UNDERWEAR here is an e-mail that I received from my friend. She is Japanese and she wanted to warn me about this issue that plagues Japan and woman from out of the country and also in the country; Hi Melanie, actually I'm at the office trying to write some lines to you before I leave. It is crazy the amount of work I have.... anyway, I thought I ought tell you before it is too late because I think I forgot to tell you here. In Japan it is VERY COMMON practice for many men to steal women's underwear from washing clothes line from your balcony. When I first came to Japan I didn't know and I thought I was misplacing them. Your underwear does not have to be sexy or cute. If you don't want to loose them, make sure to hung them indoor under a lock!!! I have heard stories about this, even though it is rather funny, I will make sure not to dry them outside.