Tokyo Time
MANILA, Philippines – I am officially moving to Japan! At least that’s what I’ve been telling everyone the past couple of weeks. And even though I’m only half serious, having just come back from Tokyo, I can’t help but be so amazed and impressed with the city that I now want to turn Japanese!
Japan is an incredible place: the fashion, the food… is there any other “F” word? Oh, yeah, that’s right: fun! Japan has all these and more.
I went to Tokyo with Angel on a special trip courtesy of Swatch. I have wanted to visit Japan for a very long time because it is the Frisbee champion of the world. And you know that where they play Frisbee, you’ll find me there.
I started noticing things that were “different” right away, even at the airport. I couldn’t help watching the way our taxi driver (who looked like a teddy bear) ran. He had a certain rhythm. An abrupt movement that reminded me of anime characters! No wonder Japanese anime is the way it is. It really reflects how the Japanese are as a people. I felt like I was in a nation of superheroes!
While walking around, you’ll be struck by the way people dress. Fashion to the hilt! Their outfits have to be just right and the Japanese kids are probably the best dressed in the world. I saw an old lady who was still dressed like Cyndi Lauper. But the great thing was that everyone seemed to take her in stride. You hear that the Japanese are such conformists. It might be true but the great thing is that they are so polite and that they respect everyone’s individuality. They allow everyone to express themselves the way they want… even on the street.
The Japanese seem to have kept an air of innocence. While shopping in a Uniqlo store, I was wondering if anyone noticed that I looked different from the other shoppers. That’s when I suddenly heard a click. I turned around and saw that a young girl had taken my picture. When she realized that I had spotted her, she and her friend began to giggle. I love the way they giggle! I love the way they bow. I love the way everything is organized and clean. And I even love their heated toilet seats, which is what every toilet bowl should have. It should do everything for you while you relax! But most of all, I especially like the way they talk. The Japanese language is music to my ears. And I love the way they call me “Derek-san!!!” I love everything about Japan. It’s sexy, cute, modern and funny but with a hint of another world.
