For the Japanese who have been raised in such a time conscious society, it is sometimes hard to embrace the more laissez-faire attitude to time that comes with living in other countries. A Japanese living in Canada recalls an incident that occurred while moving house: when he called the electric company to confirm his appointment, he was told that, “someone will come by sometime between Monday and Wednesday, but I cannot guarantee exactly when.” In Japan, such a way of conducting business would be unthinkable.