Currently in Japan where money goes out of my mitts every time I...

Currently in Japan where money goes out of my mitts every time I look in a different direction. So easy to spend here and the gift giving culture certainly thrives on shopping. While Japan is leaps and bounds ahead of much of the western world technologically there is no slowing down of cash transactions. ATMs still abound in every nook and cranny and cash is used for vending machines to day to day shopping. I have seen a fair bit of swiping for payment, but in no way will it overtake cash anytime soon.

It's been a few years since I lived and worked here, and apart from higher taxes I don't see much change in shoppers habits. Coins are still in use and a constant reminder that pockets are there for a reason other than hankies and keys.

Enjoy the 3 cent buying while you can. I will also be buying again once I lick the spending spree wounds...