Japanese Rain Control

In Japan, especially in neighborhoods, there are these huge gutter systems that run along the edge of the road. Because, at least were I live, there aren't ditches, they need these gutters to keep the water off the road.

Many times homeowners will put metal sheets over parts of the gutter so that they can drive their cars over it or just for safety. When riding bikes you might fall in, so be careful!

I only got a few pictures, but I think you can get an idea of how these work.  At certain parts of every gutter there is a vertical drain which I assume goes to sewer system.

Indoor Fire Safety

In Japan they don't kid around about securing a building during a fire. When a fire alarm goes off, walls descend around the staircases completely closing them off in an attempt to make them smoke free. Make it to the staircase and you're golden.  There are doors that will let you into the staircase. If you look in the pictures you can see the small slot where the walls come down from.

If you are in a classroom on a top floor, there is a device which can be used to lower students to the ground outside. It is similar to a shoot, however it is designed such that even an unconscious person can be put in and lowered down just by sliding down it.  Sorry I have no pictures of this device.