Keith Watanabe * NET 2.0

If you live in Japan (or at least Tokyo) for any significant amount of time, you'll realize how bad the weather forecast are.  At least, if you look it up on the internet.  There are no up-to-the-minute weather reports (not that I can find) to show accurate weather.  For example, today, the forecast called it 50% chance for rain.  Well, it's raining right now, so that should make it 100%.  Then for tomorrow there's a question mark.  Well, the forecast isn't much of a forecast if they show any sense of doubt.

Here's a far better indicator of rain in Japan.  Go outside.  Check to see how many people are bearing umbrellas.  If the count is greater than 3 within 1 minute (depending on how crowded of an area you live in), bring an umbrella.  Your best bet is to bring the umbrella regardless.  I'd say your chances of avoiding rain by always carrying an umbrella are better than not bringing it and listening to the forecast online.