Before I came to Japan, I took 6 coffee cans full of change to the Coinstar at the local supermarket, and ended up with about $250.00. I, like many other men (I hear), accumulate loose change. At stores, I try and fumble in my pockets to give the cashier the extra .02, but there is something embarrassing to me about digging around my pants while I am being watched, so I usually give up after about three seconds.
Things have changed however (no pun intended). My girlfriend bought me a cool little change holder. Yes, it also can be called a change purse, but it's not like the ones that girls carry. It's not feminine looking. And I am actually using change. In fact, I think I can use up the change in my basket before I leave Japan.
Which is in 8 days.