McDonarudo's

I'd like to take the high road and claim I eat only local foods while living in Japan, alas I cannot avoid the temptation of McDonald's. Of course the fast food giant uses enough artificial seasonings to make a beef patty to taste the same in Toledo as it does in Tokyo. Sure, there are regional variations such as shrimp burgers and copious amounts of mayonnaise, but I appreciate the consistency of the basic menu items - when I want a McD's cheeseburger, I want a McD's cheeseburger.

"This one is the cheeseburger."

The main difference lies in the service, I think. The other day, they actually bowed after handing over my bag o' deliciousness. How courteous! And I don't think I've ever waited more than a minute for food. In the States, I once waited 3 minutes for a soda. However, I can't say its a fair comparison because the amount of staff in a Japanese McDs versus an American one supports my theory that everyone in Japan has a job.


This is the amount of staff on a weekday at my local suburban Zama McDonald's. And yes, all the women are wearing skirts. But if you work the fryer, make sure you wear some knee highs!