Here are your DVDs…and a Guiness…?

I often go for long periods without watching movies. In Tokyo, going to the movies is usually more trouble than it’s worth. But renting videos is a really great deal. But I’m often too busy (and doing things like taking pictures, trying to learn Japanese, and updating this website take a lot of free time!).

But in Japan, the fiscal and academic years begin in April. That means that from the end of March to the beginning of April, my schedule is not as busy as usual. So, I have been renting a few videos lately, for a change. Last night, I got a surprise when I was paying for my DVDs…

After I had paid her, the clerk asked me she could give me a gift. It was a gift set, with a big can of Guiness and a beer glass. Now, I am not a huge fan of Guiness, especially in a can. Every once in a while, I have a Guiness or a Black and Tan, but when I do, I think Guiness is much better on tap. Still, it is always nice to get a gift.

Tsutaya, the video shop where I rent videos, is a popular chain, like Blockbuster Video in the US. They often have half price rentals, and you can earn points that can be redeemed for gifts or free rentals. So it is always great to get a free gift, just for renting a video. In the end, it makes up for the occasional late fees I incur…