Common Sense 当たり前 (Atarimae)
2026-11-12
Common Sense 当たり前 (Atarimae)

Common Sense
当たり前 (Atarimae)
 
Some things should not require a discussion. They are simply common sense.
 
Seattle spends billions of dollars building a modern light rail system, yet many stations have no public restrooms.
 
Seriously? Who designs a public transportation system without restrooms?
 
In Japan, providing restrooms at train stations is not considered a luxury. It is a basic necessity. People travel with children, elderly parents, and sometimes medical conditions.
 
Technology, architecture, and engineering are wonderful. But if you forget the people who actually use the system, what have you accomplished?
 
The Japanese concept of Atarimae means something so obvious that it should go without saying.
 
Unfortunately, common sense is not always common.
 
Before designing a system, understand the needs of the people who will use it.
 
You can build a billion-dollar transportation system, but you cannot expect people to hold their pee forever.
 
P.S. I come from a country where some elevators even have emergency toilets, just in case people get trapped inside.
 
 
Disclaimer: I use AI as a tool to help create images and proofread my writing. However, the ideas, opinions, experiences, and messages in my posts are my own. AI does not generate my posts for me. It simply helps me present my own words and ideas more clearly.






Kenichi Uchikura
Founder & CEO

Pacific Software Publishing, Inc. (PSPINC)
Uchikura & Co., LLC.

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ABOUT THIS BLOG

I was born and raised in Japan and have spent most of my adult life in the United States. Through this blog, I share Japanese culture, language, expressions, and wisdom. My goal is not to say one culture is better, but to explore different perspectives and what we can learn from them.

Your comments are always welcome.

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