Obsessive Compulsive Behavior

[ozkai]

I was talking to a friend who works at the airport on the topic of fetishes.

He noted and asked me why Japanese male tourists (Possibly female) place some paper hand towel on the public toilet door handle. I explained as to not get germs from other's who have just relieved themselves and after made contact with the bare skin on the stainless steel handle.

I also remember watching a similar scenario on the trains in Japan. I would often observe a salary man pulling his business shirt over the palm of his hand before groping the stainless handles for support.

I've also been sanwdwiched between two women on the crowded trains, which may sound attractive to some, it was indeed not and felt very uncomfortable.

Have you seen or heard of any other such things that may present as "normal" in Japan?

[Koir]

Given the title and corresponding emoticon, I would think the central concept of this thread will be anything but family-friendly...

[Ryzorian]

Actually, that hand towel on the door handle is fairly common in Iowa as well. I just wish they would throw away the towel instead of just leaveing it in the door handle...

[ozkai]

That's exactly RY what the problem was at the airport. The paper towels were ending up on the floor.

To be honest, I now aim my hand for the upper most part of doors when exiting

[bELyVIS]

The Japanese quest for perfection always made me think of OCD as a cultural trait in their society.

[Koir]

Now that's a more mature, fitting title for this thread. Still don't see it ending well, but that's just me.

[MMM]

I changed the title to better reflect the contents of the thread.

[trunker]

Originally Posted by ozkai

To be honest, I now aim my hand for the upper most part of doors when exiting

whew glad i'm not the only one.

on public doors, at malls etc, i'll also tend to aim for somewhere the others are least likely to have touched, and sometimes push open with the back of my hand or my knuckles if i think i wont be washing my hands anytime soon.

but other than that i'm perfectly normal

[IamKira]

I'm terrible at this... when I use a public restroom, I'll put the seatcover up/ down using my foot... I'll put toiletpaper over the seat...I'll then use my foot to flush the toilet... grab some paper towel to turn the sink on... wash hands... use elbo to get soap...leave the water running while i get paper towel using my elbo again.. turn off water w/ paper towel... dry hands... use paper towel to open door... done!

[ozkai]

Sounds like Japan is still the same, or at least toilet wise

I spent six years in Kansai, residing in Kyoto, spending days and night's also in Osaka and Nara.

I am wondering if things and behaviours compare between cities or if things are different?

I always found the ways of local Kyoto people rather strange, although very interesting. I never felt connected at all..