Tokyo (catch-up post 1 of 2)

Today's Japanese word is 蒸し暑い (mu.shi.a.tsu.i), which means 'humid,' and pretty much describes the most negative thing I can say thus far of Japan.

I will try and begin at the beginning, leaving for LAX via Japan Air Lines, which was as comfortable an experience as they could make it. Before boarding we were treated to a stint in the international lounge, given food, wifi, and an open bar. Hoping it would help me sleep, I helped myself to a gin and tonic or two (sadly sans lime) and generally had a good time with other JETs.

On the plane, I sat next to Aby (short for Abyssinia), who I had met in NYC during the long-ago interview process. We had some good conversation before she fell asleep. For seven hours. I tried so hard to enter a similar state, but found myself incapable of drifting off. To soften the blow, the entertainment options on the plane were numerous, from old school arcade games on the console in front of me, to a variety of Japanese and English movies.Starting with the hot towels and ending with the movie about the strange little demon armies controlled by high school kids, JAL offered a very nice experience.

Once we arrived, we were whisked through customs and our luggage was shipped to our respective final destinations.

At the hotel, we were given bundles of papers and allowed to get into our rooms. Shortly after, I met up with a bunch of people in the lobby for a ramen outing. I ordered chasumen (pork ramen) via a vending-like machine that gives you a ticket to present to the waiters. It was rich and delicious. After no sleep and rich food, as much as I wanted to explore the city, I went back to my room and crashed.

Most of actual orientation was pretty good but repetitive speeches about things like culture shock, which was one reason I ditched some (non-mandatory) workshops to go see geek central in Tokyo, Akihabara. Often shortened to 'Akiba,' Akihabara was originally an electronics district that has in recent years also become known for its anime and otaku culture. Together, with a similar-minded group, I took the train to Akiba to see the sights and find electronics (not for myself).

I was amazingly pleased to find that my rusting Japanese was useful both for getting electronics (I managed to buy someone a 3-prong to 2-prong power adapter and a Mac-compatible webcam in Akiba) and for getting back when we got lost. Unfortunately our group split up for the return, and I was the only person in my splinter who could speak Japanese enough to ask for directions, but had no idea where our hotel was. Mustering our resources, we managed to get back with five whole minutes to change into formal clothing for the reception.

The last night, I met up with Isaburoh Hanayagi, who had visited Swarthmore for the previous year to teach taiko and dance, and with whom I'm proud to say I struck up a great friendship. He works at Tamagawa Daigaku, not too far from Tokyo, so we decided to meet during my stay there. Remembering my fondness for unagi (eel), he took me to a Kyoto-style restaurant on the 4th floor of the KEIO plaza department store. It was the best I've ever had, especially with the addition of sansho (szechuan pepper, I think it's called in English). It was really fantastic to see a familiar face. I hope I make it back to Tokyo to see him again before too long.

I think that's all for now. I'll cover my trip to and first experiences in Nyuzen in the next catch-up post. In the mean time, feel free to browse through a few more photos.