Reader-added tags include "Death drive", "Real thrill drive" (both in phonetic katakana), and "Karaokenium addiction".

The toughest part was the congestion near the Kishin-chō toll booth along the Tokyo Metro Expressway. (^^;) Why do they do so much construction there, anyway?

Despite having never been to Japan (or anywhere else in Asia outside of Iraq, Kuwait and Qatar), I know exactly why there's so much construction on that major highway in that major city.

It's called "road maintenance," and it's necessary because of the thousands of vehicles and millions of tons which travel along those roads daily damage the roads. Microscopic damage, sure, but scratch damage is a bitch when it adds up.

"Deferred maintenance" is more of a bitch, though. That leads to bridges collapsing during rush hour, like in Minnesota 10 years ago.

Driving while dead tired is never a good idea. Did it once on Black Friday, never again. Pull over and take a nap if you're tired, people.