My Diary in Japan (Jan. 16-27, 2004)

Introduction

Japan was known in ancient times as NIPPON, meaning the “Source of the Sun”. This explains the red disc on the Japanese Flag which represents the rising sun.

For many centuries Emperors have been the heads of states in Japan. Until the 1900s, Japanese Emperors claimed to be divine, believing they were descended from the gods. The amount of power held by the Emperor varied greatly from one era to another. Today, the Emperor’s role and duties are ceremonial only. The government of the nation is carried out by a democratic parliament called the “Diet”.

Modern Japan is world-famous for its powerful business corporations and advance electronic technology. However, Japan is still a land where ancient customs and traditions are held in the highest esteem. In the workplace, the Japanese are noted for maintaining a high level of ethical standards and professionalism.

Following is an account of my diary in Japan:

Jan. 16

We reported to JICA, Makati City for a briefing/orientation. Mr. Osamu, Vice President of JICA, Philippine Office, briefed us about existing JICA projects in the Philippines and other parts of Asia. Ms. Grace Reyes showed us some video clippings of selected places that we have to visit in Japan. We were told that, this time, it is coldest in Japan because it is the peak of the winter season.

We were given a shot of anti-flu vaccine because Japan is a flu-free country. The vaccine costs more than a thousand pesos but everything was pre-paid by JICA.

I think we over-reacted by bringing with us several thick winter overcoats which we were forced to leave behind, on our way back home, to reduce the weight of our baggage because a kilo of excess baggage would cost us ¥1,600 (P800).

Jan. 17-18

I bought all the required provisions such as: thermal clothing, winter gloves, lip bum, overcoats and ties, etc. I had my calling cards printed and bought some gift items.

Jan. 19

I made sure that I was at the NAIA 3 hours before boarding time. Minutes before boarding, I called up my wife Jasmin, my daughter Johannie and sent text messages to the three boys (Datu, Jim and Chip). Bai jokingly warned me to avoid a Japayokie (I think mothers should train their daughters to do the jealousy bits for them because this is quite more effective).

We boarded the plane (Japan Airlines) at 3:15 p.m. I really like the Japanese foods and wine served on board. I have particular fondness for “saisake” (rice wine). We arrived at Narita Airport in Tokyo at 7:45 p.m. or exactly 4 hours and 30 minutes flying time. We had to adjust our timepieces one hour earlier because the time difference between Tokyo and Manila is 1 hour.

We were met by a JICA Staff at the airport; after a short briefing and checking of travel papers, we took the bus to the Tokyo City Air Terminal (TCAT) which is more than 100 kms. away. At TCAT, we were met by another JICA Staff.

Boarding 3 limousine vehicles, we proceeded to our hotel - KEIO Plaza Hotel. (I jokingly told Nash that the name of the hotel tells us what people do inside, hehehe!).

Jan. 20

Ms. Ayako Nakano, our guide and interpreter for the whole duration of the study tour, fetched us at 9:00 a.m. and brought us to JICA Headquarters, the Tokyo International Center (TIC). We were told that about 7,000 people attend JICA-sponsored activities every year.

Ms. Nakasato gave us short briefings, checked our papers and told us to fill up some personal data forms.

A Japanese doctor checked our blood pressure and body temperatures. The lady doctor was surprised to find me the coldest participant at 35.6oC. She advised me to drift in warm water for 3-5 minutes upon my return to the hotel.

We were given medical cards that we can use in any hospital in Japan.

A JICA staff briefed us about the City of Tokyo. He told us, among others, about the following: the Tokyo Metropolitan Building, which is 300M high, is the tallest building in Japan; the Shinjuku (where our hotel is located) is the busiest commercial district in Tokyo; Akihabara is the home of cheap electronic gadgets and appliances; Asakusa is the biggest flea market; the Imperial Palace is not open to the public, not even to Japanese people; Emperor Hirohito is sickly, that is why the government declared a no smoking zone within 1 km. around the palace as a matter of respect and reverence for the sick Emperor.

Mr. Matsunaga, Executive Director of JICA met us at 12:30 p.m. and briefed us on what to expect for the next several days until the 27th of January. He emphasized, among others, that the primary objective of the study tour is to finalize the JICA Governance Support for ARMM and to learn from governance experience in Japan.

Jan. 21

Ms. Nakano fetched us from KEIO Plaza Hotel at 9:30 a.m.;

Mr. Matsuoka, Vice Pres. of JICA, sponsored our lunch; he was an upbeat executive with so much to tell about Japan-Philippine cooperation experience.

We met Dr. Alex Brillantes of U.P. He is in Japan as visiting Professor of Kobe University;

We had a tele-conference between JICA-Tokyo and JICA-Manila from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.;

At past 6 p.m., Ms. Kobayashi of the Kokusai Service Agency briefed us on the things that we have to do regarding our return flight to Manila.

At 8:00 in the evening we went shopping around Shinjuku commercial district in Tokyo; I bought a digital camera, wrist watch for my wife, FM Card Radio for my daughter, novelty items for my 3 boys, and some gifts for friends and relatives at home; then, Nash and I went to a restaurant to partake our favorite Japanese food, Japanese green noodles, a soup (I forgot the name) and green tea.

Jan. 22

Ms. Nakano fetched us from Keio Hotel at 9:30 a.m.;

We took a bus to the JICA International Cooperation Office to attend a program;

Atty. Salmani, head of our delegation, gave an opening remarks;

Prof. Katayama of Kobe University and Prof. Temario Rivera of the International Christian University presented the general outline of politics, economy and governance in Mindanao, Philippines;

Dr. Amy Malbun, member of our delegation, presented some of the programs on education in the ARMM.

Ms. Mashako Ishii gave response/remarks to the presentation of Dr. Amy Malbun; she recommended for peace education as a means of confidence-building for the tri-people of Mindanao (Muslims, Christians, Lumads); she also recommended for active inter-phase between the Madaris and the public school system in the ARMM.

Dr. Lampa Pandi, member of our delegation, presented the health programs in the ARMM; Mr. Takahiro Nakashima from the Asia Health Institute, an NGO based in Japan, made remarks and recommendations on the presentation.

Jan. 23

Ms. Nakano fetched us from Keio Hotel at 9:30 a.m.;

But before our departure, Nash and I had a picture-taking outside; we did not stay long outside the hotel because it was too cold; the temperature was 8ºC.

At the Tokyo International Center, Ms. Tanaka, Evaluator of the Cebu SEED Project, presented the project’s activities and accomplishments.

In the afternoon at around 2:00 p.m., we went to the Asakusa (flea market) to buy more gift items; a prominent Japanese Temple is located nearby; I bought a Japanese kimono, shoulder bags, several handkerchiefs, neckties, towels and rice cookies.

Jan. 24

We checked out from Keio Plaza Hotel at 7:00 a.m.; while waiting for a ride, I enjoyed the snow falling like loose cotton balls, walked outside and took pictures.

We took the bus to the Tokyo Station at 8:50 a.m.;

We took the train to Kyoto at 10:06 a.m. and arrived at the Kyoto Station at 12:40 p.m. On board the train was a wonderful experience; the ride was smooth, fast and silent;

Along the way, we saw urban and rural Japan; except for high-rise congested structures that characterize urban Japan, there was not much difference with the rural areas in terms of cleanliness and orderliness; rural Japan is characterized by rampant small villages orderly arranged depicting Japanese discipline all throughout; one can readily tell modern farming practices by the sight of farm machineries, farm structures and on-site farm factories.

At 1:40 p.m., we went on guided tour to visit 3 famous temples in Kyoto; Kyoto was the former capital of Japan; it is the third largest city next to Tokyo and Yokohama; now, it is famous for its historical sites and tourist attractions; we visited the Hai Gian Temple, a Budhhist Temple, and a Taoist Temple; In all these places, the Japanese Garden is a stand-out attraction.

At about 6 p.m., we took the bus to Osaka, arrived at 7 p.m. and proceeded to check-in at Hotel Granvia; it was in Osaka that the famous World Expo was held in 1975.

After dinner, Nash and I went to a coffee shop and spent about 1 hour sharing some experiences and observations; we moved on to watch a live band performance at the Osaka sub-way station.

Jan. 25

We checked out from Granvia Hotel at 8:45 a.m. and took the bus to the famous Osaka Castle;

We had picture-taking around and inside the castle, but we had to respect areas where picture-taking was not allowed; It was a very beautiful castle; I bought a postcard and booklet about the castle; while inside the castle premises, it was incidental that the national Japanese Marathon for Women passed by; the winner will compete in the world Olympics games;

In the afternoon, we went to the Osaka Aquarium; it was a wonderful experience seeing samples of the undersea treasures and creatures of the world;

After we had lunch, we took our famous ride at the TENPOZAN, the biggest ferris wheel in the world; it has a diameter of 112 m. and carries 60 cabs.

At 3:30 p.m. we went to Kobe University to pay courtesy visits to Dean Katayama and Dr. Alex Brillantes; we came to know 3 Filipina students (Gina, Marie and Leah) taking up doctorate degrees; all of them are members of the UP faculty; we went back to Hyogo at past 5 p.m.

We checked in at the JICA International Cooperation Center at Hyogo; we met two Filipino compatriots, Mr. Mariano Rivera Jr. of DOH, Manila and Mr. Asterio Gallardo Jr. of the Philippine Ports Authority based in Davao City; they were also attending a JICA-sponsored training.

Jan. 26

At 8:45 a.m., we checked out of JICA-Hyogo; Nash and I had some picture-taking outside while waiting for the bus; I was really enjoying the cool sunny morning and the beautiful sceneries around.

We took the bus to Kakogawa Plaza and arrived at past 11 a.m.; we were met by Mr. Narao Okada, Executive Director General of the Higashi-Harima District Administration Office; we were presented with the concepts and approaches used in the establishment and operation of the district administration office; then, the strategies and approaches used in the establishment of the Inamino Tameiki Project (water impounding project) was discussed to us showcasing government-community partnership in project implementation, management and operation;

We left at about 3 p.m. and went back to Osaka; we checked in at Rihga Royal Hotel, and had dinner outside; as usual my favorite hang-out, with Nash, is the subway station where we can have coffee and watch a live band performance before retiring to our hotel.

Jan. 27

For the first time we woke up earlier than usual; at 6:30 a.m. most of us were already at the hotel lobby, except that we had to wait for Asec. Kader, as usual. We left the hotel by taxi to New Honkyu Hotel where we had to take a limousine bus to the Kansai International Airport. It was almost 1-hour ride to the Airport which is located more than 3 kms. from the seashore; it was an amazing structure in the middle of the sea;

After alighting from the limousine bus, we took our individual carts, as everyone of us was dangling with baggage; at the entrance we were accommodated by courteous and beautiful airport staff;

It was still more than 2 hours before boarding time, and so, I spent the time going around the airport, mostly at the duty free shop, trying to consume every yen that I have; went to a coffee shop where I met a Chinese lady by the name of Chien Li Huang; she was going back to Guangzou province after a 2-week packaged tour in Japan; then Nash took a picture of me with two beautiful Thai flight stewardesses;

Before boarding, we had to take a mini-cable car to the passenger tube; we boarded the plane (Thai Airways) at 10 a.m. Again, I enjoyed a sumptuous Japanese food on board, but this time, I did not drink saisake. I took Ballantines (recommended by Nash); it was a superb wine with its smooth mellow taste. I think I had drank enough and so I had a good sleep on board the plane; when I woke up it was 30 minutes before landing time, and so, I took advantage of the few minutes left to buy some t-shirts and perfume (on board the plane) to dispose a few dollars.

We landed at NAIA at about 2 p.m.; the Japan experience was a wonderful one; something that I would cherish so much; I would not forget the kind and courteous Japanese people that we met; thanks to JICA, our benefactor; I learned a lot of good things from Japan and its people; I think the study tour was worth every cent spent.