5/31/2007
5/28/2007
African Festa
If you live in Tokyo, experience Africa once a year!
African Festa is held at the Hibiya Park, sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and supported by the African embassies. There are many embassy and NGO booths. You can not only buy some African accessories and foods, but also meet African people (and some strange Japanese) living around Tokyo.
If you missed last weekend's, then see you next year!
http://www.africanfesta.com/
(Sorry, it's only in Japanese. I wonder why this website has no English pages.)
African Festa is held at the Hibiya Park, sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and supported by the African embassies. There are many embassy and NGO booths. You can not only buy some African accessories and foods, but also meet African people (and some strange Japanese) living around Tokyo.
If you missed last weekend's, then see you next year!
http://www.africanfesta.com/
(Sorry, it's only in Japanese. I wonder why this website has no English pages.)
5/27/2007
Hop Step JUMP
Jump is:
1. a favorite weekly manga (comic) magazine during my teenage
2. a favorite song during my 20s (the Van Halen's song was released in 1984, though)
3. a favorite Korean "comic martial arts performance" for now (I watched the performance in Seoul last April, and love it! Couldn't stop roaring with laughter)
If you wanna watch the performance (the last JUMP), check this out:
http://www.hijump.co.kr/
By the way, it is playing in Japan now.
http://www.jumpjump.jp/
1. a favorite weekly manga (comic) magazine during my teenage
2. a favorite song during my 20s (the Van Halen's song was released in 1984, though)
3. a favorite Korean "comic martial arts performance" for now (I watched the performance in Seoul last April, and love it! Couldn't stop roaring with laughter)
If you wanna watch the performance (the last JUMP), check this out:
http://www.hijump.co.kr/
By the way, it is playing in Japan now.
http://www.jumpjump.jp/
5/22/2007
5/21/2007
Cool Biz
CoolBiz is starting soon in Japan. This is the only Japanese government policy I've ever appreciated. The policy has freed businessmen from tying a necktie during Tokyo's mist-sauna-like summer. Hallelujah!
And some real "cool" (or freezing) biz are getting hot here in Tokyo.
A new frappuccino, Azuki Frappuccino, is coming soon at Starbucks.
I'm not a big fan of frappuccino series. My favorite is today's coffee (hot or ice). This is my conclusion from a 7-year Starbucks "worship". My stomach is not "macho" enough (because I'm a Virgo?!) to handle an espresso shot included in Caffè Latte, Caffè Mocha, Cappuccino, Caramel Macchiato and so forth. What is worse, I have lactose intolerance! Plus, I can't drink Soy Latte either. Seems like I have some allergy to it. Albeit such limitations, I still love Starbucks. According to my wife, I don't love Starbucks but myself at Starbucks. Whatever.
Anyways, I only wonder... if the new frappucino is better than Korea's 팥빙수, shaved ice with sweet condensed milk syrup, azuki beans, jelly, rice cake and fruits. Maybe not. That's my bet. If I have to choose Starbucks' frappuccino, Cold Stone's ice cream or 팥빙수, I definitely pick the last. Cold Stone people I met in the States were so nice, though. When I first (and last) visited the store, an employee gave me every single tea spoon scoop for tasting almost all the ice cream. So, I had enough even before ordering. One of sweetest treats I've ever had.
By the way, when is Starbucks America's Orange Crème Frappuccino and Orange Mocha coming to Japan? I also wanna try them. Perhaps only once.
And some real "cool" (or freezing) biz are getting hot here in Tokyo.
A new frappuccino, Azuki Frappuccino, is coming soon at Starbucks.
I'm not a big fan of frappuccino series. My favorite is today's coffee (hot or ice). This is my conclusion from a 7-year Starbucks "worship". My stomach is not "macho" enough (because I'm a Virgo?!) to handle an espresso shot included in Caffè Latte, Caffè Mocha, Cappuccino, Caramel Macchiato and so forth. What is worse, I have lactose intolerance! Plus, I can't drink Soy Latte either. Seems like I have some allergy to it. Albeit such limitations, I still love Starbucks. According to my wife, I don't love Starbucks but myself at Starbucks. Whatever.
Anyways, I only wonder... if the new frappucino is better than Korea's 팥빙수, shaved ice with sweet condensed milk syrup, azuki beans, jelly, rice cake and fruits. Maybe not. That's my bet. If I have to choose Starbucks' frappuccino, Cold Stone's ice cream or 팥빙수, I definitely pick the last. Cold Stone people I met in the States were so nice, though. When I first (and last) visited the store, an employee gave me every single tea spoon scoop for tasting almost all the ice cream. So, I had enough even before ordering. One of sweetest treats I've ever had.
By the way, when is Starbucks America's Orange Crème Frappuccino and Orange Mocha coming to Japan? I also wanna try them. Perhaps only once.
5/20/2007
Circle of Life: Burger King and... (posted on May 6, 2007)
A couple of weeks ago, as visiting Seoul, South Korea, I was delighted (and a little excited) by finding out what Japan has lost for a long time. It's neither historical buildings nor traditional lifestyle but Dunkin' Donuts and Burger King.
Once the two American fastfood retailers had launched their business in Japan, but withdrawn due to unsuccessful operations (I'm not quite sure about the facts though). But, reportedly Burger King is coming back this summer alliancing with Lotte, one of Korea's largest conglomerates. Lotte was first established in Tokyo by a Korean Japanese.
How about Dunkin' Donuts? I guess (it's only my guess and WISH) the doughnuts company has been thinking about the return, especially after seeing the successful start of Krispy Kreme doughnuts in Tokyo. Plus, Dunkin' Donuts is a big sponsor of Boston RedSox at which two Japanese pitchers have started their MLB career this year. Every time their match or interview is broadcast, Dunkin' Donuts logos are here and there. To me, it seems like the Donuts company has already started its marketing for Japan.
If Dunkin' Donuts reopens its store in Tokyo, we will be benefitted hopefully by:1. having a less waiting time at THE Krispy Kreme store. It has been manipulating a marketing strategy and only opened a single store since last December. But, the company might quickly open new stores if its rival decides the reentry into the Japanese market.2. having less lousy food menu at Starbucks As a specialty coffee store, its coffee is awesome, but its food is aweful: expensinve and not tasty. Hopefully, the coffee company will renew its food menu.
To me, Starbucks is the best coffee and Krispy Kreme the best doughnuts. But, if I have to choose a set of coffee and doughnut, I'd rather go to Dunkin' Donuts.
PS. Did you notice that title came from Lion King's soundtrack, "Circle of Life"?
Once the two American fastfood retailers had launched their business in Japan, but withdrawn due to unsuccessful operations (I'm not quite sure about the facts though). But, reportedly Burger King is coming back this summer alliancing with Lotte, one of Korea's largest conglomerates. Lotte was first established in Tokyo by a Korean Japanese.
How about Dunkin' Donuts? I guess (it's only my guess and WISH) the doughnuts company has been thinking about the return, especially after seeing the successful start of Krispy Kreme doughnuts in Tokyo. Plus, Dunkin' Donuts is a big sponsor of Boston RedSox at which two Japanese pitchers have started their MLB career this year. Every time their match or interview is broadcast, Dunkin' Donuts logos are here and there. To me, it seems like the Donuts company has already started its marketing for Japan.
If Dunkin' Donuts reopens its store in Tokyo, we will be benefitted hopefully by:1. having a less waiting time at THE Krispy Kreme store. It has been manipulating a marketing strategy and only opened a single store since last December. But, the company might quickly open new stores if its rival decides the reentry into the Japanese market.2. having less lousy food menu at Starbucks As a specialty coffee store, its coffee is awesome, but its food is aweful: expensinve and not tasty. Hopefully, the coffee company will renew its food menu.
To me, Starbucks is the best coffee and Krispy Kreme the best doughnuts. But, if I have to choose a set of coffee and doughnut, I'd rather go to Dunkin' Donuts.
PS. Did you notice that title came from Lion King's soundtrack, "Circle of Life"?
"Shin" City? (posted on April 14, 2007)
On March 7, PricewaterhouseCoopers released its first interesting analysis: "Global City Rankings". This is, according to PWC, a comprehensive research of the largest 100 cities to make the rankings based on estimated GDP at Power Purchasing Parities.
My hometown, Tokyo, is ranked at the top in 2005, followed by New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Paris and London. PWC also estimates a global city ranking in 2020, and surprisingly, the largest is Tokyo again, and the city's estimated GDP at PPP is similar to that of Canada or Spain.
Although I've been to neither Paris nor London, the ranking in 2005 is understandable. However, it seems to me that 2020 ranking is overestimating Tokyo's potential. Also, the city might have some advantage in its larger land (and crammed) than other global cities.
In my opinion, Tokyo needs to improve, at least, two things: a good airport infrastructure (incl. access to it) and ethnic diversity. I'm sure whoever have visited (or lived) the town do agree with me for the first point. That is a part of reasons why I voted for Shintaro Ishihara in last weekend's Tokyo governor election. Yes, his policies and attitudes have been controversial, but his bid to host the Olympics games in 2016 will surely vitalize the city. (The only concern is a possibility that the governor, SHINtaro Ishihara, takes advantage of his position, misusing and messing the state government, and making Tokyo "Shin" City.)
Regarding ethnic diversity, this is a little complicated, but people gather where opportunities are present. Later, on March 20, PWC released another report: "Cities of Opportunity". The results of Tokyo are not as impressive as the global citites' GDP report, but they are more accurate and trustworthy. To me.
My hometown, Tokyo, is ranked at the top in 2005, followed by New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Paris and London. PWC also estimates a global city ranking in 2020, and surprisingly, the largest is Tokyo again, and the city's estimated GDP at PPP is similar to that of Canada or Spain.
Although I've been to neither Paris nor London, the ranking in 2005 is understandable. However, it seems to me that 2020 ranking is overestimating Tokyo's potential. Also, the city might have some advantage in its larger land (and crammed) than other global cities.
In my opinion, Tokyo needs to improve, at least, two things: a good airport infrastructure (incl. access to it) and ethnic diversity. I'm sure whoever have visited (or lived) the town do agree with me for the first point. That is a part of reasons why I voted for Shintaro Ishihara in last weekend's Tokyo governor election. Yes, his policies and attitudes have been controversial, but his bid to host the Olympics games in 2016 will surely vitalize the city. (The only concern is a possibility that the governor, SHINtaro Ishihara, takes advantage of his position, misusing and messing the state government, and making Tokyo "Shin" City.)
Regarding ethnic diversity, this is a little complicated, but people gather where opportunities are present. Later, on March 20, PWC released another report: "Cities of Opportunity". The results of Tokyo are not as impressive as the global citites' GDP report, but they are more accurate and trustworthy. To me.
Glocal Warming (posted on Feb 28, 2007)
Everybody seems conscious about global warming now, partly thanks to Al Gore's "an Inconvenient Truth." But, did you know that the COLD war had prevented the planet from global warming for a long, long time?
Okay, no more joke.
Anyways, what each of us can do for stopping global warming is a tiny thing. Still, that's exactly what we have to do right now. Here's an example.
Last weekend I went to a sushi restaurant in Tokyo for having dinner with my friends. You know, sushi is one of grrrreat Japanese cuisines that uses neither electricity nor gas. We got there around 7pm, but a score of people were already lining outside the restaurant. We had to wait for more than an hour on a freezing and windy street. (Maybe it was a little less cold thanks to global warming, though.)
Then, we found a cause of global warming there! A huge stove was warming the planet just in front of the restaurant. So, my friend and I decided to stop global warming by blocking it, and many others (all those strangers in the line) joined us. I was so impressed. I felt so good. And warm.
Think Global, Act Local.
PS. Many thanks to Tomi and his wife for waiting in the line for a long time even before I arrived.
Okay, no more joke.
Anyways, what each of us can do for stopping global warming is a tiny thing. Still, that's exactly what we have to do right now. Here's an example.
Last weekend I went to a sushi restaurant in Tokyo for having dinner with my friends. You know, sushi is one of grrrreat Japanese cuisines that uses neither electricity nor gas. We got there around 7pm, but a score of people were already lining outside the restaurant. We had to wait for more than an hour on a freezing and windy street. (Maybe it was a little less cold thanks to global warming, though.)
Then, we found a cause of global warming there! A huge stove was warming the planet just in front of the restaurant. So, my friend and I decided to stop global warming by blocking it, and many others (all those strangers in the line) joined us. I was so impressed. I felt so good. And warm.
Think Global, Act Local.
PS. Many thanks to Tomi and his wife for waiting in the line for a long time even before I arrived.
Analyze This
The title is nothing to do with Robert DeNiro's movie "Analyze this" (Japanese title is "Analyze me"), but just my self-analysis. I don't need a psychiatrist like Billy Chrystal.
Indecisiveness is one of my characters. That is the biggest reason for having taking more than one year to start blog. I believe, I've been just too busy, and had no topic for the blog, though.
I've been familiar with this character. In order to change myself more than a year ago, I bought a book, "Decision Making" ("決断力") by Yoshiharu Habu, one of the most famous Japanese chess players. Have I read the book? Nope. Not even a single page yet.
I know. It's just opening the book and turning a page. Take a step forward. So simple. But, buying the book was a huge step for me. Perhaps.
Indecisiveness is one of my characters. That is the biggest reason for having taking more than one year to start blog. I believe, I've been just too busy, and had no topic for the blog, though.
I've been familiar with this character. In order to change myself more than a year ago, I bought a book, "Decision Making" ("決断力") by Yoshiharu Habu, one of the most famous Japanese chess players. Have I read the book? Nope. Not even a single page yet.
I know. It's just opening the book and turning a page. Take a step forward. So simple. But, buying the book was a huge step for me. Perhaps.
Best Albums of the Year (2006)
Here is a list of the Best Albums in 2006 and how to enjoy 'em at a Starbucks Coffee shop (in my biased opinion, of course).
1. "Timeless" (Sergio Mendes)
I'm not a big fan of Brazilian music, but Black Eyed Peas' will.i.am did an excellent job!! He transformed a Brazilian music into a new HipHop.
Recommended with Today's Coffee, with a spice of cinnamon, OR Soy Latte in weekend mornings.
2. "Once Again" (John Legend)
John still looks a little childish, but this album is mature. My favorite songs are "Heaven" and "P.D.A."
Recommended with Caffè Mocha with an extra espresso shot at weekday nights.
3. "St. Elsewhere" (Gnarls Barkely)
"Crazy," a smash hit from this album, knocked me down. The song makes me crazy!!
Recommended with Caffè Latte mixed with Tazo Chai Tea whenever you're depressed at your office! The cup definitely cheers you up!!
Looking forward to meeting new, great songs this year!
No Music No Life!!
PS. I own neither Starbucks coffee stocks nor Tower Records, by the way. Just a fan.
1. "Timeless" (Sergio Mendes)
I'm not a big fan of Brazilian music, but Black Eyed Peas' will.i.am did an excellent job!! He transformed a Brazilian music into a new HipHop.
Recommended with Today's Coffee, with a spice of cinnamon, OR Soy Latte in weekend mornings.
2. "Once Again" (John Legend)
John still looks a little childish, but this album is mature. My favorite songs are "Heaven" and "P.D.A."
Recommended with Caffè Mocha with an extra espresso shot at weekday nights.
3. "St. Elsewhere" (Gnarls Barkely)
"Crazy," a smash hit from this album, knocked me down. The song makes me crazy!!
Recommended with Caffè Latte mixed with Tazo Chai Tea whenever you're depressed at your office! The cup definitely cheers you up!!
Looking forward to meeting new, great songs this year!
No Music No Life!!
PS. I own neither Starbucks coffee stocks nor Tower Records, by the way. Just a fan.
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