Tokyo Gets Rocked 2011

Today marks just over the two week mark since the 3/11/11 earthquake subsequent tsunamis rocked the nation of Japan at it's core. At just before 3 pm, a 9.0 quake rocked the northeast of Japan to it's core, with a subsequent tsunami only surpassed in damage and travesty by that of the '04 9.1 quake in Banda Aceh. I was there for both, but this one hit much closer to home. First, the initial quake and it's follow-up mega-aftershock buckled the ground, split the earth and spewed water and mud up through much of the area I live in Chiba. At my office in downtown Tokyo, buildings cowered in fear, as did their businesspeople, ducking below desks or running down multiple flights stairs to the ground amidst the dramatic shaking. I was lucky, as I was having lunch on a first floor restaurant, overlooking a roller coaster that runs through the building and a giant ferris wheel that overlooks Tokyo. On this day, as I ran out the door, I could see the ferris wheel rocking back and forth like an imaginary giant had grabbed it, and was slapping it back and forth. On the street, the ground buckled udder my feet as if the Pacific was literally beneath me. While the quake started as the all do-slowly and with a low level of strength; this one built both magnitude and length as it ripped apart parts of the Northeast, pushed countless millions out onto the streets in Tokyo, and, most tragically, swept many people, along with cars, buildings and towns out sea with tsunamis that surpassed not only Japan's seawalls, but more that 30 feet in height. These tsunami are the reason that today, two weeks after the event, over 10,000 have been confirmed dead, while the number missing; most likely swept out to sea approaches 27,000, and perhaps more. It is, without question, a shocking event in a nation that prides itself in disaster preparation and strict building codes, with everything from school drills to concrete testing with potential earthquakes in mind. And, without such protocols and safety measures, the toll could have been much higher, as it reached about 200,000 in the aftermath of the December 26, 2004 earthquake and tsunami that decimated Southeast Asia and still effects it to this day.

Many economists say Japan will take 5 years to overcome this travesty. Others say a decade. Others say, coupled with the debt and recent global recession, this will only serve to compete Japan's vicious cycle; from elite world power, to a fading power, lost in the limelight of China, and maybe even India.

Others, however, are more optimistic and opportunistic, believing that this travesty, while heartbreaking, will serve as the catalyst necessary to jump-start Japan from nearly two decades of decline. Consider it a jump-start if you will. This is Japan's chance to build new infrastructure, new ideas, and a new culture of growth emerging from the ashes and washed out land of the colossal quake of 2011. Skeptics of this theory may point to an inefficient and ineffective government, miscommunication and past cover-ups, and may decide this was Japan's knock out blow. Others, ultimately see it as a wake up call- an opportunity to push forward and again become the land of innovation and creativity that Japan once was in the decades after WWII.

It is still quite evident that major corporations like Toyota, Honda and Nissan and Mitsubishi will be fine, as will large banks like Sumitomo and UfJ. The big question will come in the manufacturing and electronics sectors, where Japan is still known for it's high quality, but unfortunately, this is increasingly coming with a higher price tag, just as it's American and Korean counterparts become both more mainstream and relatively cost effective.

Furthermore, the above discourse only speaks to the economic future of Japan, which, though now much more uncertain and convoluted, is secondary to taking short and intermediate action to bring relief and restoration to the devastated regions to the northeast. While most news these days is Tokyo-centric due to the devastating and ongoing failure of the Fukushma Dai-Ichi nuclear plant, and it's current effect on our water, which remains with unsafe amounts of radiation as of today. Blackouts and water shortages may effect Greater Tokyo, but the pale in light of the refugee crisis ago out Eastern Seaboard. Now is the time to take action, not turn a blind eye (if in a different country), or show preferential treatment (caring only for you and yours) if still in Japan.

After a crisis is the time for action, not inaction. Lack of action breads complacency and false contentment. And indecisive behavior usually leads to missed opportunities. So I encourage you to get involved in the relief efforts at some level. Donate your time and money, or even your expertise. Donate your prayers. Donate your creativity and innovation. Donate your friendship to someone in need. But don't turn a cold shoulder to those in dire need when it is your power to make a difference.

So, you might ask, what's my next step? After speaking with many contacts both in and outside Japan, I would like to highly recommend that to make the most impact, both in relief, restoration and rebuilding efforts, CRASH is the organization with the best capabilities and action on the ground right now. Having planned for years be able to help in just this time of need, you can find out more at crashjapan.com

I hope you will seriously consider getting involved. If you want to send goods, you can also purchase goods via Amazon.co.jp, etc. and ship to the organizations headquarters. Let me know if you want to get involved in any capacity. In the near future people will also be working to clear wreckage and rebuild homes and businesses.
If you're interested in visiting the Land of the Rising Sun to volunteer youth time and expertise, please let me know as well. Feel free to reply to this blog, or contact me via any of the contact methods listed below.

Let's work together to make Japan a better place; and help those in the most dire need as quickly as we possibly can.

-David Tomyn
3/26/11
+81-80-3533-9871 (from overseas)
080-3533-9871 (Inside Japan)
davidtomyn@i.softbank.jp (cell email)
davidtomyn@gmail.com (primary email)
David Tomyn (Skype name)
Dave Tomyn (Facebook)
@TokyoPreneur (Twitter)
davetomyn.com (homepage)

Location:４丁目,Ichikawa,Japan

Shibuya in the Fall

So as I charge my iPhone 4 for the second day running at the Apple Store in Shibuya, I thought this would be an apt time to catch up on blogging. It's been quite some time since my last post, and Fall is in the air here in Tokyo. Well, not exactly. It has actually gotten hot again, which would be cool, except I'm currently rocking biz wear & commuting a ridiculous amount of time per day. But I digress.

It's been busy-with a new job and new challenges on my plate. Now I'm jetting around to a plethora of Japanese corporations on a daily basis...all while sleeping as little as possible-a trend which must change soon.

Also, as the season changes in Tokyo & in business, it's my hope to also spearhead an effort to pursue travel industry related ventures here in Tokyo. If you're interested in getting involved, let me know. Cryptic perhaps, but these ideas are closely-held. :)

Now-a brief update on current happenings. I am working as a business constant/English trainer for a company named IBEC, International Business Education Consultants. It's challenging and exciting.

At the same time, I just wrapped up hosting the Smaha's-Bohdan & Carrie-for a week, and that was exciting too-even if it did go by in a blur! We hit most of Tokyo and of course centered a large percentage of our time right here in Shibuya, as well as trendy Omotesando, Harajuju and Shimokitazawa. Fun times. We also hit a chill hot springs in Hakone with supposed great views of Mount Fuji. (We wouldn't know, as there were torrential downpours and dense fog throughout the day. But we had good weather most of the other days.

Now the weather has started to change-finally cooling in the evenings and becoming a bit more like October..or at least like September. It's nice to have a respite from a ridiculously hot summer.

So, as I wrap up charging my iPhone 4 (store is closing), I will also wrap up this post.

Give me a shout out if yiu want to rock Tokyo in the near future.

Some of you are overdue. (You know who you are:)

-Dave

Tokyo in the FAST Lane

Unfortunately, its been far too long since my last post-and since I have promised a minimum of weekly posts, I will set out on a new, more deliberately focused blog as of now. FYI to all followers out there, as you respond to any of my posts with questions/comments/absurd ideas, I will respond in kind as soon as I can log-in to my nearest mobile device. Which here in Tokyo translates into a fairly constant attachment to some type of media-whether it be the iPhone, Mac Book or a wireless cafe around the corner. But I digress.

This week in Tokyo the weather has been a shade of gloomy, mixed with the official end of the Cherry blossom season. (Though the season really ended about 10 days ago, most Japanese politicians have been to busy kicking out legal immigrants via bribe (http://finance.yahoo.com/career-work/article/106964/Japan-Pays-Foreign-Workers-to-Go-Home) to notice we've moved on from Cherry blossom season, but oh well.

Last year for cherry blossom season I went to the Kansai region (Kyoto Osaka, Kobe). This was a wonderful period before I began my work in modern day indentured servitude via the Japanese Corporate system. Though I now understand completely why Japan has the world's #2 GDP (that's a different blog entirely). This years festivities in Tokyo were great as well. Of special note were Ueno Park in full bloom (good date locale) and even a week later (good late season hanami locale). Inokashira and Shinjuku Park's were top-ship as well, while Yoyogi's late night shenanigans were none too shabby in their own right. For the uninitiated, the hanami party is a party under blooming Cherry trees with friends, coworkers, acquaintances and complete strangers. You really have to experience it to understand it, but trust me, its good fun.

Well, that's all I have for tonight, work begins early tomorrow for the Japanese salaryman, of which I am now a team player. I look forward to your comments and will post more on the happenings of Tokyo in the near future.

Until then, enjoy your portion of the globe.

-David

Tokyo: Hello 2009

It has been just over a year since I arrived in the land of the rising sun, and much has changed in this ever-evolving city. As you can see in the post below, I recently took a short vacation to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, and its environs-The Mekong River Delta, and the beach resort of Mui Ne on the South China Sea. More posts on that trip will follow.

In the meantime, spring is once again in the air in Tokyo, and the Cherry Blossom Festival is upon us. In Japan this is a time of socialization and reflection. Most Japanese enjoy parties under the myriad of blooming Cherry trees across Tokyo and the rest of Japan. Last year I spent most of this time in the Kansai region to the West including Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. This year, I will explore Tokyo more in depth.

I will also be posting daily, on a variety of issues, as laid out below, and upon request.

I have had many requests for opening up a dialogue on current news, trends and events going on in Japan and around the world. So this year I will introduce conversational topics on this blog concerning current issues that touch each of our lives to one degree or another: the global economic crisis, international security issues, and political alliances of both the fair-weather and long-term variety.

I look forward to out conversations in 2009. Please feel free to challenge ideas, promote your opinion, and present new topics. Whether the discussion covers travel related issues (good vacation destinations, "volunteer tourism" opportunities, travel secrets) or economic issues (current bailout plan in the U.S., subsequent decline in Japanese exports) or political concerns (PM Taro Aso or President Obama's policy machines at work) any discourse is welcome.

Hope to hear from you soon.

-David Tomyn

Vietnam and beyond

As the sun rises above the South China Sea I am once again amazed I am up before 6 am. I am also a tad incredulous that I rented my own personal jeep tour and guide for the morning for only $60. As the sun rose above surreal sand dunes, I peered beyond at the water that seemed so juxtaposed to the dry arid nature of the dunes around me. After hopping back in our jeep, we checked out a local fishing village at the peak of activity. At about 730 am, most boats were coming in from a long arduous night of fishing, and we were able to watch as each boat worked quickly to get their goods to market-fresh clams were taken out of the shell-the shells scattered aimlessly across the beach. Small fish were placed in tubs and cleaned in shallow water before being sold to middle men, who would then take the fish to the main fish market later that morning. Men worked on their fishing vessels, huge power tools breaking the otherwise silence of the bustling morning atmosphere. And it wasn't even 8 am yet, we had already visited giant white sand dunes, smaller, more red sand dunes, went dune surfing (you'll have to ask me about that one) and checked out a gorge made of red clay. Quite the morning. The night before was quite excellent as well. After 2 hours of pampering at a spa, the breeze gently flowing into the room where I had a hot stone massage and Thai massage alongside my girlfriend, we went perusing for a dinner locale. we settled on a spot where we were able to choose fresh fish from the days catch. Soon Tiger Prawns, giant shrimp and Barracuda steak was being weighed on the scales, and we were escorted to our seats in the bamboo restaurant overlooking the resorts of Mui Ne, the latest beach phenom of Vietnam. We ordered a bottle of Chilean white, naturally, which fit nicely with the seafood that was served with equally tantalizing sauces and spices-from lemon and pepper concoctions to hot sweet pepper sauce. The best food I've ever tasted-no joke. After a casual walk down from the restaurant we found our tour operator and booked out jeep tour-bringing this small snippet of our trip to Vietnam to a close.

TOKYO: Suburbia

Well its been nearly two weeks since my last post, and there is a purely acceptable reason for that. I have been ridiculously busy. Since my past blog I have moved into my new apartment, begun the furnishing process, and started work at Kamifujisawa Junior High School as an English teacher. It has been a whirlwind two weeks. Here are some of the highlights:

1.) Moving from Sakura Hostel in Asakusa (Eastern Tokyo) to Musashifujisawa (West of Tokyo). This was a heck of a haul, especially since I was traversing some of the busiest stations in the world with heavy suitcases in tow.

2.) Starting work and giving my first introductions. This was an interesting experience, as I gave a speech to the students I will teach this year, talking a bit about myself, where I'm from, etc., etc. My students have a wide range of English ability-from almost none to quite good, so this added to the challenge of getting to know them and introducing myself. But overall it has gone well thus far.

3.) Getting my first Japanese apartment. Now this had been an experience. My apartment is SMALL, but it is considered quite large by Japanese standards. I have a very small bedroom with a matching Japanese futon, a living area the same size, a kitchen, laundry area, bathroom and shower/bath area. Now before you start imagining how big an apartment of this description should be, take that thought and divide it at least in half. Then you might have my apartment size down. The cool thing about the apartment is its traditional Japanese style, with tatami mats in the bedroom and hardwood in the other areas. As you walk around the apartment *ducking often) you can't help but think that you're living similarly to how the Japanese lived in the past-but with running water and electrical outlets, of course.

4.) Exploring Saitama (the region I now live in), has also been an enjoyable experience. The area is very eco-friendly and green. Really. Its actually green. The area is known for its green tea fields, and as I look out from the classroom while teaching I can see lush fields of green stretching out before me. The cherry blossoms are still in bloom here as well, having departed Tokyo over a week ago. The other day I took a nice leisurely bike ride along the fields and residential areas and found a quaint bakery aptly named "Bakery Cozy." I relaxed while enjoying a freshly made sandwich and bread along with green tea-as I looked out of fields of the same.

Musashifujisawa may only be 35 minutes away from Tokyo, but it certainly feels much further away. The frenetic buzz and bright lights that never seem to fade in the city is definitely not part of Saitama's image. Instead, quiet residential areas, school, parks and restaurants replace skyscrapers, billboards and jumbotrons. At first I was wondering if I would like living in "the burbs" but to be quite honest, I think it will be quite enjoyable.

I will check back in later to let you know for sure.

Kyoto and the West

Well, I just returned from Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe, and I have to say, the West of Japan is amazing. Often considered the most authentic an culturally rich region of Japan, I was skeptical of such verbiage until I actually experienced it for myself. Kyoto was amazing in many ways. from spotting Geisha at dusk on ancient cobblestone corridors to enjoying the cherry blossoms in Gion, Kyoto never failed to impress. Even the people of Kyoto were accessible and friendly (as noted in Kyoto Unplugged, which can been viewed on Facebook). While the cultural and UNESCO world heritage sites of Kyoto are truly breathtaking, I also take away from the experience the camaraderie of its citizens, culinary delights of its chefs and the creativity exhibited in its architecture.

One of the most memorable memories I have of Kyoto is the food. Fresh Soba at a stand up counter during rush hour. Genghis Khan Style lamb stir fry coupled with conversation with the locals. 100 yen Sushi that tasted wonderful. And this barely scratches the surface.

Equally magnificent were the must-seee sites of Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion), heian Shrine (with its adjacent garden) and the Path of Philosophy. Arishiyuma with its cherry blossoms and Nijo castle at night were also highlights that must be experienced only during late March/early April when the cherry blossoms are in bloom and the citizens of Kyoto (and the rest of Japan) are enjoying them in mass.

The nightlife of Kyoto was also enjoyable. While Tokyo, with its frenetic pace can quickly become tiring, Kyoto was more relaxed (though not quiet or boring). I enjoyed meeting local restaurantiers and bartenders who were quick to introduce themsleves and recommend places in their city t visit and hang out.

Overall, I definitely recommend a trip to Kyoto, regardless of the season. Obviously, Spring is the best time to go, but Autumn is a close second. Winter is a mystical time of snow falling on ancient temples, and onsens (hot springs) can be enjoyed regardess of the temperature. Summer is also a nice time to enjoy Kyoto's many publci places and parks, as well as its restaurants and night time options.

Well, that's all for now. I will post soon about my experiences in Osaka and Kobe, as well as more information on Kyoto. If you will travel to Japan soon, or are curious, let me know, or respond to this post.

-Dave

TOKYO:Week One

Well, its been one week in Tokyo, and it certainly has been a blur. Many words can describe Tokyo-vast, sensational, technological, culturally-rich. but none of these adjectives truly do justice to a metropolis of over thirty million individuals. Think about it for a second. The sheer size of Tokyo means you are always experiencing new places and people in exciting venues. But enough of the travel book copy, I'll share a few of my personal experiences

This week began with a bit of jet lagged sleep and the rocketed into Sunday. In the evening I dined with new and old friends at "Buttayo" which means something like "pig place" or something. After a ridiculously expensive, multi-course dinner surrounded by pig-batman, pig-spiderman, and dancing pigs, etc., etc. I checked out one of Tokyo's standing bars-a bar with no seats, which is cheaper than, say, a bar with seats. So alas, Sunday came to an end.

Monday is supposed to be one of those sleepy, chill days. I couldn't have been more wrong. This was the day I was formally introduced to the Samarai Bar around the corner from my hostel. This haunt is apparently an informal headquarters for Sakura Hostel...as I found out on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Good fun. More on the Samurai later...

Tuesday was my interview in Iruma, about an hour away from where I'm staying in Asakusa. This meant doing three things I do not generally like to do: 1.) get up early. 2.) put on a suit and 3.) Shave. After doing all of these terrible things and commuting with the rest of Tokyo's hordes, I successfully interviewed with the Tokyo board of education. Which meant, of course, that it was time to celebrate.

Going out in Tokyo, I quickly realized, is much different than at home. While back in the states you pick from a very narrow selection of restaurants, bars and clubs, in Tokyo you could go a different place every day and never exhaust every possibility. Not only are there over 300,000 places to eat/drink/chill in Tokyo, new places are popping up all the time. Anyway, rather than work too hard trying to find a specific place, it is sometimes best just to randomly wander from place to place, seeing whats new.

Alright, at this point I'm about halfway through the week, and I have yet to really share any of my most interesting moments. But that will have to wait, because its nap time. That's right, in Tokyo you better get your rest on the weekend, because the trains stop running at midnight, "forcing" you to stay out till dawn. Since everyone else uses the same transportation (and taxis are ridiculously expensive) the bars and clubs are packed till at least five every weekend night. And today is Saturday. So, I will continue this week's post tomorrow...and for now leave you with a picture or so of the city.

Hello from Tokyo!

Hi everybody, I finally made it to Tokyo, where I will work for the next year or so. During my time in Asia, I will be sharing new info on my blog about travel in Asia, past experiences and new trends in the area. I also hope to make it over to Southeast Asia and China during my time over here, and begin to get involved in non-profit ventures supporting sustainable development. 

I hope as I post additional comments that you will share your life experiences, as well as any questions or comments about the region. If you are planning to visit Asia during the next few years let me know and maybe our paths will cross.

Okay, that's all I have for now, I'm off to Harajuku and Shibuya!