Going to Japan? Don't Skip the Movie Theatre!

Osaka at Sunset

The last thing I suspected I'd be doing when traveling to Japan was to catch a movie at the theatre and discovering the true practicality and consideration for others this culture possesses.

Sometimes, the things that are so familiar to you at home can morph into a new experience that leaves you just as confused as your first day at a new job. Japan seems to be masters at this for us, constantly delivering everyday situations with a practical flair only this country could achieve. Making us realize how overcomplicated things are back home and leaving us with many "That makes so much more sense!" moments.

Just before we left, a new cinematic experience, especially for 90's babies, came out. Detective Pikachu hit theatres, reinvigorating the obsession that consumed our childhood and turning it into a perfectly executed movie that matures this once juvenile cartoon into a real world adventure. Dripping with sarcasm and adult humour it definitely satisfied our now polluted adult minds.

Obviously, the excitement was too much to overcome and we eventually convinced ourselves there would be no better place to watch such a movie than in Japan. After clarifying the movie would be in english with Japanese subtitles, we hustled to the theatre and began a process we thought would be quite straightforward.

The theatre in question sat within a massive mall in Osaka, many floors above ground level and providing the option of "women only" elevators for access.

Very simple decor gave the area a futuristic appeal, ticket booths (all automated of course) were lined up next to the concession stands which then led into a waiting area of sorts. A massive TV was flush on one wall, showing movie ads as well as news stories to help pass the time as you waited for your theatre to be ready, cushy grey chairs available for weary souls such as ours.

We approached the ticket machines and began our first of many attempts to buy tickets. Thoroughly confused after abusing the machine with increasingly aggressive finger taps, an employee kindly approached us and asked what movie we wanted to see, successfully handing us a couple tickets within seconds of hearing the obvious answer, as it was the only "American" movie there at the time.

Ticket Kiosk in the Theatre

Following the natural flow of this establishment, we knew our next mission was to get popcorn, simple. Once we reached the counter, however, we had many options including beer, heck ya, and regular, as well as caramel, popcorn. Naturally, I panicked and said both, relieved this was an option.

This was when things started to get pretty darn cool. Our brews and popcorn arrived, the bucket split in half with a divider so our two flavours of popcorn wouldn't mix and all placed neatly in an oblong contraption that made no sense to me whatsoever. Perhaps this shape is easier to rest across two laps to make sharing easier?

It wasn't until we got to our seats did we understand. The tray sits in the cup holder, creating a mini table between the seats! This makes so much more sense!

Tray of Goodies

Feeling quite giddy about this posh way to watch a movie, we thoroughly enjoyed the entire movie in comfort, even though we were the only people laughing hysterically at the sarcasm sprinkled throughout... the subtitles obviously cannot translate tone.

Once the movie was over and the credits began to roll, instead of the lights coming on and everyone making their way out of the theatre in a mad dash, not one soul moved and the room remained dark.

Confused, we assumed maybe everyone just wanted to watch the main credits with the cartoon characters flashing across the screen, only to be left more baffled once the illustrations disappeared and turned black, while white lettered names slowly moved up the monitor.

Unable to contain it, we both began to laugh hysterically, feeling like such idiots to be the only people in this room who did not know what was going on, but extremely glad to be able to witness the assumed respect these people were giving to the hard work of the people behind the movie.

Inside the Theatre

Once the credits were done, the lights turned on and everyone got up and exited the theatre with such precision, we felt as though we were watching a synchronized dance.

Following their lead, we grabbed our tray and slowly shuffled along with the crowd where a large cart, manned with staff, was waiting to take our tray and sort the garbage. The theatre was just as clean as it was when we came in, surely thanks to those handy trays.

Following this unexpected experience of culture, my husband and I emerged with such respect for how the citizens of Japan all appreciate and take care of what they have, while simultaneously thinking of those around them. Right down to paying attention to movie credits, because someone went through the effort of creating them and ensuring they cleaned up their own mess, because if they didn't, someone else would have to.

Thinking outside the box and doing something you frequently do at home, but in a different country, can give you such an insight into someone else's culture, when you are able to witness subtle differences that speak volumes. Don't hesitate to explore beyond the tourist attractions, you will emerge with a true appreciation for the essence of a country when you simply "Do as the Roman's do".