The last several times I visited Tokyo I stayed in the Shiodome area, which is within walking distance from the 銀座のショッピング街 (Ginza shopping district).  Did I go shopping?  Of course.  Mostly window shopping, but I had a 逆カルチャーショック　(reverse culture shock) about the difference in my shopping experience in Japan compared to that in the US.

Japanese department stores, especially the ones in Ginza, are in one word: エレガント (classy).  They have high-end products and service.  Store clerks are polite and knowledgeable. They  anticipate and fulfill customer needs 的確に (to the T).  To this date, I’ve never experienced such high-level customer service at department stores in the US.  Nordstrom may come 惜しいところ (close, but no cigar).

Japanese department stores used to have “エレベーターガール (elevator girls)” clad in stylish uniforms and operating, yes, the elevators.  I have a vague memory of them from the Showa era.  It was supposed to be one of the most popular occupations of young women at that time.  The Takashimaya department store in Nihonbashi, which is designated as an 重要文化財 (Important Cultural Property), still features elevator girls/operators working their refurbished original manual elevator.

デパ地下 (The basements of Japanese department stores) are a delight to many people, not just to foodies.  They are packed with a wide variety of food vendors selling グルメな食材 (gourmet food) and prepared meals, offering a diverse culinary experience.  They often feature a certain part of Japan and its 旬の食材 (seasonal delicacies).  You don’t have to travel to those places to enjoy their specialty foods.

I did buy some gifts in Ginza Mitsukoshi, and I was reminded of their 細部へのこだわり (meticulous attention to detail), not to mention their impressive wrapping technique.  Without me asking, they changed the colors of the ribbon so that I can identify the items.  And while I was waiting, I was urged to sit down in a chair by the counter.  It was  かゆいところに手が届く (thorough and attentive) customer service.

Back in the US, I realized I don’t go to department stores any longer.  I can’t even remember when the last time I went to one was.  And I’m afraid I’m not the only one.  As a result, many stores are closing their doors throughout the country.  People are doing their shopping online, and ありきたりの (mediocre) service at 実店舗 (brick-and-motor stores) is not helping.  But I would go back to Japanese department stores in a heartbeat the next time I’m visiting Japan.  For sure.