My daily commute in Tokyo is quite routine, but the things I carry with me say a lot about everyday life in Japan.

Here are five small items I always have in my bag.

Sun umbrella

This umbrella can be used in both rain and sunshine.

In Tokyo, summer thunderstorms are common, so I carry one with me to protect myself from the sun’s rays and the heat. Until about ten years ago, only young women who were particularly conscious of their appearance used parasols, but due to the extreme heat in recent years, their use has become widespread among men and older people as well.

Bento(lunch box)

I usually bring a homemade bento for my commute.

I’ve written more about what a typical homemade lunch looks like in Japan in this article.

Actually, I feel like I don’t even have time to slip out of the office for lunch, so I keep it in my bag so I can grab it and eat it right away.

Amulet

This might be a custom unique to Japan. I always carry an amulet in my bag to pray for safety on my commute.

I bought this one at a shrine. According to custom, the next time I visit that shrine, I’m supposed to offer the amulet back to the “Kami（Deity）” who protected me and buy a new one.

Emergency Pouch

I also carry a small emergency pouch in my bag.

This is quite common in Japan due to earthquakes, and I’ve explained what I keep inside in more detail here.

It contains items you’ll need to spend a night or so at the office if you’re unable to return home due to a disaster.

Earphones

This is a must-have for crowded commuter trains. I’m used to crowded trains, but I still want to make the ride a little more comfortable, so I use them to listen to my favorite music or study English.