The train is fast and efficient. This is the bullet train (Shinkansen), they built the first one back in 1964 and have continued to develop it over the years, the pride of the island. Leg room for days and seats that can spin around if you want to face the person...
This is not my first Christmas morning in Japan, and sitting here in the park as I write this certainly beats my 2021 experience in that quarantine hotel. It was like something out of 1984, I didn’t see or speak to another human face to face for 7 days, a loud speaker...
The guy seated next to me on the train has two phones. One he’s using to read manga, the other he’s flicking through a video game. Headphones in his ears, mask on – he’s in his own world behind the glass screens. A young girl opposite has fallen asleep with her...
A cool and crisp Winter’s morning here in Yokohama. Six degrees and clear blue skies. I arrive at the café early, and I’m pleased to discover my favourite window seat is available. I pull out the stool, set up the laptop and get settled in. My nearest fellow customer...
The blinds are already drawn by the I arrive at the cafe today. The afternoon sun is flooding in through the gaps and it’s 10 degrees yet folks are still dressed in scarfs and hats. Feels decidedly like Spring to me (but you’d be forgiven for assuming it was the bleak...
