So, I couldn't resist. . . Among all of the interesting things here in Japan, one is definitely the "mini culture" that so many of the 18+ year old girls live in. It's all about fashion (there is a HUGE variety here -- walk into any store and it's hard to find 2 of anything! BUT, even though it may seem like anything goes with their layering and mixing + matching. . . I made the mistake once and tried pulling it off. . .yeah, there's some trick I'm have yet to figure out), cell phones (chatting, messaging, surfing, taking pictures, lots of dangly straps hanging from the phone, and sometimes a stuffed "Winne the Pooh" cell phone cover, making it a little hard to slide in your back pocket. . .), make up (which fits conveneintly into the oversized pink plastic bag, along with half of a full-sized mirror, to be used to apply that powder/mascara/eye liner and/or curl eyelashes perfectly at opportune times, such as riding the train, waiting around at the station, etc.), gel nails (ok, hers were each a different colour), and time and money to blow (while mom and dad are paying for university / room and board). Although, I do have to admit, for basically the first 18 years of their lives, most kids here are working incredibly hard, often sacrificing socializing and fun in order to study for and excel in school, which will eventually lead up to entrance exams into university. Unlike our universities, which are harder to get "out of" than "into", here the opposite is true -- it's extremely competitive and difficult to get into (especially top) universities and graduation is pretty much a breeze (I've heard). So, university is definitely the time to let loose and enjoy life. . . fair reward after all those years of studying?! Anyways, thought you might enjoy this shot on the train (the green seating goes along with the expo ;-). Hey, I'm here for 2 more years, you never know what I might come back looking like?!? :-b