Tokyo, Japan – Fine Dining with a Twist (For Assessment – Culture Shock)

Fine dining to me is the combination of premium quality food, top notch service from sharp-dressed wait staff and shiny cutlery in the ambiance of a fancy restaurant.

Turns out I was wrong.  Unlike what I had envisioned, the traditional form of fine dining in Japan is carried out within the confines of a private setting, commonly known as a ‘tatami’ room. ‘Tatami’ refers to a straw mat where patrons seat or kneel on, over the course of dining. I guess you could call it a culture shock on my part as I do not have the practice of consuming my meals in a position which I consider to be somewhat ‘uncomfortable’.

A tatami room offers its patrons the intimacy of dining in privacy, away from other diners at the restaurant. However, dining within a tatami room comes with a caveat. Before entering the room, patrons are required to observe the rule of removing their footwear before indulging in an array of tantalising Japanese delights.

Tatami room in a Japanese restaurant.

Picture Credit : http://yokotatravel.com/category/restaurants-near-here/

From my perspective, I feel that having a meal under such a setting would not only cast a feeling of isolation upon me (due to the privacy it provides), but also give me a great level of discomfort as I’m not used to dining while seated over a thinly layered mat placed over the ground.

However, I firmly believe that immersing oneself in a different culture is all part and parcel of the rewards of travelling. Dining in a tatami room while on a trip to Tokyo could eventually, turn out to be an experience of a lifetime filled with memories. It is thus on the onus of a traveller to adapt and accept another culture unlike his own in order to reap the full benefits of travel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Engaging Tokyo through Volunteerism

When we travel, we should not seek to simply soak in the sights and sounds of a place, or look to capture that photo which we plan to upload onto social media. I feel that travelling revolves around us bringing tangible change to a place, and that to me, is the most effective way of leaving our footprints in the sand. And how do we do this? Through volunteerism.

In today’s world, the effect of volunteerism is perhaps second to none. The question is, how do we travel and engage in volunteerism at the same time? It all begins with planning. As I was surfing through my browsers, I chanced upon Tokyo being a prime location that promotes change through volunteerism.

In Tokyo, volunteerism is everywhere. Through my research, I discovered that Hands On Tokyo, is an organization that promotes volunteerism to aid in many areas of life’s needs. The organization’s volunteers help people from all walks of life such as aiding the elderly, delivering meals to the underprivileged and rendering assistance in times of disaster relief.

Hands – On Tokyo, a volunteer organization based in Tokyo, Japan.

 

Picture Credit : http://www.handsontokyo.org/

If you are ever planning to stop by Tokyo, you may wish to lend a helping hand by joining the organization. For more details, visit :  http://www.handsontokyo.org/en/volunteer_activities/our_programs

From my perspective, I feel that partaking in voluntary efforts require one to possess a great deal of patience and not just sympathy, but empathy as well. Being able to put oneself in others’ predicament would better help a volunteer to read the situation that he or she is getting into.

Volunteerism unites people to work towards a common cause and brings about a sense of fulfilment and accomplishment to the individual. Through changing lives across borders, we ultimately answer the call of international engagement in no better form or fashion.

 

Japanese Animation – Subject of Stereotype (For Assessment – Essentialism)

What defines a nation? Essentialism. That is probably the buzzword that gives a country and its people a sense of identity and belonging. In my earlier post, I emphasized on Tokyo, Japan, being an Anime ‘haven’ for every animation fan out there. However, that appears to be a form of stereotype on my part. Sorry folks, my bad!

Although anime is indeed a huge symbol of pop-culture in Japan, one who has never set foot on Japanese soil should not assume that everyone hailing from The Land of The Rising Sun is knowledgeable, or even interested in Animation, to say the least.  For other common stereotypes about the Japanese people, click here : https://theculturetrip.com/asia/japan/articles/15-stereotypes-all-japanese-people-hate/

Japanese Anime, a huge part of Japan's identity.
Picture Credit: http://imgur.com/gallery/UUbzcOT

In truth, Japan boasts more than just animation or comics alone. Contrary to its flamboyant pop-culture scene, Japan is usually promoted for its wide selection of gastronomic offerings, rich history and deep-rooted tradition. The country boasts a multitude of shrines and temples, nestled in the hilltops. Such attractions offer a moment of peace and tranquility to those who seek to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is no wonder why places of worship and tradition are so prominently featured in Japanese tourism marketing videos. Watch it here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tm0dwrtRMuM

Shrines and Temples in Tokyo, Japan.
Picture Credit : http://www.japanvisitor.com/guides/japan-temples-shrines

In that sense, I feel that although the aspect of essentialism forges a sense of identity to a country, it may also present itself as a double-edged sword when it comes to creating a form of perception in the eyes of foreigners. Essentialism, when viewed from an array of perspectives, could in turn impact a nation’s tourism industry, which may be more detrimental than it is beneficial to the sector.

Tokyo, Japan – An Iconic City In Pop-culture (For Assessment – Symbols)

What makes a particular country or city unique? That seems to be the food for thought before proceeding with our travel arrangements. The answer? Symbols. A symbol may take on a multitude of forms. We identify geographical symbols through pictures, objects or even the natural features a location boasts.

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, has no doubt cemented its place as an iconic city in pop-culture. Over the years, audiences from all over the world have been treated to films and animated series’, where the plot was set in Tokyo, Japan.

Mention ‘the land of the rising sun’ and the first thought that comes to mind is undoubtedly, the term ‘Pokemon’. The critically-acclaimed animated series that originated from Japan could be considered a national symbol to some extent. It has formed an integral part of the childhood of an entire generation over the course of the last decade, and at present, still continues to be widely followed by legions of fans on a global scale.

The franchise that began as an animated series, has extended its reach through video games, books, and more recently, a mobile-gaming app titled ‘Pokemon Go’ that has taken the world by storm.

In addition, Tokyo also houses the premier anime attraction for tourists – the ‘Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo’ – a haven where Pokemon enthusiasts can purchase the franchise’s official merchandise. For more, visit :  http://en.rocketnews24.com/2016/06/14/20-things-to-buy-at-the-pokemon-center-mega-tokyo-store/

 

For a virtual tour of the store, check out the video link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qwg8j08JnSc

Picture Credit : https://appetiteforjapan.com/2016/05/07/pokemon-center/

Picture Credit : https://appetiteforjapan.com/2016/05/07/pokemon-center/

 

Picture Credit (featured image) : https://triplelights.com/blog/tokyos-top-10-sitesanimem-175

Graffiti -An Expression of Street Art in Tokyo

If you are looking to immerse yourself in a city filled with rich history and good vibes, Tokyo is the place to be. The capital of Japan exudes vibrancy through a vast array of avenues. But nothing quite defines the city’s street art like its graffiti.

Nestled in the heart of Tokyo lies Daikanyama – a neighbourhood that stands out from the pack, with eye-catching displays of graffiti. It is a place where ideas and creativity of street artists spring into life, with no-holds barred on the art that lines every inch of the neighbourhood.

Daikanyama is home to a plethora of graffiti work that stems from the imaginative minds of street artists from all over the world. Take a trip down the neighbourhood and one will most definitely be able to view and appreciate different forms of art with brand new perspectives.

Picture Credit : https://lifetoreset.wordpress.com/2013/06/17/tokyo-neighborhood-street-art-of-daikanyama/

Although not widely mentioned in the same breath as other places of interests in Tokyo, the graffiti in Daikanyama still plays an integral role in attracting tourists.

The multitude of art forms can be considered a ‘haven’ for photography aficionados. It provides new photo opportunities for the avid photographer. Apart from that, Daikanyama is also the place where anyone and everyone can tell a story through street art. Venture into the neighbourhood and one can most definitely be inspired to craft new chapters unto its walls.

Picture Credit: https://lifetoreset.wordpress.com/2013/06/17/tokyo-neighborhood-street-art-of-daikanyama/

We change the outlook of a place when we travel. Upon a visit to Daikanyama, we are able to leave behind a work of art we can proudly call our own.

For more photos, click here

Picture Credit (featured image) : https://www.lakita.org.il/project.aspx?id=257