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Japan vs USA — cultural comparisons from a wandering samurai

Neither side is "wrong" — the defaults differ. These pages and linked Discoveries hold up American and Japanese habits side by side without a sermon.

By NOBUNAGA (@japan_nobunaga). Featured in The New York Times · ABC News Live · Book.

Cultural FAQs

What is Buc-ee's and why do Americans talk about it?

Buc-ee's is a chain of oversized travel centers known for spotless restrooms, fresh food, and souvenir culture. For many drivers it is a destination, not just a gas stop.

Is Buc-ee's only in Texas?

It started in Texas and has expanded across the South and beyond, but the Texas origins and beaver mascot remain core to its brand.

Why do Americans shop at Costco?

Membership warehouses offer bulk pricing, large packs, and a treasure-hunt aisle culture. Many households treat a Costco run as a weekly or monthly restock ritual.

What are Costco samples?

Vendors often offer free bite-size tastes in the aisles. Trying samples is a normal part of the visit, not a special event.

What is H-E-B?

H-E-B is a major Texas grocery retailer known for regional pride, prepared foods, and strong local loyalty.

Why do people love Trader Joe's?

Unique house brands, seasonal items, and a friendly store vibe make it feel different from big-box grocery chains.

159 related postcards from the archive.

I am on the wall.
The Bewilderment

I am on the wall.
We sat at a table in a bright, loud eating house.
The Free

We sat at a table in a bright, loud eating house.
I went to In-N-Out and ordered a cheeseburger.
The Bewilderment

I went to In-N-Out and ordered a cheeseburger.
The waitress, a woman of sunny disposition, recommended a dish that, to my eyes, appeared to be…
The Enormous

The waitress, a woman of sunny disposition, recommended a dish that, to my eyes, appeared to be…
USA. Summer. It is 95 degrees outside, and I am shivering inside a sandwich shop.
The Bewilderment

USA. Summer. It is 95 degrees outside, and I am shivering inside a sandwich shop.
In America, a stranger will rename you in a single breath, and you are simply expected to come…
The Renamed

In America, a stranger will rename you in a single breath, and you are simply expected to come…
USA. A potluck. Everyone brings one dish.
The Sacred Rituals

USA. A potluck. Everyone brings one dish.
USA. A diner. The waitress asked me how I want my eggs, and my mind went completely blank.
The Bewilderment

USA. A diner. The waitress asked me how I want my eggs, and my mind went completely blank.
I stood in the vast hall of goods, a silent guardian of philosophy.
The Enormous

I stood in the vast hall of goods, a silent guardian of philosophy.
The drink was blue, cold, and a mystery.
The Bewilderment

The drink was blue, cold, and a mystery.
A Waffle House at three in the morning.
The Bewilderment

A Waffle House at three in the morning.
USA. A house. The garage is full, so the car sleeps in the rain.
The Bewilderment

USA. A house. The garage is full, so the car sleeps in the rain.
A boy stood ready to serve, his station a counter of sugared and salted delights.
The Enormous

A boy stood ready to serve, his station a counter of sugared and salted delights.
My American friends led me into a cavernous room where swords of fire danced and a chef, master…
The Bewilderment

My American friends led me into a cavernous room where swords of fire danced and a chef, master…
USA. A restaurant. I could not finish my meal, and I bowed my head in shame.
The Free

USA. A restaurant. I could not finish my meal, and I bowed my head in shame.
I came to watch the gladiators clash, and found the warriors feasting hours before the arena…
The Sacred Rituals

I came to watch the gladiators clash, and found the warriors feasting hours before the arena…
USA. A gas station register.
The Renamed

USA. A gas station register.
There came a knock at my gate, and a young warrior, small but formidable, stood ready for battle.
The Renamed

There came a knock at my gate, and a young warrior, small but formidable, stood ready for battle.
The man at the hardware store called me “boss.”
The Renamed

The man at the hardware store called me “boss.”
I sought but a single bottle of the American white sauce, this nation’s sacred oil.
The Enormous

I sought but a single bottle of the American white sauce, this nation’s sacred oil.
My sword broke last winter, and so I went to replace it at the only smith I could find: a vast…
The Bewilderment

My sword broke last winter, and so I went to replace it at the only smith I could find: a vast…
USA. There is a white sauce here that the people pour upon…
The Sacred Rituals

USA. There is a white sauce here that the people pour upon…
They made me sign a waiver before the wings arrived.
The Bewilderment

They made me sign a waiver before the wings arrived.
My host calls him “the weather man.”
The Sacred Rituals

My host calls him “the weather man.”
For the fourth time since my arrival, I entered the small eatery.
The Renamed

For the fourth time since my arrival, I entered the small eatery.
In America, a stranger will love you on sight, and you are simply expected to allow it.
The Renamed

In America, a stranger will love you on sight, and you are simply expected to allow it.
USA. A Southern restaurant.
The Free

USA. A Southern restaurant.
There is a restaurant in Texas where they bring you food until you tell them to stop.
The Free

There is a restaurant in Texas where they bring you food until you tell them to stop.
My neighbor, Dale, possesses a magnificent machine of burden, and I have observed its quiet,…
The Sacred Rituals

My neighbor, Dale, possesses a magnificent machine of burden, and I have observed its quiet,…
I bought a drink at this American eating-house.
The Bewilderment

I bought a drink at this American eating-house.
My neighbor’s small, red banner on a stick appeared, and he raised it, not to announce battle,…
The Sacred Rituals

My neighbor’s small, red banner on a stick appeared, and he raised it, not to announce battle,…
In America, a stranger will say “bless you” when you sneeze.
The Sacred Rituals

In America, a stranger will say “bless you” when you sneeze.
USA. There is a beast that lives beneath the American sink.
The Bewilderment

USA. There is a beast that lives beneath the American sink.
USA. A supermarket register.
The Sacred Rituals

USA. A supermarket register.
USA. They sell food here in the sizes of war.
The Enormous

USA. They sell food here in the sizes of war.
At an American baseball game, a stranger will throw his arms around you the instant your side…
The Sacred Rituals

At an American baseball game, a stranger will throw his arms around you the instant your side…
Here in America, i returned to my hotel room at night and found that someone had entered, remade…
The Free

Here in America, i returned to my hotel room at night and found that someone had entered, remade…
USA. A diner. I ordered a cola, and they handed me a cup that was ninety percent ice.
The Bewilderment

USA. A diner. I ordered a cola, and they handed me a cup that was ninety percent ice.
There was a man at the next table in uniform, and the waitress would not let him pay.
The Sacred Rituals

There was a man at the next table in uniform, and the waitress would not let him pay.
A confession. My fortune had been falling.
The Renamed

A confession. My fortune had been falling.