazy to look it up) But I'd be PISSED if I had to pay $2.29 for that Coke!
Ichiban!
Ni
+PokePotato san
To be fair, I would bet that with the population density, the Japanese 7-11s in general see more customers than Canadian ones do.
Graham got coconut water from the pain box.
When was this.
Last year.
Yah, they replied. Also great vlogging :)
tomago...
I'm not ready for Yokai Watch. Should I be ready for Yokai Watch? What aren't you telling me about Yokai Watch?! Be straight with me, de Vere!!
The hype is real, but how would it translate to English? No one (apart from the localization staff I guess) knows!
Oh wow, but that pronunciation of Harajuku
The way... they pronounce it in Japan?
I knew that the 7-11 quality, monetary differences would be in Japans favor. Its terribly expensive convenience store prices.
Play it smart kids, go buy chips and pop from dollar stores.
You technically didn't account for year to year inflation when doing your comparison. Not that it makes too much of a difference.
That's one expensive Banana
Hey you mistake! Japanese don't eat Penguin...That is normal bar.and custermer can watch penguin show.
Yokai Watch is out here and nobody cares. Everyone could see that it was just another Pokemon. Wasn't even cool enough like Ni No Kuni to get some traction.
NO! NO! NO! I WILL NOT GO THROUGH ANOTHER POKEMON PHASE. My wife is already addicted to pokemon in general plus she plays the games. Right now everyone is going plum insane over pokemon go. Please tell me it is not true.