Washing in Japan is a challlenge^^

Sometimes I feel like a prehistoric man in the world. In a different culture everyday's things become suddenly the most difficult problem-like washing clothes! Yesterday I bought a new Japanese washing machine, actually the best and most expensive one. First it seemed as normal, I put all my clothes into the machine. But than I couldn't found the small box for the powder and softener. I guessed this must be a mistake...and went back to the shop. I was really angry. But the shop owner just laughed and explained that usually there aren't any boxes in Japanese washing machines. You have to put it directly in the clothes...I really didn't know that. Embarrissing^^