Japan Diary – The Marriage

Japan Diary – The Marriage

According to Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, approximately 1 million kids were born in year 2011 which is lowest in last five decades.

In 2011, the total number of marriages that took place was 661,895 and the numbers of divorces were 235,719. The divorce rate in Japan would be approx. 30%.

Knowing the situation in advance, since year 2001, Government has been putting effort to encourage Japanese women to get married and deliver babies to address the birthrate issue of country. 

The problem revolves around marriage and giving birth. Most importantly marriages seem to be the critical issue in Japan. Does that mean Japanese women aren't interested in getting married? Or they have become career oriented, may be insecure and not indulging in giving births?

The answer lies in the history of Japan and several paradigm changes in the economy and culture. Traditionally Japanese women need to act as subordinates to men; she needs to fully devote herself to the needs of her husband (that makes it second to men).  With the change in overall economy, education and global reach women have evolved and the situation has changed. Japanese women are now educated, strong, self-sustained and no longer need to play a supporting role. However I believe average Japanese men are traditional, and find difficult in accepting such massive change and still believe in old school thoughts about role of wife. This makes the situation complicated and difficult for marriages to sustain.

One more important dimension is Japan being worlds thirst largest economy having easy access to USA, UK and other European countries.  Large numbers of Japanese women are looking abroad for love/marriage will bring them the qualities in a partner that seems rare at home. The evolved thought process of Western men appeal to them as they are more appreciative, and seek reasonable between personal and professional life.  Tokyo and some other cities are full of dating agencies to help women find a suitable western partner.  That reminds me of such agencies in Gujarat which helps abroad settled Gujju men to locate suitable, cultural traditional Gujju wife. 

The Seinfeld

The Seinfeld

Sitcoms are good stress busters. All you need to do is to choose from the large number of sitcoms created by different production houses. We must thank NBC (American National Broadcasting Company) for creating ‘The Seinfeld’.  Seinfeld was the pioneer of the sitcoms and the nine seasons lasting July 5, 1989, to May 14, 1998 was kind of humorous revolution.

The success of this successful sitcom goes everyone who is part of the Seinfeld.  Strong consistent characters, simple situations and effortless delivery of jokes (involved in day to day life) make it humorously engaging. I am addicted to Seinfeld, its must watch for me. It’s a great stress buster and you just can’t watch once.

The cast couldn't be more perfect.  The cast includes Jerry Seinfeld who has played himself (as small scale celebrity stand-up comedian), George Costanza who is a cheapo, annoying, rarely honest and jealous best friend of Jerry.  Elaine Benes as Jerry's ex-girlfriend and Cosmo Kramer who is Jerry's "Crack neighbor".

I like the way characters unfold themselves from first episode. It takes 4/5 episodes to build the momentum but after that it’s a roller coaster ride. The punches are unforgettable and become part of your life. For example

·         George to Jerry “just remember, it's not a lie if you believe it”

·         George to his boss on getting fired “Well, you didn't have to say it like that”

·         Jerry to his girlfriend” I'm a man who respects a good coma”

·        Cosmo Kramer: I'm at the corner of 1st and 1st... How can the same street intersect with itself? It must be at the nexus of the universe.

There are countless punches which can make you burst into laughter. So in case you haven’t heard/watch ‘The Seinfeld’ just go for it, the laughter is guaranteed.  

Mumbai Marathon

 Marathon

These days, especially in metros and towns, everyone knows about the long distance running event called Marathon.  You will know from newspapers and TV channels covering the celebrities encouraging people to participate and run for a cause. You will get to hear from office colleagues and friends who are probably planning for ‘dream run’. I first noticed this event 2004 on hoardings and banners placed across on western express highway in Mumbai. The event was sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank and well covered in the print media.

I initially thought it’s for someone who got plenty of time, someone who already has made fortune and now working towards the health. My belief was largely from my own experience as I was working more than 12 hours a day, travelling by local trains, buses and hardly had any time to think beyond work. I thought it’s an event for companies to sponsor and get noticed (part of the advertisement), celebrities to show their concern for the cause, people to showcase the elite class status (and of course talk about this run in parties).

Over a period of time my views changed when I met some passionate marathon runners. I was totally wrong and in retrospect I think I just didn’t understand the importance of the event. This event could be used by people for various reasons however that doesn’t still takeaway the spirit of the sport.  I realized long distance running is not so easy. To be a runner, you need passion, dedication, and disciple and require reasonable balance between work and personal life. Even though it appears to be group event however when it comes to running, you are on your own.  It’s a competition and you are only competing with yourself. Marathon is like a plan for long distance runners. The plan includes how to pace out, distance vs. speed, when to drink energizers, what to eat etc.  

These days I am running 7 to 8 miles and clocking 25 miles per week. I hope I can make myself capable to run at least 21 kilometers (half marathon) in 2013. 

Ginza and the search of Doraemon

Ginza and the search of Doraemon

Those who have kids know who Doraemon is and how much kids love him. Those who are not aware of this Japanese anime, basically Doraemon is an intelligent robotic cat, which travels back in time from the 22nd century to help a pre-teen boy named Nobita. Cartoons based on computer animation are very popular in Japan. Japanese kids grow up watching cartoons and reading the graphical, full of action story books.

I was on tour to Tokyo along with one of my colleague. His niece who adores Doraemon, who probably haven’t missed any of his episodes, and must have DVD’s at home to enjoy whenever she wants, insisted that he should get her Doraemon toy as a gift.

We initially thought since Doraemon is so popular we would get wide choice to buy from any store. For first few days, whenever we got the chance we entered into shopping areas. Since Japan is an expensive place so you need to weigh your options before you splurge. We explored everything a man could possibly buy however we could not locate Doraemon anywhere. Since we were not familiar Japanese language we didn’t enter into conversation with shopkeepers.

While we were on our last lap of the tour we realized to speed up the search of Doraemon. We check with hotel manager who didn’t know much about Doraemon, was surprised to know Japanese cartoon is popular in India, and advised us to visit Ginza, of course as last option.

According to wiki, Ginza (銀座?) is a district of Chūō, Tokyo, located south of Yaesu and Kyōbashi, west of Tsukiji, east of Yūrakuchō and Uchisaiwaichō, and north of Shinbashi. In short, Ginza is a place towards south and you can reach in 20 minutes from anywhere in Tokyo. The moment we entered Ginza area we realized it’s a mistake. Ginza is upmarket shopping destination and you get all expensive branded stuff in the retail outlets and malls spread out in that area. We checked in branded retail toys shops including Disney however could not trace Doraemon.

The last chance I thought could be airport shopping arcade. Guess what we were disappointed at the airport. I spoke to quite a few people and surprised to know that they aren’t even aware of such cartoon character. The only conclusion I could draw is probably the Doraemon era is over and country, people, kids have moved to more animated and action oriented cartoon characters. It’s like chandrakantha or Vikram-vetal kind of comic book series which not many kids of this generation would know that it existed some years ago in India.

The Barista – Warsaw, Poland

The Barista – Warsaw, Poland

Sometimes some experiences become part of your lifetime experiences and the permanent part of memory. You remember these instances and cherish them because you know that you might not experience similar situation ever. I was scheduled to travel to Warsaw, Poland for a meeting. I was taking an early morning flight from Brussels to Warsaw and had plans to catch a return flight to Zurich by evening flight.

The temperature at Brussels during the late evening was about -8 degrees. I knew the early morning it would reach to -10 degrees. I had an idea about whether in Warsaw which should be about -12 degrees the next day. I booked the cab for early morning though there was just a 50 yards distance between nearest station and the hotel. In the normal circumstances, I would have reached Brussels airport in 5 euros and 10 minutes. Interestingly, with cab I paid 30 euros and took 20 minutes.

Packing and covering me from all sides, with sufficient winter clothing I ambitiously left the hotel for airport. The car was crushing the newly formed ice on and across the roads.  The ‘long flight’ was about three and half hour duration and landed at Warsaw well in time.

Unexpectedly and much as a shock, the outside temperature happened to be -17 degrees. I was supposed to call someone to receive me however I could not dared to remove the gloves. I waited inside the airport for some time, sipped coffee and reached out to cabbie. He was standing right outside the airport though it was not easy for me to venture out in -17 degrees. Realizing my situation he came with one long leather coat, enveloped me and guided me towards car. Just like someone would do in case of rainy season. I could see the heap of ice everywhere and almost empty streets. The wind was making it even more difficult carrying the chill along with it.

I ventured outside in the heated car with my counterpart for lunch. We thanked each other in keeping the commitment of meeting even in adverse situation. We went to a place called ‘The Barista’ to grab a sandwich. I had flight to catch and was given a drop to airport. I hardly got a chance to see what else is out there in Warsaw. I would have loved to eat polish food, try some local beverages, and shop a little.  I am not sure whether I would travel to Warsaw again and in case yes, would it be -17 degrees? Who knows……

The Jogging Track: Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia

The Jogging Track: Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia

‘Health is Wealth’ and most of us realize this when hit by some medical issues. The doctor prescribes ‘exercise’ as medicine and you are at quandary – what are you supposed to do? You choose the best possible option of walking or jogging. You buy branded shoes and all set to begin with exercise. The moment you hit the roads in the city or metros you realize the sound and air pollution and most importantly the potholes. The road full of crests and trough, that leaves no motivation for jogging. I am seized to complain about roads and situation we have here in cities in India. Lack of gardens, jogging tracks or places we could shake our legs. Place which will motivate and build that eagerness to go out there every day.

During my stay at Melbourne, I head out for a morning walk and ended up at the place called ‘Albert Park’.  It’s like some good things happen in your life without planning.  I didn’t know the background of Albert Park however realized it must be the best place to visit every day, of course if possible.

Albert Park is nearby Melbourne city adjacent to St. Kilda road. It has a long beach façade which makes it stunningly beautiful. Interestingly, Albert Park is also the venue for Formula One Australian Grand Prix. You see the park embedded with superclass road Grand Prix circuits, sandy jogging track and golf court. In case you get hungry you can go to Victoria Hotel located within the park at one end. While you eat at Victoria Hotel, you can see dozens of small yachts sail around the lake. 

All trees within the park are numbered, placards with instructions for ‘no fishing areas’, needless to say neat and clean. 

Federation Square – Melbourne, Australia

Federation Square – Melbourne, Australia

Australia is blessed with natural beauty. The credit goes to Australian government in preserving and maintaining it and at the same time people who are conscious of their surrounding cleanliness. You go to any state, may it be New South Wales (NSW), Queensland (QLD), South Australia (SA), Tasmania (TAS), Victoria (VIC), and Western Australia (WA) they all are beautiful in their own way. They all have some great mesmerizing t destinations which should take you by surprise by the enchanting beauty.

I was fortunate to spend some quality time both at Sydney (NSW) and Melbourne (VIC). Both the city offers some splendid destinations like Sydney has Opera House, Riverside Quay, Luna Park, Harbor Bridge and Darling Harbor. Melbourne is on the southeastern side of Australia and attracts more tourist than Sydney. Melbourne has more for tourist than Sydney and if one has to make a choice it should be Melbourne. In my opinion, Melbourne is far more simple and easy to explore. You don’t need to carry the train/tram guide books or any domestic help to figure out the city. You take a quick city circle free tram ride and you would know how to maneuver in Melbourne.   Melbourne has Federation Square, Eureka Tower, Yarra River side, State buildings, Parks, shrines, cultural centers and some amazing eateries.  

I visited Melbourne during early spring time. The weather was nice and the cold was just about over couple weeks back. So in some way I was lucky to have decently sunny weather during the day time. I spent good amount of my time at Federation Square. Fortunately I had to reach Flinders Street station every day to catch another train or tram and Fed Square (is commonly called) is at the intersection between Flinders Street and Swanston Street & St Kilda Road adjacent to Flinders Street Station.

Fed Square is a cultural precinct and happening place for tourist. The place offers a good seating arrangement facing flinders street station and you will see many artist, actors, comedians and musicians presenting their art in front of people. WIFI is free so you can connect to internet, click live videos and pictures and share with your friends.

Fed Square buzzes with activities especially over the weekends. On that particular Sunday ‘south Vietnam’ team was presenting their culture, food and live orchestra. The place was adorned with colors of Vietnam flag - the bright yellor background and horizontal red strips. Though I did not understand the songs however loved the people shaking their legs on the Vietnamese music. I found the beats similar to koli songs what we get to hear in Goa/Konkan and Maharashtra.  There was special drawing event for kids with Vietnamese artist. The food stalls presenting Vietnamese cuisines was the bonus. I haven’t seen such multi-cultural events in India. In half a day festival you end up gathering so much about the Vietnam.  

If you are visiting Melbourne don’t forget to visit Fed Square over the weekends.

Tourists savoring Vietnam cuisine at different stalls. The food ranged from their family dishes which included the steamed white rice, Fish/seafood, meat, tofu. stir-fry dish, Pickled, steamed, or fresh vegetables, Canh and Fresh fruits or desserts

The singer performing on the stage.

Food stalls

 Live performance of an artist - Federation square overlooking Flinders Street Station.