Ah I am glad that some of you like it! I had no idea it was up for so many awards, it definitely deserves something! The acting and script truly were fantastic.
*possible spoilers*!!
Asphodel - The stories in Crash might have tied in better, but I didn't like the film anywhere near as much as Babel. It struck me as more contrived and less natural...probably something to do with the inclusion of major Hollywood actors and actresses. It also seemed a bit too obvious as a racial message.
However, I quite agree - the Jpop cafe looked great!
Oh and it wasn't revealed what the note said, that was open to our own interpretation although judging by the officer's reaction, it was probably some sort of goodbye.