Remembering the buzz of London 2012, I was so excited that we would be in Tokyo for the Olympics. We were delayed getting here … but so were the Olympics. We didn’t have any tickets since they had all been sold prior to the event in 2020. However with the announcement of no overseas spectators, it looked possible, but then came news that capacity would be limited and there would be a raffle amongst existing ticket holders to see who…
I am very fortunate to have made a lovely Japanese friend, Hidemi (thanks to our respective daughters for introducing us!) and we recently went to see an exhibition of Japanese lighting. I have posted a few photographs below but it is impossible to recreate the staging of them in such a fascinating building. The Hyakudan Kaidan, dating from 1931 and once a restaurant, is now attached to a very swish hotel, that serves as an upmarket wedding venue. Each of…
Summer is undoubtedly the poorest season to view gardens – it is very hot and there are no displays of flowers. But on a positive note even if they are limiting numbers we can get in. It is fascinating that even when ringed by high towers, the gardens are remarkedly peaceful. This garden, dating from1654, has a tidal pond and 2 duck hunting grounds. I love the props for the limbs of old trees rather than chopping them down because…
With the gardens having been closed as part of the Covid restrictions, we managed a visit here at the weekend … just before our most recent State of Emergency. We walked around the area in dark green on the map, the East Gardens. Covering 210,000 square metres, these gardens were renovated in the 1960’s. Our timing wasn’t great as we have missed the cherry blossom, the roses and the irises! But given that the Imperial Palace is at the centre…
Supermarkets Collecting points for your purchases at supermarkets are a big thing here in Japan. I’m a lazy shopper so use the three supermarkets in my vicinity. Hanamasa (good prices but larger sized packs as it targets the catering industry), Peacocks (middle of the road) & Life (more expensive & partners to Amazon to offer groceries in Tokyo). We decided to succumb to the offer of a Life Point Card and a charming saleslady duly set off installing it on…
Precision Parking Rainy Season We are now in rainy season … something like 6 weeks of rain in June & July. This is referred to as Tsuyu which translates to plum rain since it coincides with the ripening of plums. But at least it is warm rain! To know whether or not I need an umbrella, a quick look onto the streets beyond the canal tells me – St Mary’s Cathedral We came across this incredible building whilst out walking…
Japan does gardens so well – running water, bridges, trees and some fabulous flowers. What else could you possibly want; I haven’t yet seen a garden that disappoints. And we have yet to see the larger National Gardens that have been closed during these Covid times. New Otani Gardens Just 10 acres in size, this garden is in private ownership as part of a hotel complex but it is free to look around. It is one of my favourite spots…
Olympics ….. ??? It is a fascinating time to be here …. the Olympics are certainly a HOT topic! In February the 83 year old head of the Tokyo Olympics Committee, and one time Prime Minister, resigned after his comment that women spoke too much in meetings made headlines around the world. Welcome to Japan; in the Global Gender Gap Report of 2020, Japan was ranked 121st out of 153 countries. What a disgrace! Recently I was attacked online by…
Shogi We came across this game whilst meandering around Tokyo. Shogi is known as Japanese chess, but unlike chess when the pieces have been captured by the opponent, they can then use by the piece as their own. Now I understand the flourish as one of the players slammed down a piece with a ‘take that’ look on his face! I can play chess & draughts but this looks beyond me. Poster at the Railway Station I love this poster…
Retirement I was surprised to learn that for many companies in Japan, the retirement age is 60 years. This is a country with over 33% of its population 60 years and over. State pension is low so many people continue working for much longer …. however after the age of 60 years companies can dramatically reduce the pay & benefits levels for employees, even if they are continuing in the same job! There are plans to amend laws to help…