Japanese Grocery Store with English Displays

Just a typical day in Japan. The Crew were hungry, so off we went.

Another quick trip to the grocery store in Zama-shi, or maybe it is Sagamihara.

I know it is Kanagawa Prefecture. (Which is sort of like the State we live in here in Japan.)

I am not sure yet where I am. I may never be.

The Japanese barely name their highways. They certainly don't name their smaller roads, or label the towns you pass through. I give up and pray I end up where I am supposed to. I am incredibly thankful for all the nerds who made Google maps and Apple Maps, and that the hubby can read the map!

Looks like a typical grocery ad to me.

One of our favorite places to go to watch people, look at vocabulary and try new things is the grocery store. We have been in grocery stores in many, many countries. It is like a little peek into the world of local citizens. Weird? Maybe, but it teaches us about the culture. That's an important part of any overseas tour. 

Why is there English on displays?

The store we went to today is called Sanwa.
It is supposed to be a 'higher end' grocery. 

I am not at all sure what that means 

to the average Japanese citizen. 

I know that in the US, 

a 'higher end' grocery store means

 larger aisles, brighter lights, 

more products and, often, higher prices.

Here are a some items we found. 

It is very intriguing to see the differences.
And, just for you curious types, the carts are similar to those in Europe. The carts
'roll' in every  direction instead of just
forward and backwards like in the US. In Germany you had to put a coin into a slot as a 'deposit'.
It was a way to ensure that you would return your cart.
I have not seen the 'deposit' system in Japan. 

Turnips? 

You quickly realize you are not in Kansas anymore.
Or New York, or Texas or anywhere but Japan.

A sweet friend of mine LOVES this drink.
I can't even think about drinking "Sweat"!

Seriously, YUCKY! Veggie Ice Cream!
They have carrot orange and tomato cherry.  Gross.

I knew how to find the check out. 

Some of the Crew looking for a new treat to try.

More drinks to try.  Both were great!

I am not sure what the locals thought 

about us. Six, very tall, Caucasians
strolling the aisles with them.
We took pictures, talked about all 

the different items and 

compared prices to American grocery
 stores as we walked through
 the store. The locals were kind. 

We are never nervous or  afraid.
They basically ignore us,
unless we try to talk to them.
They didn't act like we 

were too big of a side show,
which is funny because even in Texas,
we were a side show with two carts and four kids.  

When a child saw us, however, then we quickly become a topic of conversation. The little ones can't 

help but point or stare. The parent are embarrassed.
They usually moves the child away from us and tries not to make eye contact with us. 

We smile, nod and try to stay quiet, which is a little difficult for my crew. 

We wish people would talk to us, but it is not part of their culture to 'bother' anyone.
We do see them, occasionally, point us out to their friends.
They all will look our direction, but no one will make eye contact.
It is sort of like being the one people in the store. 

Part of their treat.  Chocolate Nerds.
Not good.

I have never been in such a quiet environment!

No one raises their voice or talks on the phones where you have to listen to the conversation.

I fell like we are on level 'zero' and being monitored for our volume control.

When the kids, or even Matt, finds something they want everyone else to see it is so funny! They try to find us and tell us about the item -QUIETLY-. It is such a challenge. The kids will laugh loud at something and everyone will stop moving. Like the level of noise may cause them physical pain. I feel so bad.

I have not even heard a cell phone ring when we were in a store. Imagine that! They must silence them!

I love the quiet. Public places are so much more relaxing when you don't hear anyone else!

I hope all is well where ever you are today!

I am eating some Hawaiian chocolates (?),  drinking some Japanese flavored water and watching a six year old "Castle" episode. (I will have to tell you about the TV in another post.)

Life is good,

~Aggie Amy