Category: Japan (RTW 2014)

Today, I went down to meet Mai’s parents for lunch and to do a small presentation to a group of people interested in international cultures. Since September, I had been planning with the president of this society a speech about my childhood and upbringing, my education and career, how I started my own business, and finally, my strategic trip around the world.

On our way to the community center, we stopped for a quick peek at the beautiful cherry blossoms that lined the Yamagata River, and it was spectacular. The blossoms were at ‘Mankai’, meaning full bloom, but in a specific sense of that of a full moon. Sakura, or cherry blossoms, are an integral part of the Japanese culture, and it’s the most special time of year that has culturally created the reason for their school system’s new year beginning, along with being woven into the fabric of the daily Japanese life during March/April. All stores are shrouded in pink, foods have special ‘Sakura’ versions, buildings have special ‘Sakura’ light shows.

I was a little nervous that I would be able to keep the attention of the group, granted that the average age seemed to be about 65 years old. To my surprise, the group actively participated with questions and enthusiasm, interest, and curiosity into my life’s path. We were able to share a great afternoon together, and I think everyone was pleased with the outcome.

I then left Tamagawa and headed for Shibuya to do a little shopping as well as meeting up with a friend from California who is doing an English teaching job here with his wife. Four of us went to dinner and found a great Okonomiyaki, or Japanese Pancake, shop where we had about 4 big pancakes with pork, cheese, bacon and other toppings. I was pretty exhausted from the day, so after dinner I headed back home for a nice quiet evening and started organizing my backpack for heading out the next morning.

Japan has tickled the skies again with their newest structure called the Skytree. I made my way there this morning to check it out for myself and see this structure in its perfect splendor, and boy, it is impressive.

Coming up from the station you are spat out inside the buildings so there’s no impressive sight until you can find your way outside or to a window and see the webbing of the buildings steel skin stretching up to the sky.

The wind was strong today, in fact so strong that upon entering the building the following notice was given: 強風の為、展望台は1:30まで停止。Due to strong winds, the observation decks are closed until 1:30. Darn it. Well let’s shop!

Roaming around the mall like interior complete with stores of all kinds, I browsed some souvenir type stores along with kids stores to see if there is anything for the little niece and nephew :).

After a bit I decided to queue along with my disappointed colleagues for a lunch at tonkatsu sobaten. Gourmet tonkatsu–fried pork cutlets–count me in. After a 35 minute wait, I was seated for a gourmet treat complete with grinding my own sesame seeds, pouring the sauces together to mix my tonkatsu sauce to my liking. Next pouring the dressings into the cabbage bowl completed the condiment section of my meal, to which I was starving.

There it comes! As the waitress complimented me on my fluency and began asking me questions, I had to stop my Pavlov salivation from making me spit at her with my flittering tongue speedily speaking Japanese to her.

The first bite. Whoa! This is soft. Even though it’s fried it was almost a powder or dusting of fried bits that covered the pork cutlet. Delicious. Before I knew it, I was forcing one last bite.

After my lunch I headed down to escape the madness of people waiting around and sightseeing. I took the obligatory pictures and made my way back to the station (oops! Mister donut! Gotta take one to go!) and thought I’d go see Asakusa Kannon temple, a famous tourist spot nearby. Argh. The crowds. Too much!

I then got back onto the train and headed down south to meet Mai’s parents for an early dinner before speaking to her English students that evening. We had a fun talk, albeit 80% in Japanese to make the kids more at ease. I’d say things in English and then follow them with the Japanese.

We took a group picture and I was headed home from an exhausting day!

The flight to Japan was really easy, thanks to Boeing’s beautiful 787. Entering into the plane, you’ll notice the openness and spacious ‘lobby’ and the soft lighting illuminating the interiors. Finding my seat right behind the entrance door, I pulled open the huge storage bins and was pleasantly surprised to have more than enough room for my backpacks.

After getting settled in, I started watching some TV I had downloaded, and shortly after, dinner was served. I opted for the Japanese version of the meal which served a seasonal menu with 9 small dishes. The food was delicious, and I was excited to be on my way to Japan.

The flight was smooth as anything, and before I knew it, we were descending into Tokyo from the north. Looking out the huge window, Japan sparkled below. As we approached, the lights were so small and white, and tightly compressed together that it truly looked like diamonds sparkling, and I thought of the Japanese word for something that sparkles.. kira kira. In the sound itself, you can almost sense the view.

After deplaning, I headed for customs and noticed their systems had changed. I guess everyone is now doing finger prints and facial photography for their records to get into the country now. I then headed out and made my way to my first reservation, the First Cabin. Inside the airport is a capsule hotel of sorts, which made for a very convenient way to end the flight. After checking in, I took a shower and had a quick place to crawl into bed to get some rest.

The next morning I got my things together, and headed out of the airport to my Airbnb reservation. Once at the station, I was able to easily find the apartment building. I was a little early, but they knew I would be coming in the morning, so it all worked out. They let me into the building, and Yoshi, answered the door. I was excited to use Japanese, until his fluent English made me feel silly. He had lived in the US for practically his whole childhood. I was shown my room, told how things worked, and he went back to bed.

I got my items sorted, and afterwards headed out to meet my good friend Shoko and her husband for lunch. Having Tmobile and the unlimited data/global roaming plan has been awesome. I’m able to be in contact and use maps and such to easily get train schedules, best routes places and such. Meeting Shoko was great fun, and we had a beautiful sushi lunch at Isetan. After lunch, her husband Hiroshi went back to do work, and we went out shopping and for tea to talk about our upcoming plans for Kyushu.

I started to get a bit tired at this point, so by around 4pm, I headed back to take a quick nap before meeting a fellow ICU exchange student back from 1999-2000, Martin. Martin and I left ICU and randomly reconnected one day after I stepped of a cable car in San Francisco years later. Recognizing him, but not sure where from, we instantly reconnected and remained in good contact throughout the years. Now anytime I come back to Tokyo, we catch up and enjoy a great meal together.

After our dinner at Khyber, an Indian restaurant in Ginza, I headed back home pretty exhausted and thankful for a first full day in Tokyo, soaking up every bit of Japan and Japanese I can.

I’m Sitting in the airport right now waiting to board my flight to Tokyo to start my world trip 2014. Stopping in San Francisco reminded me about my previous life here, and how much has changed for me since leaving in 2011.

I had such a great time with all of the friends that came out to see me during my stay. I truly am lucky to have crossed paths with so many great people, and I thank everyone
For their support on this trip.

Though I’m going alone, I know so many of you will be along for the ride as well! Here’s to an amazing next 6 months!!

Benji