An Australian tourist and an elderly station attendant were chasing me. I was on the way to the shopping skyscraper, Abeno Harukas to buy some shorts and sandals. I was nearly through the barrier when they caught me.

Wordlessly, the 1,000 yen note and electronic transportation card I had dropped on the station floor in front of them was handed over to me.

How embarrassing. What an idiot I am.

Deeply embarrassed by my foolishness I went through the gates and down the stairs to the platform only to find my path blocked by a bunch of tourists coming up the wrong way.

I was furious. These people have no consideration for others