Daily life and traveling in Japan,

Clean is Beautiful

2012-02-02T13:59:00.000+09:00

“How can the city be so clean?!” - I’m often asked by flabbergasted foreigners in Tokyo. A friend from Europe was literally crawling around on the street the other day going “Where’s the garbage, cigarette butts and gum?!” Yes, Japan is in fact astonishingly clean, but why?

The Japanese are told from they are small to beware of germs, stay clean and to take care of the environment. Rather than littering and then having to clean it up, they have found out that just preventing littering is a more cost effective alternative to maintain a pleasant level of cleanliness. Young people carry with them ashtrays for their cigarette butts, companies have clean-outside-our-building days, and I swear I see retired people every day sweeping and polishing something. I suspect that people of most nationalities think that “the cleaners will clean it up for me”, while the Japanese genuinely want to help each other keeping the place pleasant to be in.

It might be hard to believe just by check out a blog post, but just like me and everybody else that has been here, I guarantee you will be both surprised and delighted by how well kept the cities are. In the meantime, check out the pictures below ^-^

No cigarette butts all over the place and angry non-smokers when
smoking is only at restricted areas.

For when you just need a puff,
a hand held ashtray.

Convenient "No smoking while walking" asphalt stickers.

Picking bottles - good for the economy and
good for the environment.

If everyone does just a little bit..

and multiply that with a couple of million people..

you get amazing results.

Maybe you will even get to see one of these
cleaning robots while you are here =P

Spotless restaurant toilet.

Spotless public toilets.

Spotless subway station.

Neat and clean - for happy employees and happy customers.

Even the cavities between buildings that always attract a lot of
rubbish are vacuumed and polished.

Even under that little ramp for cars onto the pavement - spotless!

You can not say anything about the tarmac either.

What a neat cross over.

I can walk and run around the city with my FiveFingers
without having to worry about glass and such.
Happy feet =)

Relaxing Travel = Possible

2012-01-19T14:22:00.005+09:00

A new year, new possibilities, and a weekend at an onsen with the company to relax our way into the new year.

My first time traveling together with only Japanese, like package tourists, everybody in a line, the person in front with a flag, just like they do when they are abroad! OK, to be honest and you might agree, I’m in my mid-twenties, and I like my freedom when I travel, so I wasn’t sure how exciting it would turn out to be but; “What?! Piping hot springs and ice cold beer?! Yes please!” I didn’t think twice before accepting the invitation. The destination was Shiga prefecture located over 500 km away, but the silent, comfortable, convenient, and very fast (!) Shinkansen makes the choice of transport a no-brainer.

According to the itinerary, we were up for some sightseeing at Enryaku-ji Temple before going to the springs, and I must say the smoothness of the whole operation from Tokyo to the middle of some snowy mountains on the other side of the country had been astonishing.

How do you like the Nozomi Super Express Shinkansen guys?

Standing in line.

After the history lesson I decided to have some green tea ice cream. Yeah, it was snowing but who cares, I’m Norwegian, and we don’t know what cold is.

Usually Japanese onsen just look like normal boring hotels, with some hot springs around. But these pools of water really make the whole difference. It doesn’t matter at all really how the rest of the hotel looks like if you ask me. Whatever your everyday worry in life is, every muscle you possess relaxes the instant you sink your body into that water, every negative thought is gone in the vapor. The Japanese let themselves soak about three times on average over a weekend, and the baths are often open 24/7. How awesome isn’t that?!

I shared a room with some 6 or 7 colleague buddies, but the rooms were big, and who is going to spend time in them anyway. The best thing is to stay in a Japanese style room and wear a yukata the whole weekend, for that nice “I’m on vacation” feeling.

The onsen in all its beauty.

Looks neat.

Japanese style rooms are never out of date.

Looking at the stars from one of these, is MONEY!

After a good long morning soak the next morning we headed to Osaka by coach for some sightseeing. The lunch was eat-as-much-as-you-can kushikatsu, and after that we enjoyed some river boat cruising with a funny rakugoka guide.

During the whole trip I was able to focus on the places we were at, and what we had come to see and experience. It felt nice to not have to worry about how to get to places, where to eat and if there was a place to sleep. I believe I will still try to arrange most of my trips myself, but from this experience package trips aren’t as stressful as they are believed to be. I have travelled quite a bit, but I have never traveled as easy before.

Very noisy, very crowded, very tasty, very Osaka.

Our little boat, "Kirari"

Our two buses on the left side.

A bit cold today is it, Ayako?

A little shrine in the woods. There are so many of these around.. where did they all come from?


If the cow only knew what it was wearing.

The people there were there before us, I guess.

Yeah, no comment needed here. And these are not the only ones...

New thinking is required when walking on the cold floors of Enryaku-ji Temple.

I wonder what the place looks like under the stars. Tranquil.

I don't know who puts the hands in that in the middle of winter but, it sure looks cold.

Cute owls. Love the expressions.

These are raccoon dogs, or "tanuki" in Japanese, and can be found all over.

What is a sightseeing spot without the souvenir shop, selling ice cream in January.

Forget the cold, this machine contains warm sake (!)

One of the lowest bridges in Osaka.

30 Things You Are Dead Wrong About

2012-01-05T11:31:00.000+09:00

I just came back from a two week vacation in Norway with the worst sashimi cravings ever experienced, and due to the fact that going home also means trying to convince friends and family having another misconception about the country I live in, that they are dead wrong, I don’t feel as recharged as I thought I would be.

Here are 30 things about Japan not rooted in reality people I’ve met like to state as facts:

1. ”Using chopsticks is outdated and silly...”
- Actually, cold steel utensils often ruin the taste of many delicate foods, and wooden chopsticks are often even easier to use. Try them on salad once and be enlightened.

2. ”The infamous washlet is a scary contraption...”
- The scary thing about it is that when you leave Japan, you are leaving it too. Normal use usually results in total addiction within two weeks.

3. ”Japanese trains are always packed to the roof...”
- Not necessarily. There is usually, for reasons unknown, a lot of space around the gaijin.

4. ”Raw fish and meat is nasty...”
- Some fish and meat is actually best raw, and the Japanese quality makes this go for very much.

5. ”Japanese have no empathy...”
- Just meeting the 3.11 disaster rescue volunteers would make even Mother Theresa feel inferior.

6. ”You will become Charisma Man as soon as you arrive in Japan...”
- Fashion and style is a serious business here, and if you weren’t a rock star at home, chances are you won’t be in Japan either.

7. ”You shouldn’t be overly polite...”
- This isn’t humanly possible. Ever.

8. ”The facilities aren’t sanitary...”
- Three different pairs of shoes and slippers to go to the toilet. I rest my case.

9. ”I can’t survive two weeks on raw fish, seaweed and rice...”
- A heaven on earth for food lovers and with over 160.000 restaurants only in Tokyo, there isn’t anything you can’t get. Not anything.

10. ”Japan is a small country...”
- Located next to Russia and China it might seem like it. If Japan was in Europe, it would be one of the biggest countries, even bigger than Germany and Norway.

11. ”I will never try natto...”
- Like you never wanted to try coffee you mean? Embrace natto, and live 10 years longer.

12. ”The country is ravaged by deadly radiation...”
- There is more radiation in rural England.

13. ”Tsunami is an English word...”
- There are probably enough Japanese words in English to make an own language.

14. ”There are no animals in Tokyo...”
- There are lots besides the cockroaches and pigeons too, but they might be hard to spot since they usually are dressed as little people or located in handbags. If you don’t own one, you can even rent e.g. cats and dogs to pet or walk in your lunch hour.

15. ”Japan is too expensive...”
This is partly correct due to the very high standard of living, but it is totally possible to get all of ones necessities from the high quality 100 yen (1 USD) shop turning it in to one of the cheapest places on the planet.

16. ”It’s impossible to learn perfect Japanese...”
- Be comforted by the thought that this also goes for the Japanese, and they get by fine.

17. ”There are foods I should avoid trying...”
- What your brain tries to warn you about, your mouth will thank you for later. …even if it stares at you.

18. ”Japan isn’t famous for its nature...”
- 374,744 km² of tropical forests, 200 volcanoes, 32.000 rivers and streams, beaches, snow clad mountains, all packed into four distinct seasons – the nature of this country needs to be experienced, not discussed.

19. ”The cities of Japan are huge, dark and dirty...”
- These cities are among the quietest and cleanest in the world. Oh, and beware of hybrid cars when crossing the street.

20. ”It’s impossible to become Japanese...”
- Some foreigners are more Japanese than the natives.

21. ”Green tea doesn’t belong in ice cream...”
- Neither did strawberry, but it sure as hell does now.

22. ”Sumo is a cute sport...”
- It is a brutal, often bloody, and dead serious.

23. ”You need to behave like Japanese, all the time...”
- Don’t worry about the outdated rules for acceptable behavior, as long as you behave, all the stupid and embarrassing things you might do will be considered cute by the locals and thus be forgiven.

24. ”Japanese at home don’t behave like they do abroad...”
- There isn’t an OFF switch to being Japanese, so if you still will see them moving around in large amusing groups? Yes.

25.”Simple body language is probably the same in Japan as anywhere else...”
- This misunderstanding can get you into various troubles.

26. ”The Tokyo subway/train system is an unforgiving place...”
- Grandmothers of all genders and ages would be thrilled by the simplicity and smoothness of this system.

27. ”Japanese children are the most timid and gentle in the world...”
- According to a few teacher friends of mine, it isn’t easy to get through the day with 8 or 9 of them hanging from ones arms and the necktie. Sure they look cute with their yellow hats, but elementary school children can be vicious and supposedly wear school uniforms to avoid bullying. Approach with caution.

28. ”Slurping is rude...”
- Slurping means you are enjoying the food. So slurp away! Your mother in law isn’t watching.

29. “Picking your nose and spitting in public will give a hefty fine...”
Why picking is socially accepted, I don’t know. I mean, nobody ever seems to even notice when someone is arm deep in a nostril. The spitting though I am not sure about anymore, it is after all a very clean country.

30. ”There isn’t anything to photograph...”
- The country is photographer’s wet dream incarnate.

Into the Wild

2011-12-14T17:42:00.000+09:00

"Man's heart away from nature becomes hard" -Standing Bear

I have been asked if I am not ~~stupid~~ crazy for moving to the gargantuan cyberpunk jungle that is Tokyo, and considering this horrible image, it is indeed a reasonable question. But why have I then not gone mad already?

In reality, 70% of the country's 374,744 km² land area is all mountains and forests including 83 national parks packed with wildlife enabling you to interact with nature in about any thinkable and unthinkable way, be it extreme sports, hiking, bicycling or geocaching. 32,000 rivers, streams and lakes make inland water sports like canoeing, kayaking and rafting no less possible. Oh, and did I mention that zero part of Japan is more than 93 miles (149km) from the coast? The warm waters are excellent for surfing or socializing with the marine life, but beware of aliens.

The winter season is upon us, and I will probably get disowned for saying this, but I don't even have to go to Norway for skiing in the winter! Perfect temperature conditions give Niseko on Hokkaido the worlds best powder, and it annually falls around 15 (omg! fifteen!) meters of the white stuff. Professionals from all over the globe travel to more than 600 (yes! six hundred!) ski resorts around the country for downhill/cross country/off-piste skiing, snowboarding and anything else that happens on snow, and with that number of resorts you don't have to travel for more than 3 hours from Tokyo. I know I'm going! *smirky grin*

If you fancy yourself an adventurer rather than this, and you are not afraid of getting your fingernails dirty way off the beaten path, Japan is perfect for you too. =P

A few pics we took on a trip to Niseko below. The bottom picture is from the Sapporo Beer Garden **highly recommended! ..but beware of hangovers if you are aiming to hit those slopes the next morning. lml

Back up again, and we had just gotten started. Awesome!

No, its not Mt.Fuji, but it could have been its younger brother.

Those gondolas might look small in the photo, and they were...
I damn near fell out of them a couple of times too! Scary, but totally worth it =P

Posing in front of Mt.Fuji's little brother.

My awesome companion on this trip, Joerund.

Old beer posters at Sapporo Beer Garden.
Forget about Europe, Japan is THE place for beer!

Some links to get you started (English):
outdoor japan + their winter sports guide
Outdoor Club Japan
Outdoor Club Tokyo
Outdoor Travel Japan
Japan National Tourism Organization
Green Discovery Japan (Japanese)
Sunday Planning

Look At Those Furballs

2011-12-05T17:59:00.001+09:00

I think we all can agree that most people would find a little kitten cute. But how do you think the Japanese in the land of "kawaii" would handle a spectacle like this?

In a country where anything cute sells like a hot sex scandal, "cute" has a well proven positive effect in marketing and campaigns too. Simply put, if you want the attention of the Japanese, make sure its above average cute. Indeed, even if this makes it hard to find something not covered in cute furry faces when walking around in the cities of Japan, it sure makes the place even the more interesting to be in.

Trying to preserve harmony at the subway? Leave it to the animals. These are the 2011 versions of the previously posted train/subway station manner posters.

(English on the bottom of the images - click for a bigger readable version)

A Wriggling Experience

2011-11-28T11:12:00.001+09:00

Its a common fact that restaurants always need to brag about how an old scruff skipper with a tobacco pipe brought the fresh fish straight from the harbor the very same morning. But how can you top that without having to venture out into the wild with a pole on your own?

Having the seafood cravings, I went to an hilarious place the other night where you fish your own dinner, from a boat, on a small lake, with a pole and bate, just like in the wild, without even leaving the building, 300 meters from Shinjuku station, in the middle of Tokyo. To be honest, considering all the silly ideas the Japanese conjure up all the time, I had my doubts about this place, but sadly "normal" restaurants will never be the same again. Feeling reborn a real man, I pierced the smelly bate with the hook and pulled my first sea bream out of the water after about 12 seconds. After deciding on how to have it prepared the whole restaurant prayed for the poor fish's soul before I sent my newly acquired pet towards the kitchen. The smoothness of the whole operation made me feel courageous enough to have another go, and the second sea bream was in mid air soon after.

Back at the table, the first fish was already waiting for us in 30 delicious raw pieces together with an army of different kinds of soy sauce and all that goes with it. Five minutes later fish number two reappeared on two plates as well, and this time its two halves were butter sauteed and deep fried.

You can imagine how fresh this fish tastes, and knowing you caught it yourself should only add to the positive experience. Its possible to catch all kinds of seafood including lobster and oyster, and the place offers everything you can find at a traditional place. For the ones with no fisherman's luck, all dishes can be ordered in the traditional way, just keep in mind that catching the fish yourself awards a hefty discount of about 25%.

The Zauo restaurant homepage (Japanese)
Located below the Washington Hotel, Shinjuku (1F)
"zauo" = za (座) + uo (魚) = sit + fish

大きな地図で見る

Hey! Do It At Home!

2011-11-15T10:26:00.001+09:00

There is no place on earth where riding a crowded train is more comfortable than in Japan. But who of us haven't had drunk businessmen sleeping on our shoulders on the last train home, been irritated at the person that talks on the phone, or caught our head in the closing train doors (I have experience with all of the above). The Japanese just had to approach these issues in a funny way, in all seriousness to maintain in-train and train station safety and harmony. The below posters started popping up around 2008 and have amused commuters and tourists ever since with a new theme every month. Enjoy them ^-^ They are magnificent.

White background (top) - Do it at the ... !
Yellow background (bottom) - Do it again!

Fit n Happy

2011-11-08T18:03:00.000+09:00

Ball sports, be it soccer, baseball or basketball, oh, you name it, the people of the Land of the Rising Sun simply love this stuff. I know, it might be quite on the contrary to common belief, but I tell you, its no joke! They love it so much that I even had to get out of bed at 4am(!) to be on time for my first softball tournament on Culture Day last week.

After the obligatory morning exercise, we lost 2-10 in record time and with that the first match of the day also turned out to be our last. But I was surprised nobody seemed to care that much about winning (the winners got some kind of prize I think but...). Everybody was happy to be outside enjoying themselves, and we still had the BBQ to look forward to. I guess you might think that having a BBQ from 10am in the morning is a tad early, but oh no, not in Japan it isn't. It actually seemed like most people in the park had been there having their fill since sun up, and I'm talking about both food and drinks.

Everywhere I go in this country people seem to stay fit and in motion, and it did not take long before I felt the need to get a membership at the nearest gym to keep up. God knows Japanese people work hard, but he should also know that they enjoy life to the fullest outside as well.

I ♥ Department Store Basements!

2011-10-26T15:54:00.002+09:00

... I have a sneaking suspicion about what you are thinking right now, but I am pretty sure I can convince you, so please, read on.

In Japan, the basements are where you find the awesome department store food corners. Telling people about these, I sometimes get questions like "Isn't it located in a dirty basement? how can it be awesome when its down there?!". Ah well, I understand the concern, but no no NO! They obviously don't know how important food is in Japan. There is no cleaner city on the face of this planet, I promise. And the amount of stuff you can get there? Well, a while back I was looking for a birthday cake and the party was starting in 2 hours. I was getting desperate when a friend told me to check out one of these places, or depachika as people have started to call them due to the popularity, and I was late to the party because in the middle of Takashimaya's 2,700-square-foot basement's over 130 concessions I simply couldn't decide on which cake to choose from!

depachika = depa (short for depaato, or department store) + chika (basement)

Often almost half an acre packed with tiny booths offering about 30.000 different things can easily keep you busy a whole day, and various entertaining forms of endless sales promotion and school girls crying out "oishii" and "kawaii" where ever you go should only add to the experience. Food is indeed religion in Japan, and its not unusual to see camera crews in the sea of customers. The ones who are lucky enough to get their products on screen can expect long queues for weeks, and the food basement profits often account for more than 15% of a department store sales! With the hordes of vendors practically throwing free samples at you, its possible to get full without spending a dime, and its a perfect place to try different things at once. Whenever I'm shopping I often get some of the harder-to-find foods at a depachika.

Compared to the food floors of famous department stores like Harrods and Marks & Spencer, I would say the Japanese depachika are way more charming and interesting, and the quality is in no way worse even though it might be a little bit cheaper. But don't get me wrong, you can easily empty your wallet buying top-end goods here as well. How about a 270 dollar muskmelon?

Resembling a rural food market offering fresh products while located within a modern building in the most urban areas of Tokyo also makes it a special experience. The mix of old and new is certainly something one sees best in Japan. Oh, I say this a lot nowadays, but its the truth; "only in Japan".

To make your search a bit easier, here are Tokyo’s top five depachika:
Isetan - Maybe the best one in Tokyo, and perhaps especially for a sweet tooth?
Daimaru - At Tokyo Station
Takashimaya - Another giant in the heart of Tokyo
Mitsukoshi - Located in the Ginza shopping district
Seibu - This is the biggest depachika in Tokyo on two floors

The depachika also have its own website (sorry but, Japanese only)

10.000 Free Tickets to Japan

2011-10-12T16:01:00.003+09:00

Have a good reason for going to Japan? Then you might get free round trip tickets too.

As I was reading an online newspaper yesterday, I saw to my surprise that the Japan Tourism Agency (JAT) has announced they want to give away free flights to Japan to 10.000 foreigners from all around the world next year to better the country's image after the tsunami and Fukushima disasters. For those of whom the problem is getting the ticket, this must be a golden opportunity to finally be able to experience this country, and I am sure many more will feel it is safe to travel here when travelers tell their positive stories to friends, family and online.

In the months following March 11 the number of foreigners coming to Japan had naturally enough decreased. However we already see signs of this development reversing with more tourists. Also indicators like the F1 Grand Prix that will be held at Suzuka Circuit, the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Tokyo in October, and the FIVB Volleyball World Cup in various cities in Japan tell the story that Japan is once again gaining popularity.

If the project obtains government budgetary approval, it will be possible to apply for the tickets at the JAT homepages.

Also keep an eye on these pages for updates: Japan National Tourist Organization

A Mecca for Travelers

2011-10-06T09:58:00.000+09:00

I went to the JATA "Tabi Haku" exhibition at Tokyo Big Sight last Friday, a gathering of travel agents, tour operators and countries promoting their services and themselves. As the travel loving person I am, I had great fun learning about different countries, watching the shows and talking to people from around the world. Japanese are also known to travel extensively, and being among the most popular tourists in the world, it is no wonder that many countries try to invite more of them at exhibitions like this.

A considerable amount of the stands were also promoting destinations in Japan, and the pressure around these stands only shows that both foreigners and Japanese alike are as interested as ever if not more, in traveling here as well. The party lasted for 3 days, and with 120.000 visitors, it must be safe to say that Japan is definitely still, and will for a long time be, one of the top travel hot spots in the world.

If anybody knows the character in the bottom picture, please leave a comment.

Disney in Japanese

2011-10-03T18:06:00.001+09:00

It was a national holiday and the weather was good so the place was of course packed, but what do you expect. I went to Tokyo Disney Sea (a part of Disney World in Tokyo) last week and actually had a really good time. I had heard many times that there is always a lot of people, but I was amazed to see how smooth everything went.

I realized that Disney Sea is a more down tempo and adult version of Disney Land with other themes, and I found an impressive selection of restaurants ranging from medium priced to expensive where they also serve alcohol, making it a suitable place for dating or just relaxing with a friend. To my relief they also had roller coasters etc. Everything you can imagine from the Disney universe is reproduced down to the last detail and one can spend days just looking for hidden surprises. I did not really have a lot of interest in Disney from before, but I must admit I was very impressed by all the work put into this.

Disney is immensely popular in Japan and half of the visitors I saw was wearing or carrying around some kind of Disney effect. When looking at the shows they were cheering and dancing along with their favorite characters, and the pure interest of the Japanese created a feeling that I was in a place where everybody was genuinely enjoying themselves. Where ever I looked, the stresses of daily life seemed totally forgotten. To see how well the Japanese can even do something as American as Disney, I recommend a trip to Tokyo Disney Sea.

The Land of All Foods

2011-09-22T17:06:00.000+09:00

My diet basically consists of Japanese food, being both tasty and healthy compared to most Western foods. However, is it sometimes tempting to try something new from other parts of the world, or to even have some familiar dishes from home. If you are lucky enough to be in Tokyo, there are too many restaurants to count, and with the quality of the food due to the high requirements of Japanese customers, it is heaven on earth for a an empty stomach.

I came across this "Kono pizza" place by chance the other day. A neat looking little restaurant with a well furnished bar to serve the requirements of most. The main dish is a pizza, in a cone, and while it is much easier to hold and almost does not spill, the taste remains almost the same. The filling was a bit hot, but I was surprised at how juicy the pizza was. I found both my pizza favorites on the menu, and I have to admit that I ate more than one. The portions are not the biggest, but the price of around 500 yen, makes it possible to have even several!

An Ocean of Umbrellas

2011-09-20T18:22:00.000+09:00

I got an invitation to go to a baseball match at Meiji Jingu stadium in Tokyo, and as I know how much the Japanese love baseball, I decided to go right away. The subway station and streets were full of supporters from both teams over 2 hours before game start, and it felt a bit like being at a festival with the food stands and the smell of yakisoba all around. Comparing this with the soccer match in Chiba, there were much more people this time, but baseball is still much more popular than soccer in Japan.

The tickets were a bit over 4000 yen for acceptable seats, but since these matches tend to drag on, I am happy that I got to sit at all. Snacks and drinks are sold at the stadium, but it is also permitted to bring ones own.

The stadium was filled with the sound of cheering fans accompanied by an ocean of a green and blue umbrellas. The opponents were the Hanshin Tigers from Kansai, and since Tokyo does not only consist of Tokyoites, there were surprisingly many cheering for the away team as well.

The Japanese are as about most things also serious about sports, but never forget to have fun while at it. A baseball match in Japan is yet another great experience I can recommend to any sports, travel or culture lover out there.

No Less Than 10.000 Creatures

2011-08-30T17:16:00.000+09:00

and 350 species were present. I went to the Epson Aqua Stadium in Shinagawa with a friend the other day. After paying 5000 yen for two and getting inside, all worries about the price were forgotten. Japan is indeed an expensive country, but you also usually get your moneys worth at the end of the day. After riding the big indoor roller coaster(!), we set of to the part of the aquarium with the sea creatures.

The place was bathed in a blue light giving an instant feel of being-in-the-ocean effect, and the first thing that met us was a 20-meter tunnel to walk through with all kinds of fish, manta ray and sharks all around. The aquarium has in addition to the common types several rare species and boasts among others the only Alfred manta in Eastern Japan, and the only dwarf saw-fish in the world on display.

Appearing as a very clean and professional aquarium, it also had some of the Japanese humor that also defines the country. I could not help but laugh when I saw fish swimming around a delicious looking mug of draft beer and some edamame. Being my favorite combination for when relaxing on a Friday night, I was a little bit jealous of the fish.

We walked around for a good two hours, and at the end we decided to watch a dolphin show. I am not exaggerating when I say that it was one of the most impressive things I have ever seen! The dolphins and a false killer whale behaved like obedient dogs in the water, fetching balls and doing tricks. Some of the trainers even stood on the animals backs surfing around in the giant pool. The finale consisted of 10-meter dynamic jumps through hoops and knocking down balls hanging from the ceiling.

I am not sure if this is possible in all aquariums and water worlds with dolphins, but it is pretty certain that these trainers practice with the animals many hours a day to be able to put on a show like this one. After the show it is possible to pay a bit extra to play with and touch the dolphins too. Maybe an idea for the next date?

大きな地図で見る

Japan Will Be Fine

2011-08-25T16:56:00.000+09:00

Even though it is said that the Japanese are very good at keeping their traditions, there are things you do not see as much of as before. A colleague living in Nerima-ku in Tokyo went to see a Bon festival, one of Japans seasonal traditions, at the Hakusan shrine last Saturday and was surprised of the amount of people present. Praying for the souls of the ones that passed away in the 11th March earthquake and tsunami, and dancing to express gratitude for their kindness, more people than in long had gathered to also show their support to their country, and to show that they were ready to rebuild it together. It is said that tradition no longer fits the lifestyle of especially the youth of today. However, it was a local youth association that managed to bring the festival back to life for the first time in over 30 years.

Anywhere I go in Tokyo I can still see posters on the walls of stores, subway stations, or actually just about everywhere with the writing "Ganbaro Nippon!" or "Lets do our best, Japan!". Everybody is eager to help in the rebuilding, and countless friends have done volunteer work. It is not hard to imagine why Japanese love their country so much when they even as festival going children learn how important it is to preserve their heritage. Japan is a country that tries to rebuild itself as much as possible on its own, and it is amazing to see how the country so much more than many others, uses its culture and traditions to unite and strengthen itself.

Okinawa in Shinjuku

2011-08-22T15:43:00.000+09:00

Getting a heads up at work, I went to see the Eisa festival in Shinjuku on Saturday 30th last month. Having heard countless tales but never been to Okinawa myself before, I was eager to see how the outfits, music, dance and everything else was different from the other countless festivals we find in Japan. With that said, I think it is important to mention that Tokyo is not only people from Tokyo, but actually the majority of people in Tokyo come from other places around in Japan. This is why Tokyo is a good place to be even to see cultural events, taste food, and meet people from other areas in this fascinating country.

Anyway, we heard the music the second we got of the train at the station, so me and my friend just followed it outside. It seemed like the first spectators had been waiting since the early hours, and by the time the dancers had been in place in the streets, Shinjuku had apparently already been packed with people.

We walked around in the main area of the festival enjoying ourselves in the summer heat. The melodies and sanshins together with the dancing indeed felt different from what I have heard and seen before, and when the drums set in, I almost had to move my feet to the music myself. The dancers and musicians were an amazing sight with banners stretching 15-20 feet up in the air, and it seemed like most of the performers were playing music and dancing at the same time. Even the drummers were jumping around keeping in perfect rhythm.

It had struck me after just a few minutes in the streets, but the amount of children performing at this festival was astounding too. And they were not running around like they did not know what to do, they were performing seriously, having a smile on their faces, just like the adults beside them. Most groups of dancers had brought with them banners telling everybody where they were from, and by these we could see that there also were many performing elementary schools present.

It was not the biggest festival I have been to in Japan, but it was definitely refreshing to see and hear a new part of Japan in the middle of Tokyo. There is only one thing thing I also have to mention about this festival, and that is the lack of festival foods. We were looking all over the place, but could not find a single booth. I am very fond of eating yakisoba and takoyaki in an ocean of smiling and cheering people, but I at least got myself a bottle of Ramune, putting a big smile on my own face as well.

It takes months to prepare the festival and we can find flag and banner bearers and even clowns among the musicians and other performers.

Relaxed Sweet Tooth in Kyoto

2011-08-09T17:02:00.000+09:00

Since I love Kyoto and its surroundings, and having lived there before, I am always very much interested to hear about it when friends and colleagues there have news or just something to tell. The other day I got a message from a colleague in Kyoto actually telling about one of my favorite places by a famous river there, giving me a great idea what to do on a warm summers day in Japan.

"It was weekend, and I was heading for one of the Kamo River riverbed restaurants for lunch and most importantly a sweet refresher with a friend when we spotted it totally by chance, the last of the huge Hoko floats of the Gion Matsuri turning at the gate of Shijo Kawaramachi. Being a once a year event, it was a total coincidence that we saw it, and it was a spectacle indeed, but with something more tempting in mind, we only had time to take one picture before we moved on. For me the highlight of the day was enjoying the brown sugar syrup milk ice with rice flour dumplings while enjoying the view of the river. I think I want to go to the restaurant at least one or two more time by the end of September. It is a definite recommendation if you drop by Kyoto one day..."

Indeed it even seems like my friend enjoyed the sweets more than the Gion festival that day. Most people, both Japanese and foreign have the Gion festival as their main objective when they visit Kyoto, but even that did not tempt her. I have to find out what this is all about, and locate a suitable place for this in Tokyo too. However although I am sure the festival was amazing as well.

Soccer in Japan?! - 2

2011-08-02T17:02:00.000+09:00

We had good seats behind the home team and I really got a feeling of how it is to be on a soccer match in Japan when the opening ceremony and entertainment started. Everybody was of course polite as usual, but the cheering and singing of the Japanese fans were nothing short of their foreign counterparts. There were countless songs and melodies even before the match had started, and I had some trouble following at first, but it felt good to be cheering together with everybody after I got the hang of it. There were even own melodies and clapping routines for all the individual players on the team, and it was obvious when I saw how in rhythm everybody was cheering together, these fans come to cheer on their team a lot. After the opening ceremony the players put on quite a show from beginning to end, and the pressure from the 10.989 paying spectators at Fukuda Denshi Arena was nothing less than impressive. Japanese are not known for overly body contact, but when JEF Uniteds Shinji Murai scored on 1 minute overtime and sent the crowd in to an ear deafening roar, there was definitely also some hugging. I did not know that soccer was this popular in Japan.

At half time I continued to look around the arena and talk to some of the fans. Some even said that they try to go with the team when they are playing away to cheer as well, when work allows it. I was surprised to see that there were even fans from out of town, which might have something to do with the fact that the club is doing really good nowadays. Some people argue that the club owes its success to the 2.04m tall Norwegian Tor Hogne Aaroy which has still only been with the team for a short period. I was happy to learn that he is just as popular with the fans as his Japanese colleagues, and many had shirts with his name on it. Very many clubs in Japan now have foreign players in the stall, and with this experience I expect there to be even more in the future.

I got a chance to jump up and down with everybody once again when Takeuchi Akira scored after 59 minutes for the home team. When referee blew the whistle it was still 2-0 for JEF United and the arena was filled with smiling cheering faces. There would not be a free seat in a bar for miles after this.

Getting to see a soccer match in Japan was an amazing experience and I will go to see another one already in September. The Japanese are a sports loving people and the atmosphere here at sporting events is something that should be experienced by everybody. Japanese fans are also known for wholeheartedly cheering on their teams, and also for helping them through when it is far between the goals and points.

Soccer in Japan?! - 1

2011-08-01T17:34:00.000+09:00

I took the train with a friend to Chiba outside Tokyo last Saturday (23.07) to see Chiba's very own JEF United play against Consadole Sapporo from Hokkaido. It was my first time to see a soccer match in Japan, and I had various ideas about how it would be. There couldn't possibly be more people than the teams and a couple of hard core soccer fans. I am writing this to tell you how totally wrong I was.

Coming from soccer loving Europe, I had to admit it seemed a bit weird at first, who likes soccer in Japan? However as we sat on the train, I realized that several people with yellow shirts had gotten on. I was aware that the home teams shirts also are yellow, and the suspicion lead to the conclusion; these people must be soccer fans! They did not seem weird or out of place in any way actually, talking about whats the best arena and their favorite players. They were genuine fans acting like the genuine fans back home and I started feeling like I was going to a sports event, only I didn't wear a yellow shirt myself. Got off the train, and as I thought they at least have fans in Japan, I realized that the station too had been turned into a haven for soccer loving Japanese with boots selling JEF United accessories.

With the station looking like this, I just had to see the arena. We brought a map with us, but exiting the station we realized the obvious. I wouldn't be a problem to find the station at all.

Scattered around the arena we found many smaller boots selling food, accessories and anything else related to soccer. They also sold food inside the arena, but apparently you get the best food on the outside. I was surprised to even find the same kind of hot dogs usually sold at the arena back home, but they also had food often seen at Japanese festivals, like yakisoba. Stocking up on food and drinks, we paid the 2300 yen entrance fee and dove into the mass of yellow shirted soccer fans. They were of all ages, but the expressions were the same. Their own soccer team was playing, and they were all hoping for victory. There were many shops even inside the arena, selling more accessories, food and drinks. Nobody would have to be thirsty or hungry on this day. Since we already had our hands full, we went to the seating area after a little trip around the arena to see.

Awesome Girls!

2011-07-22T09:59:00.001+09:00

After together with the rest of Japan, facing an enemy greater than any soccer opponent, the 3/11 disaster, Japan Women’s Soccer Football team, Nadeshiko Japan won the 2011 World Cup in Germany. In the midst of all the misery Japan has gone through the last few months, the victory again gave hope to Japan, and everybody also rooting for the country. I didn't really have a lot of interest in women’s soccer from before, but I was cheering for the team together with my Japanese friends, and not only did Japan for the first time beat the USA, but it also became the first Asian country in history to win the World Cup!

The word "nadeshiko" is said to indirectly describe the Japanese female beauty, and it was used for the women’s soccer team in Japan to attract attention to the not too popular sport. With this though, I hope it will get more recognition in Japan as well.

Congratulations girls!!

"Everybody Should Come to Beautiful Japan"

2011-07-21T11:27:00.000+09:00

The American superstar Lady Gaga visited Japan recently in an extended aid-tour from 21st of June to 1st of July to participate in the MTV Video Music Aid Japan event for the support of the victims of the March 11 earthquake. Only hours after the disaster she was already busy helping the nation recover with also selling 5 to 105USD wristbands of which she donated the whole profit to aid work in Japan. During her 10 day long visit she made numerous appearances live and on TV, and even beat the Japanese idol-group AKB48 on both TV viewings and commercial earnings.

As many other celebrities in the world, the American pop idol Lady Gaga loves Japan and she also urged her celebrity friends to visit the land of the rising sun. It seems to me that there are not any celebs that do not like Japan. Now, it wouldn't be a smart thing for any celeb to say anything about not liking a country, loosing fans and all, but I couldn't understand why someone couldn't like Japan. Just for the record, Lady Gaga is immensely popular in Japan and I don't think I can go anywhere without hearing her music from some loudspeaker.

Japanese Blowfish on Marine Day

2011-07-19T11:59:00.001+09:00

It always feels good to have a day off in the sunshine. Especially when you are in a place with lots of exciting and interesting things to do all the time. This day was the Marine Day, and with only the name making most people long for the ocean, I would at least get some seafood. I decided to go have Japanese fugu with a friend, a Japanese delicacy well known throughout the world, both for its taste, and its poison. A pretty mild fish with white flesh and a texture similar to kinds like yellowtail. My experienced friend told me that my mouth probably would go numb after a few bites (possibly due to the poison), but I didn't really feel any of that. Maybe if we got a bigger plate.

Being Norwegian and all, I more than often try out the fish whenever I go to a restaurant and it is something I will keep up, because this was also a pleasant experience. But I must admit it would be nice to have a few thick slices of tuna too.

Japanese fugu is a very popular dish in Japan, but be careful!

Always Feeling Safe

2011-07-15T16:55:00.001+09:00

A thing that struck me when I first arrived in this country 6 years ago, was how friendly everybody was. It was raining, but an old woman gave me one of her two umbrellas just to keep me dry. To be polite might of course also be a part of the culture, but when one has grown up in the safest country in the world, one also learns to be good to others. This is how I was brought too, but one can not stop wondering how the Japanese always have energy to be good to even all the strangers they meet.

I am still baffled by new things I see, which only even more convince that this place must really be the safest place on earth.

I found this at a construction site. They even try their utmost to limit the noise pollution when building a skyscraper. "We are very sorry for bothering you with our work". The sympathy of everybody around you is palpable.

Come to think of it, there is always a lot of fascinating construction going on in Tokyo. I took a picture of the 634m tall Tokyo Sky Tree from an over-walk close to where I used to work.

Looking For an Apartment

2011-07-07T16:25:00.001+09:00

It did not take me long to find an available apartment in Tokyo before I left Norway in May. The uncertainty had driven many foreigners to other places in Japan, or even back to their own countries. After a couple of months with reduced rent, most apartment buildings are again starting to fill up. That means no more cheap rent for me. But at least the sky is always blue.

I am now thinking about moving again, but it is not as easy as last time I did it. As the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant gets less attention in the media, less people feel worried about traveling to Eastern Japan and to Tokyo.

OK, I Won't Lie,

2011-06-30T11:24:00.005+09:00

It has now been 6 weeks since I arrived back in Tokyo, but only one week since I decided to write a blog about Japan and my life here. Japan is one of the countries in the world with the most to offer in any sense, and I also decided to write about things that make this country so special. However, some attention will also be given to the current situation here.

It was with the usual sense of excitement, however mixed with a slight sense of unease I arrived in Tokyo after a few months vacation in Norway. Glued to the television for weeks, with family and friends begging me to stay with them for just a while longer, I knew what was waiting for me in the worlds biggest metropolis. Fear, chaos, empty streets and fleeing foreigners. Or at least I thought I knew.

But I was of course wrong. Nothing had really changed at all, nothing except for me being more excited than ever. I was finally back in Japan, and this time for work.