Most Tokyo apartments have metal shutters on either side of the large glass sliding doors that lead onto their balconies or verandas. They flank either side and slide horizontally. These shutters are called "amado" and they serve several purposes. One is that they can be used for security. When you slide them in front of the door, you can latch them together in the middle. It'd be impossible for anyone to break through them without a huge racket and even bigger muscle power. The shutters also block out light so you won't be awakened by the sun at 4:00 am. Finally, they're a guarantee of privacy from peeping toms.
I'll miss this smooth and elegant solution to several problems.
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