Service (Industry)

We had a WONDERFUL vacation in Japan. We saw and did so many cool things and enjoyed pleasantly warm, but not too hot summer weather every single day. Once more, we were struck by the amazing phenomenon that is the Japanese service industry. While my patience is sometimes being tested by its ceremonial and formulaic delivery I always appreciate the precision and professionalism. Every convenience store interaction is standardised ("would you like a bag?" "would you like this warmed up/chopsticks with it/...?", "How would you like to pay?"), every restaurant server is attentive even though there is no tipping culture, every purchased item at any price-point is beautifully and efficiently wrapped (let's ignore the environmental aspect for a moment).
Back in Austria, I have come to expect cashiers at my regular supermarket chain to inevitably look at me expectantly after they have told me the sum total even though I already informed them I was paying with their app right before they started scanning the first item. In 90% of my interactions they have forgotten by the time they're done scanning, even if I just put three items on the conveyor belt. Even though I don't have any concrete evidence, I am positive that this would not happen in Japan where everyone seems laser-focused on their job, regardless of how "menial" in nature it might be. Take all those "jedi graddads" as I call them: men in their seventies brandishing LED batons at construction sights or busy garage exits to regulate passenger traffic. They look so serious doing their job that you could think they were world leaders making a very important decision at the UN general assembly, G8 summit or some such.

In a world where I have become used to wasting time resending e-mails to people who are too lazy to find them in their own inbox, dealing with disgruntled staff of erratic public transport and some such, it feels like a utopia to experience impeccable service and on-time trains as the norm for a while and dream that we could have this in Europe, too.