Also really depends on the frequency and reason. Did something go horribly wrong once and does this one-time effort fix it or gives enough time for a decent solution down the road? Sure, I'll put in some extra work. Don't look for me though when it's resolved, I'm on holiday with all the overtime I should've gotten. If it's a structural problem because management wants to squeeze as much money out of their employees and refuses to hire enough people… Fuck that. And yeah, corporate uses the first thing as an excuse, luring you into staying longer "one more time, we really can't do it without you".

It's rather unhygienic if you can't retract it and wash under it. Dead skin and other stuff tends to build up and form crusts.

Not OP, not from the US and never been in Japan but I travel a lot in general: always assume local currency, at the very least it's going to be cheaper and quite probably only very touristy places or airport only might accept $$. Here you can pre-order cash at your local bank and return any excess notes after. Exchange booths are usually a rip-off, and withdrawal abroad might cost extra, check with your bank.

Also don't assume people speak English. They might, but treat that as a bonus.

As a general tip: you usually have to apply for assistance beforehand. Doesn't mean it isn't shitty though, and if your train is delayed then and you miss a connection…

That is quite insane. You got sources?

Somebody left the window open, plane fell out.