As said above, pretty commonplace in Japan, though over the last few years I've seen more and more touch-screen versions appearing, where you can actually browse and order straight from a table-top terminal. Even gives you a running tally of how much you've spent. Very nifty, but I had to wonder if it would have just been quicker to call staff over. There's also karaoke places where you can order food and drinks straight from the remote control.

The preferred choice of suicide location is at the many level crossings you find all over the capital. The real anti-suicide by jumping in front of a train measure is that the families of the deceased are fined in RIAA proportions for the inconvenience caused. Just last Saturday when I was trying to get the last train home from Shinagawa, the train was held up for a good hour thanks to somebody's selfishness. A special place in hell for those that jump I tell you.

#2
Don't know which part of the country you're living, but I've only ever once or twice seen anybody over the age of about 15 sporting Hello Kitty goods for themselves. It's only in the west that it's popular with adults.

Eyeborg? Assimilate the sounds? Do tell me this was intentional!

It had occurred to me before actually that "shiri" (bottom) is a completely innocent word and doesn't seem to have any of the embarrassing, rude or risqué connotations associated with it in the west. When I was growing up I'd get told off if I said "bottom" too often, but "shiri" is about as offensive as "arm" or "knee." I often hear kids complaining to their mums "shiri ga itai!" (my bottom hurts) which would certainly get a phnar where I'm from...