Welcome to Japan : May 2014

May 5 Pre-departure to Japan

I expect a lot from the trip to Japan since it is the second time for me to visit this beautiful country. Last time I came to this country was chosen as an ambassador to study handicraft in the middle school. I love it, so when I found this Study Abroad program, I wanted to explore more insights. I especially wanted to visit the Disneyland because I major in hospitality business. I believed it would be a great experience to talk to the marketing director of this company, and learned about how it became so successful globally. I am also curious about the business culture in Japan. How they operate, how they distinguish themselves from the world (western culture), what are their strength and weakness?

I think this trip will be the answer to all my queries.

May 7 Nagoya Castle Tour

The Castle locates at the beautiful ..... When we walked into the castle, first thing that surprised me is the samurai show. The background of the samurai is attracting that I have learned that Mr. Leyasu Tokugawa is one of three greatest samurais who built the basis of Japan today. Then they brought us a tour around the whole castle. What came into my sight first is the beautiful east castle garden. I was most surprising with Japanese landscape design that show people a peaceful view. Then we looked at the significant stone wall built by Fukushima general. Each stone had a special carved seal on them that makes it distinguishable. Another thing that surprise me is the golden dolphins-Kinshachi which is the symbol of feudal lord's authority. The castle is very traditional and beautiful. I was surprised to know the traditional culture of Nagoya castle and this city. Also, it reflected what I had learned in class that Japan is a high power context country since ancient time and this culture is still exist today.

Nagoya Castle

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May 8 Fujitec Company Visit

After Orientation in JCMU, we went for our first corporate visit-Fujitec Company. We are led by a beautiful lady to tour us of the whole factory. The experience is extremely valuable since we can have the opportunity to see how Fujitec organized different parts of the machinery processing area. I found the company is labor intensive that two to three people in charge of one area with thousands of ares in the factory. People are all dress in the same way and working very hard. I felt it touching to see these people are working very hard to produce customize products for their customers.

Welcome to the Fujitec Inc.

One of the amazing experience is to take the Fujitec skyview elevator went to the top of the building to see the beautiful view around. Comparing the other companies we visit (coming later), Fujitec is really doing a good job in expanding their business to the world. Like Singapore, HongKong, Shanghai in Asian area and U.S, Canada in North America. They distinguish themselves by customize the most convenient design for their customers. I was appreciated that we all had the opportunity to see all kinds of elevators Fujitec. One elevator that is impressed most is the one that with a sensor on that will automatically open if people come close. This is trying to prevent from hurting people.

View at the Top

May 9 Nara Tour

Today, we went to Nara Temple led by three local women. I have heard that Japan is an aging country that with approximately 40% old people. The first thing I thought that impressed me most was these three old women which still they were very energetic to work. During the trip I came to Japan seven years ago, I found that most people who drove the taxi were old men. I have learned from lecture that elders in Japan like to work.

Mention about the Nara Temple. It is one the best temple I have been. Outside the temple, the atmosphere is very peaceful and relaxing. There are many deer and children around us. They are extremely friendly and talk-able.

Children really love Nathan (one of the smartest guy in our team) This is the picture they ask are asking Nathan to give signature :D

Nara Temple

MAY 10 TRIP TO TOKYO

The most meaningful experience today in Tokyo is the MSU Alumni Club Gathering dinner. It was great to meeting all Japanese Alumni that night, knowing that they were still remember and make contribution to the School after they had left the school. This was the first time I went to a new country meeting many people with successful business. It was interesting that I talked to the younger Higuchisan San that night but I did not notice that would meet him the next day. Also, I talked to girl from Taiwan. She graduated with art degree in MSU, and then went to Tokyo for master. I was good to hear some thoughts she had about the Japanese culture and American culture. She felt it culturally more difficult to fit in Japanese rule if you enter the workforce. Again, even though for Asian people, Japanese culture still was difficult to fit in.
After Alumni party, me and a small group of people went to Akihabara and a sky tower. I saw the nicest view of the tokyo city at night time. It was quiet, fascinating and bright. It was worth to come and see the beautiful evening at Tokyo.

Dr. Singer Sarah and our TA Jared

View of Tokyo at Night

MAY 11 ONE DAY TOUR AT TOKYO

Today was a little tired but I had a wonderful and meaningful day. In the morning, we went to Imperial Palace and Higashi Gyoen Gardens. The garden was created at the eastern part of the Imperial Palace grounds. It was famous at its Edo Castle and the garden flowers, bamboos and large amount of greens. I was impressed by the landscape design of this place. It provided a quiet and relaxing garden for elder people to rest and walk around. Doing some exercises or painting in this area. I felt that today, it was modernized that most natural areas were replaced by factories and buildings. People are cutting trees and greens to develop industry to make money. Japanese really did a great job brought the natural view into city so that people could still experience the beauty of nature. It reminds me the word "Anshinkan" which means building peace of mind that Japanese people focus on emotions and a spiritual connection as priority and pursue a high quality of life.

Then we went to 634 meters Tokyo Skytree Tower. It was surprising to see such a high tower like this, Last night, I saw the beautiful night view of Tokyo. The morning of Tokyo is also amazing. I strongly recommend to come to this tower to have a nice look at this prosperous city.

Elder people drawing in the park

At night, we went to the most exciting competition in Japan - The Sumo Tournament. This is not only a good show for all of me but also is also educationally give me a brief introduction of the history and knowledge of Sumo. Base on what we learn that Japan has strong focus on their Shinto belief. Since ancient time, they had the practice "Misogi" which mean to cleansed themselves by washing hands and taking a bath in the stream. The rite is being carried on and in this modern world, Japan still keep this tradition in the Sumo Sports. What we see is the salt purification that used to drive away evils and clean the air.

May 12 Biggest Fish Market in Asia.

Today, we went to the biggest Fish Market in Asia. We woke up at 4:30 AM, waiting for the start of the auction. Usually, the seafood auction starts at 5:00, and then for the vegetables, flowers and meat. The most impressive part was the tour of seeing people inspect the tuna prior to the auction. I discovered the process to prepare for the auction is very precious and strict. People usually inspect four to five times for each tuna. During the auction, buyer bid for the tuna they want, and have eye contact with the wholesalers and finish finish the process of biding. One thing that impressed me was labor intensive. It was surprising to see people are so busy at this early morning. Also, the quality of tuna is high, I've learned that Tuna was keeping in at least 16 Fahrenheit in the refrigerator. The last thing that impressed me were the a large amount of fishes every day. Usually, there are 2,000 trade to either locals or international of the tuna. Each tuna weight around 700 pound and sell $25 dollar per pound.

Day 13 Disney Tour

Today, the tour to Disney was very educational for me. In the morning, we heard the lecture from Mr. Paul who was the hear general manager of the company. He introduced to us the strategy they used to enter the Japanese market. The idea is localization. Three main parts they used to achieve the strategy of localization are segmentation, research and technology. Comparing to local Japanese companies, I thought that Disney is strong at targeting the group of people they wanted to sell the product. Young females are their target group so they design many merchandise products like dolls (Tsum Tsum) and jewelry. They also find out that female girls love hanging out with friends, shopping and eating. Thus, they built up many theme restaurants and theaters to satisfy the guest expectation. The Resort used the research they had to build up a very unique style of hotel which is the SeaHotel MiraCosta. This hotel locates at the theme park entrance, faces the harbor so people can sit in their room and watch the magical Disney sea shows.
After the lecture, I had the most fancy experience in Disney. I took roller coaster with friends, had some really delicious food. The show on harbor was amazing and really worth to take a trip to Japan to watch this show. This was so far the best Disney I have ever been. It was a world of fairy tale.