Inconvenient packaging and local produce

In Finland a liter of yogurt comes in tall house-like packages as on the right.

If you've ever used such a pack you've probably noticed how unpractical they are. The carton may be combustible and cheap to manufacture but not very consumer friendly. Some of the product is always left inside the package, because getting it out is much too troublesome. Waiting for the thick stuff slowly drip out of the pack takes hours; and scissoring the sides open is as messy as heart surgery.

Just a rough guess, but I think close to 0,5 dl of yogurt is wasted in each package. That's just enough a reason to make a call. I contacted Valio, one of the major dairy product suppliers in Finland.

Yes, you might think now, "Lauri is too bored," but believe me this issue has craved me for long. Plus reporting the thing here is a justified excuse to have a break of writing my final thesis, which is what I really should be doing!

Valio explained that ecological issues are their major concern, and a lot of research is spent in developing more nature-friendly packages. However, they had no immediate answer to why is the carton's shape is so unpractical.

Later Valio's R&D department explained that "...The packaging lines are unable to fold other types of packages," and added "As long as the machines remain same the packages won't change, and we don't see any change in near future." At the same time they admitted that getting yogurt out of the package can be troublesome and messy.

There are some alternatives, and one I warmly recommend is in the photo below.

Product itself tastes fabulous: a rich combination of creamy yogurt and berries; but the name "Ahon" caught my eye first, for it sounded like my sure name. Try it out...

...Now back to the thesis.

ラジオ体操 - Radio gymnastics

Every morning at 6:30 many Japanese people in different parts of Japan start their day with radio gymnastics. NHK, the national broadcasting company of Japan, has played a 10 minute tune all around Japan now for 82 years. It seems that everyone knows the piano-tune and the moves. I guess it is fair to say radio gymnastics is deeply rooted to Japanese culture, promoting healthy lifestyle and sense of unity.

Excising early is indeed a good way to get a day going. People who feel they need several hours to wake up properly radio gymnastics may be the quick solution.


The early morning event seems to be a routine for many seniors. For example this morning in Oita-city there were 56 people (counted every day), out of which there was only one child. During the summer holiday more youth is said to come.

Tested and working in Japan. I think this idea could be suggested to YLE, the national broadcasting company of Finland. Then, assign volunteers to lead the exercises in different cities and towns. If not only for health's sake, the morning exercise could help to create stronger community spirit - a thing that Finland seems to lack.

Service in Service Station

Now I understand why Yumiko didn't know what how to refuel a car in Finland. In Finland you always have to do it by your self. In Japan, however, things are different.

When you drive in to one of these gas stations all you have to do is open and close you wallet, other than that everything is done for you. At first, the staff signals and guides you to drive in the right spot, where after they come and open your door and inquire your needs. They even ask for any disposable trash. Basically everything is in their consideration.

Service is in two words, all encompassing. But naturally those self-service stations have lower prices than those of full service, which both can be found in Japan.

This concept of high degree service doesn't exist in Finland, so I ask, Which one you prefer: pay extra in your petrol bill, or rather have it done by your self and cheaper?

The photo above holds a nice detail that may be one of its own to save space. The petrol hoses are hanging down from the sealing.

So many phone users in subway.

An ordinary afternoon in the subway. Men dressed in black trousers and white shirt.

Everyone is tapping their flip-phones, why?. The wireless internet is not reaching underground so what do they actually do?

Many use that time to write an email (or to sleep). When they're out of the subway, phone returns online and sends the ready emails. And once again precious time is used effectively.

Poo patrol

Guess what these two costumed fellows are doing. Running around on a busy afternoon with pliers on their hands. Yep, they're picking dog poo from the streets. That job is better to do anonymously, and why not dress cool while in patrol.

Green parking in Japan

Green parking loots. Clever idea. Twofold benefit:

1. Less asphalt needed
2. Better rain absorption