To The Left in Tokyo

While I've been here for less than a week, I am quickly reminded of some adjustments in my normal everyday habits that I have to make while walking around Tokyo. It could get dangerous NOT to remember that the driving in Japan is "to the left." This means that instead of looking left when crossing the street, I have to remember to look right. It sometimes feels like a march in my mind as I first look left; then remember that it's the wrong way so I quickly look right; then left to be sure again!

But even more noticeable to me is the way in which the pedestrians move in the subway system, through tunnels, stairways and escalators: through crowded rush hour "pedestrian traffic," one must keep to the left (most of the time). As a reminder, there are signs:



But sometimes, I'm supposed to go to the right!



It's all very orderly and efficient, yet I cannot help but smile as all of this "dancing" around Tokyo has me chuckling as I'm reminded of the song by Beyonce...