The Beat Goes On

So here I am, more than halfway into my time in Japan, and unsurprisingly, it’s flying by. It’s difficult to get a grip on things and time when I’m trying to complete a project while also enjoying the culture and going on mini reunions with old friends. That being said, I’ll try to stick by the old mantra “No Excuses, Play Like a Champion” with the little time I have left. Alright then, back to the shenanigans




Last time we left off, I was explaining my beginnings in the country and becoming acclimated to the culture and what not. All that pretty much rings true, the only difference is that I’ve had a weekend of fun in between. Over the weekend my coworker and I went out to grab some drinks at the local establishments, it turned out to be a lot of fun. Naturally Japanese people see us and immediately want to start practicing their English, which I found to be comforting since that has not changed in 5 years. Saturday was spent meandering through the city. My coworker and I were able to get to the Skytree, which was the world’s largest tower up until 2011 or so (defeated by Dubai I think). We got a really good opportunity to see the entirety of Tokyo and wow, it’s made up entirely of buildings. Skyscrapers, apartments, department stores, there is very little nature left. It reminds me of just how much Tokyo is similar to New York City. Sunday was spent going to Hakone, which is about 2 hours from Tokyo proper and much more rural compared to Tokyo. Our intention was to see Mt. Fuji; however, due to cloud coverage we were only able to see glimpses of it. Still, I was able to purchase Strawberry Kit-Kats in a Mt. Fuji shaped box, so not a total loss. Finally, we hit up a hot spring to relax after, and while interesting, is something I don’t think I need to go to again. Let’s just say there were significant cultural differences.



Since the weekend, we’ve been hard at work on the project. We only have about 1 week left working in Japan so our hope is to crush as much as possible before we head back. That being said, between now and next Friday morning I plan to do the following: Go to the Ninja Restaurant (Google it, it looks awesome), meet up with my amazing old speaking partner Ayuna, hit the Club, go to the Kit-Kat store, go to Kappa Sushi, go to Kamakura for sightseeing, go to the Suntory Hall for some classical music, meet up with the wonderful Yu Furukawa who visited Walpole a few years back, crush some okonomiyake, go to Tsukiji market, go to Harajuku, and possibly more. I know that seems like a lot, but I’m going to try my best.



One thing to leave you all with (and I apologize for the lack of pictures, I’ll do better next time), is that I have been constantly comparing this experience to my one in Osaka. Unfortunately, I’ve come to terms with the fact that it isn’t fair to compare the two (except when it comes to food, edge – Osaka by far). 5 years ago I was a college kid trying to figure it all out by learning and experiencing as much as possible. While I may still be trying to figure it all out, this trip is purely business. I know I’m able to take advantage of my time here to the best of my abilities, but I’m left to question how I will feel about Japan when I return home. As it stands now, I think it is quickly becoming another place where I conduct business. Yes, I do have the added benefit of language and past experiences in here, but the experience I loved so much as a student was made up of a different combination of factors. This time however, I have 3 weeks to complete a significant amount of work, and whatever experience I find on the side is an added bonus. The scary thing about realizing this is that now that I fully, truly understand it, I am quite content with the experience as well. It would have been immature to come here and expect an experience similar to that of five years ago; realizing that this is very different experience (but still good mind you, just different) is a part of growing up.



No matter what I may feel or contemplate, I do know one thing: I am lucky to have this opportunity, and I look forward to what lies ahead.

Looks like we made it

Well I am back folks, and the feeling is surreal. It’s difficult for me to put into words what it feels like at the moment, but I’ll get to that later.

Now then, onto what I’ve been up to. Let’s start with leaving the US on Friday. The flight was wicked long (13.5 hours woof), but good overall. Side note: be sure to watch Rush and In a World, both are excellent. The jet lag has not been that bad either, as I’ve been able to sleep through the night for the most part. Over the weekend my coworker and I traveled to the Sensoji temple in Asakusa, along with the Edo museum and the Tokyo tower. I had already seen the Tokyo tower once (as my most devoted readers might remember) but it was great to experience the sights in Asakusa, something I regretfully missed my first time around. Both the temple and the museum were very beautiful, and I found myself over the weekend appreciating just how lucky I am to have this opportunity.

​​​​​View of Tokyo

As for food, I delved into some steamed pork buns, a trip to Mister Donut, some ramen, yakiniku and some delicious CC Lemon since I’ve been here. It pains me to say it has been difficult to find CC Lemon, which is my favorite soft drink in Japan. After asking the Japanese Audit team here, they confirmed that the popularity of the beverage had waned in recent years, a crushing blow to me naturally. I guess it just shows that nothing is guaranteed, especially something as seemingly insignificant as a soft drink brand. As for the project, it seems like we’ll have some decent work ahead of us, but hopefully nothing too strenuous. Also, it’s been excellent to use my Japanese in public again. I think I am still rusty, but I’ve been surprised with how much I’ve been able to remember, and I definitely think I can still hold my own here.

​​​​Jay with beloved Ramen

As you might have read in my last entry, this had been a goal of mine since the blog went dormant, but now that I am here, I find myself at a loss in how to articulate my feelings (not to mention, I don’t really like sharing my feelings). I suppose the best way I could frame the experience is that there is something here that resonates with me. Although it seems absolutely ridiculous, there is something about Japan that gives me a feeling of home, a feeling of belonging at times. Maybe it’s because I love the food (ramen twice already, now where’s the okonomiyake), or maybe it’s the cheery and enthusiastic population, one that I feel I can connect with on a personal level. Maybe it’s that I find myself using this experience as an escape from the world back home where I am so tied down to things.  5 years ago I was leaving my life in America for the first time, and I was ready for a change. My time abroad provided that, a clean slate if you will. 5 years later I can feel that echo within me again, I needed this escape, this disconnect. I think that by being isolated as a person yet surrounded by a new world, I can grow in a different way that home does not provide. Whatever the case may be, there is something about being here that makes me stop and really savor the moment, and I believe that’s what matters most.

That’s all for now, looks like the weekend will consist of day trips and debauchery, I’ll try to circle back sooner for the next one!

The Return

Next Friday, February 14^th, marks my return to Japan in almost 5 years. It was May 27^th, 2009 when I flew back to America. Getting off the plane I knew one thing: I had to go back. While things have changed over the years, that goal remained the same. After years of hard work and dedication I have finally achieved what I set out to accomplish. This marks the end of one journey and the beginning of another.

So where I have I been the past five years? Glad you asked. I’ve travelled extensively both worldwide and domestically, including places such as Reykjavik, Seattle, Rome, Nashville, Mumbai, and many other places. Coincidentally enough, I only had a passing interest in travel prior to my term abroad, since then, I cannot get enough of it. As for my career, I completed my time at Tufts majoring in International Relations and Japanese, and after one summer of funemployment moved on to work as a Portfolio Accountant at State Street Corporation. I have held multiple roles within the bank, but now reside in Corporate Audit, which provided me with this incredible opportunity to go to Japan. I’ve enjoyed my time thus far at State Street, there have been ups and downs like at any other job, but the people I work with are great, and the work itself is exciting. I will be going with a coworker to audit a specific group within the bank. Now while Internal Audit may sound like the villain, I actually prefer to think of my work akin to Corporate Consulting. We analyze business and make educated recommendations based on what we evaluate. We’re really here to help our fellow employees. Unfortunately, the term “audit” still scares some of our clients, but it is what it is.

As for me personally, I still reside locally in Somerville, MA. Although it was not my intention to live so close to Tufts, when a good opportunity presents itself you have to take it. I also sing in an a cappella group that is pretty balling out of control, check us out at http://bostonality.weebly.com/.  At age 26, I am starting to think about where I want to be and what I want to do in the next few years, but truthfully, I have no idea what I want. This trip means a lot to me, I’ve wanted this for a long time and it feels good to get it, but at the same time, it leaves me wondering what lies ahead. What’s the next step, the next goal, the next event? I guess I’ll let time decide.

2013 vs. 2009, not too different I hope.

As for the future of this blog, I intend to update as frequently as possible during my three weeks in Japan; however, I can neither confirm nor deny that my antics will be anything like what they were in 2009. Granted, this has always been a pretty tame blog due to my low viewership and because I thought it would be a good way to keep in touch with a broad range of people, but I am no longer a college student. I am, and this pains me to say it, a maturing adult. Furthermore, I am representing my company and acting appropriately is obviously something that is pertinent on this trip. Don’t worry; I’m sure I’ll end up with some decent stories to come home with, but with the limited amount of time and my professionalism at hand, this will be a sort of reunion tour of sorts, with a few moments of ridiculousness in between. Ladies and Gentlemen, here we go.  

5 Years Later

Hey Japan, I'm coming BACK.