The Start of Summer Break in a Household with Kids

I got mad at my kid today.
Here’s how it happened.

People don’t really listen to CDs anymore, do they?
It might not click with younger folks, but in our CD-generation household, we still have an old CD boombox and, along with it, an equally old amplifier.
Of course, there’s a row of CDs sitting right next to them.
My kid wanted to open one of the CDs, so I popped open the case and showed it to them.
Then, they tried to spin the CD—still in its case—with their finger.
So I said,
“We don’t do that. No touching. No spinning. Got it?”

I made sure to check they understood.
They seemed satisfied with that, so I thought, “Phew, good, all clear,” and relaxed for a moment.

…And in that very moment, they were spinning the CD that was still inside the boombox with their finger.
(This is where I got mad.)

I took it out and checked.
A deep scratch went all the way around.
Just to be sure, I checked another CD—an American pressing of the Brian Jones-era classic, Out of Our Heads.
Same kind of scratch, same place.

(I opened it for them. I said no spinning. I double-checked. So why would they do that?)

I felt completely deflated.

I told my partner about it.
And they said,
“Maybe you should keep it upstairs?”

No, no—why is that the response?
If I had asked, “Should we keep the boombox upstairs or downstairs?”
Then sure, “Maybe upstairs?” would make sense.

But that’s not what I needed just now.
We’ve already had that conversation before—more than once.
But here I am, in a really low moment, and that’s what I get again.
Ugh.

Now that summer break has started, our kid’s been acting up even more these past few days.
“One ice cream a day! You already had one! Just one, okay?!”
“Waaaaah!!” (screaming)

Hearing those shouts and shrieks all day long makes me feel like I’m losing it.
It’s not so much a chain reaction of family stress—
More like the stress has nowhere to go, swirling and building up, just stuck inside the house.
That’s more what it feels like.

And yet.

Even through all this, we parents still try to give our kids good summer memories.

2025年7月26日
鉄旅ライフ編集部
過去のコラムはこちら

Beginner’s Guide to Trains in Japan: From Ticket Machines to Transfers

2025.05.27

1. Before You Board: How to Buy a Ticket

Buying a Paper Ticket

  1. Find a ticket vending machine at the station.
  2. Check the fare to your destination on the route map above the machine.
  3. Select the fare amount on the screen.
  4. Insert cash and receive your ticket.

The route map above the ticket machine shows station names and fares.
(This photo was taken at Kokusai-Tenjijo Station on the way back from the Tokyo E-Prix of Formula E.)

It means that the fare to both Shinonome and Tokyo Teleport is 210 yen.

Using an IC Card (Suica, PASMO, etc.)

  • Purchase one from a multi-functional vending machine.
  • Recharge it using the designated charge machines (often labeled “チャージ”).
  • Tap the card on the ticket gate to enter or exit.
  • Good news: non-registered (anonymous) Suica cards became available again in March 2025!

2. How to Pass Through the Ticket Gate

If You Have a Paper Ticket

  • Insert the ticket into the gate slot to enter.
  • Pick it up as it comes out from the other side.
  • Do the same when exiting (the ticket will not be returned at your destination).

If You Use an IC Card

  • Lightly tap the IC card reader at the gate.
  • A beep and green light mean successful entry.

3. Finding the Right Platform and Train

Reading the Signs

  • Look for platform numbers and train destinations.
  • Timetables and route types are shown as well.

Understanding Train Types

  • Local: stops at all stations.
  • Rapid / Express: skips some stations — check carefully!

4. How to Ride & Etiquette on Board

  • Avoid phone calls; use silent mode.
  • During rush hour, turn off your phone near priority seating.

5. Tips for Transferring

  • Follow the station signs marked with the line you need.
  • Be aware that transfers may involve long walks within the same station.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What if I board the wrong train?
→ Ask a station staff member for help. You can pay the fare difference.

Q: What’s the fare for children?
→ Ages 6 to 12 pay half the adult fare.

7. Conclusion: Ride with Confidence!

It’s natural to feel unsure the first time you take a train in Japan. But once you understand the basics, it’s a fast, clean, and convenient way to travel. Enjoy your trip and explore with ease!