or: Time to say “see you later Tokyo”

I’m sitting in the New York Bar at the Park Hyatt in Tokyo. I’ve sought this place out as it’s the bar from Lost In Translation. It seems fitting that I should have one of my farewell to Tokyo beverages here.

The view is stunning. I’ve been seated facing both Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Pearl (i.e. Tokyo Tower). Millions of white lights fill the massive window, various heights, spanning as far as the eye can see. It is like I am seated on a blanket of stars. The taller buildings have red lights on top, slowly flashing, not indicating the businesses conducted therein, rather, to let planes know to not come any closer.

I am reminded of my small space in the world in the same way as when I’m in the middle of nowhere at night, looking skyward with twinkling stars stretching as far as the eye can see. A never-ending sparkling blanket of diamonds covering the world.

I thought I’d be nostalgic coming here, reflecting over my time living in a culture so different to my own. Perhaps if I was drinking red wine rather than a cosmo, I’d be in that headspace.

Instead I’m appreciative of being given this opportunity, a chance to immerse myself in another culture for a fairly significant period of time. I think I’ve barely scratched the surface.

In so many ways Tokyo is just like any other big city. But it’s not. Japan is just like Australia too. But it’s not. It’s also surprisingly like Hong Kong. But it’s not. It has helped me further appreciate the expression often used throughout markets in Asia – “same, same – but different”.

Japan is so familiar yet so unique. From the culture itself to the food, the people and yes, the toilets, there are aspects which I’m accustomed to and those where I’m not. I find these fascinating and it’s the differences that spur me on to see and experience more of the world.

People are inherently the same and when material aspects are stripped away, everyone wants and needs the same – food, shelter, to belong, happiness. Their methods are different. Their culture and rituals are unique, shaped by history sometimes centuries old, sometimes a couple of hundred years, sometimes even less. Some of Japan’s practices originate from China, some began here based on environmental factors and beliefs that developed as a result. Foods differ by availability and cost. All shape the individuals.

I find it all fascinating.

I’ll be back to Japan many more times and not just to ski.

I have more to learn.

I am not finished yet.

* Thanks to Jack Johnson for the title to this post. There’ll be more changes on the horizon… exciting times!