Taking the single-guy-wolfing-down-a-microwaved-burrito-over-the-sink to new levels, check out these SRO restaurants! Not uncommon, especially near train stations, these places solve a major problem for harried Japanese citizens: how do you grab a bite when you’ve got 30 minutes from office to meeting and 20 of those are going to be spent in a subway car?
Let’s review the obstacle course:
1: No eating or drinking on trains.
2: No eating or drinking while walking around.
3: No auto in which to dine while vrooming to meeting.
4: Nowhere to throw your trash if you think you can get away with furtively gobbling down a rice ball from a convenience store while hiding in a nearby alley or behind a planter.
There are several varieties of standing room only restaurants to choose from: kushiage (fried meaty bits on sticks), soba, udon or ramen (bowls of noodles), and even sushi! But all deliver the two things people working like demons need most: speed and calories!
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The Last Tea Bowl Thief was chosen as an Editor’s Pick for
Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense on Amazon
“A fascinating mix of history and mystery.” —Booklist
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Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly e-magazine Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had
Only In Japan 
wow — but it makes perfect sense
The funny thing is, I have this problem all the time, but I never think of going into these restaurants. Maybe it’s because I’ve never seen a woman in one! It’s really a guy thing.