Tokyo - Let's party

You shall not bike! 🚲

There are things you can shake and rattle as much as you want, forget it. For example, participating in bike sharing as a foreigner. I've tried it several times, without success. The app is not available for foreigners in the app store. Downloading the app through other means works, but I never receive the registration SMS. Oh well...
But it can be so enjoyable. When searching for a bike rental in Tokyo, I noticed that instead of the usual search results for bicycle shops or the like, two numbers and a bicycle symbol appear on the map. 10/12. How cool is that? More of that!

Traditional values in Japan... and Germany

I'm listening to Fleischhauer's 9 Minute Netto again. I've been deprived of German derailing for a week. I won't be disappointed this time either.
A kindergarten in Fulda is refraining from Mother's and Father's Day gifts out of consideration for diversity. Funny that it's a Catholic kindergarten, which should represent Christian values and the family image, that does such a thing. Maybe Fleischhauer is right; even the Church is desperately trying to find members. No wonder, the number of Catholics in Germany has been steadily declining since 1990.

Recently, there was a small shitstorm here in Japan regarding the USA. A US ambassador participated in an LGBTQ march. No problem. Afterwards, he publicly called for Japan to open up more.
He probably shouldn't have done that, he received a proper backlash.
Japan is more traditional than most Western countries. An outsider might view this as good or bad, because it comes not only with architecture and tea ceremonies, but also with social aspects.

'Hey ChatAI! What are Japan's traditional values that are still held in high regard today?'

[...] These include, for example, the importance of respect, polite behavior, and careful self-presentation. Ceramic and tea ceremonies are also important traditions in Japan that are still practiced by many people today. In addition, family relationships and the important role of elders within the family are of great significance in Japan. [...]

Of course, as a foreigner, I cannot judge this as well as a local, I often only see facades. Like the first three aspects, they go outwardly. I like the term 'careful self-presentation'. It doesn't sound like 'My house, my car, my boat' to me. Rather, 'like I think it's important how I'm perceived, but I don't do it for bragging purposes.'. Respect, behavior, and self-presentation pretty much sum up what I've encountered here. But in the younger generation, this is decreasing more and more. Which is very unfortunate. If I noticed a lack of interest in respectful and polite behavior, it was among the under 30s.

And now please for Germany

[...] These include, for example, discipline, order, punctuality, and diligence. The family and friends also traditionally have a high standing in German society. In addition, Germany has a strong tradition of cultural diversity and cultural heritage, which are still valued today. However, the importance of these values and traditions in Germany is also subject to constant change and adjustments.

A similar change as in Japan. Only stronger in Germany. Or is the change in Japan weaker?

I'm somehow glad that I grew up the way I did. It wasn't perfect. But life doesn't come with an instruction manual. Life is hard, life will always throw obstacles at you. Without that, you will never grow. Where would you be if you had never worked hard for something? Life means fighting. But life also means enjoying the breaks in between. Yin and Yang.

I'm not here to judge or talk about German society. I'm here to observe, compare, and learn. And there's plenty of everything here.

I don't know what's happening today, Sunday, May 14th, but apparently a celebrity is coming to Kyoto. On my way to the Shinkansen, I have to dodge a bunch of people, including a lot of security and police. National celebrity? International celebrity? Well, my life won't be changed even if I wait for that person.

Welcome to Tokyo

In the two months, I only had one full day in Tokyo, namely the day after my arrival, with the group. That day seems so far away now, I've gained so much experience.

Upon arriving at the accommodation, I find another one of those toilets with an integrated sink. It may sound insignificant, but once you experience the benefits, it changes your perspective. If I were a homeowner, that would come closest to it. Heated seat, bidet, sink.

It's Mother's Day, so I surprise my mother with a WhatsApp call. It's not a long conversation, but it's nice to be able to exchange with my parents.

Don't rush! 🏃‍♀️

It's been 19 years since Gwen Stefani sang 'Harajuku Girls'. When I later watch the video, I think to myself: 'I was there! Hey, I know that place!' Funny feeling.

However, it was less funny when I arrived in Harajuku. Both the train stations and trains are plastered with warnings. Among them is 'Don't rush for the train!'. Why would you, the train comes every few minutes here. When I get off, I see for the first time what it might be referring to. A woman, around 30 years old, lying on the floor in the aisle next to the stairs; a few people around her, including two railway employees. My first thought is 'alcohol!'. That would be a German assumption, I've seen enough of that back home. Evenings, on weekends, in a big city; that wouldn't be anything new. But my second thought tells me it's not the case. During my time here, I've seen people who were tipsy, but never so completely drunk. Then I see something that confirms my second thought. Blood. Blood next to her head. She's still moving, thankfully. I see the wet, rather slippery floor. It makes me think. In the stress of trying to cram as much as possible into our lives, we're only squeezing our lives.

I make my way to Shibuya Crossing. It's of course not the only crossing of its kind, that makes it less special. As I walk through the streets and let the impressions rain down on me, my favorite songs play in my ears. 1,180 songs, shuffle mode. And it's right here that the music from 'Fast & Furious - Tokyo Drift' starts playing. The movie with the Shibuya scene. 'I was there! Hey, I know that place!' Funny feeling.

I saw it in Nara, a radio studio with a shop window pane. Who would have thought that it wouldn't be the only radio studio. 😁

Guy rocking Tokyo 🎧

If you want to find someone in Japan who is happily swaying to the music in their ears. Or if you have to look for me. Usually, people are asleep or quiet on their phones in the train. But tonight, on the way back to the hotel, that would change. I notice a Japanese man, he stands out. He is also swaying to the music here, just like me. Both of us are dancing in our own little worlds, racing to the silent ecstasy. I observe him. Not only is he unique in his behavior. He also stands out with his blue. I look down at myself, from the blue jacket, blue jeans, to the dangling blue umbrella. As he gets off, I watch him a little longingly. He, my 'brother from another mother' from the group trip, and I would have been the trio.

What was playing on his ears? I don't know. I at least made an attempt to find out:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaZ25GeAYDMtlkB7XLCctfC75n-0lrw4U