Transmission From Deep Space

Tonight's lodging is a little tight.

It's not my first time staying in one of these capsules. Earlier on this trip, I made a mistake and had two days unaccounted for between hotels with no reservation to show for it. I probably could have booked something roomier last-minute, but why would I, when the opportunity for a good story presents itself?

The experience loses its weirdness pretty quickly, if I'm honest. The capsules are big enough to sit up in without hitting your head, so it's not too different from being in a fiberglass bunk bed.

Originally, these were built for drunk salary men who had pushed their luck at an izakaya after work and missed the final train home. These days, that market still exists, but a new audience seems to be making good use of these establishments: budget travelers.

And that's why I'm here tonight. Most business hotels raise their rates on the weekend, so I'm saving a bit of money by hanging out with my 40 or so newest friends. We've all put on our jammies, stored our belongings in our assigned locker, and brushed our teeth in a startlingly clean communal bathroom.

Anyway, before I drift off: the Immigration Bureau says our paperwork looks good! I might hear back Monday from the City on whether we'll be able to proceed. Very exciting!​

Of course, the icing on the cake would be that I'd be able to fly home and actually get to work. Being stuck here for this long, especially in a freshly-sanitized plastic capsule, feels a little like being in suspended animation.

Happy that I get to work on some content, at least! Heading to the Sendai Streetcar Museum tomorrow, which is in a new part of town for me. Excited to see what the "real" part of the city is like!

Talking isn't allowed in the sleeping area, but it seems snoring is encouraged. I'm off to contribute, in my own way.