Arrival in Tokyo

We have finally arrived in Tokyo, the bright, shiny capital of a remarkable nation. In many ways Japan is a paradox with a huge statue of the Buddhist Goddess of Peace welcoming us into the harbor where the warrior ethos of the Samurai and the Ninja are still revered. One of the most technologically advanced nations of the world Japanese still venerate medieval institutions, such as a four-hour-long tea ceremony, Kabuki theater and Sumo wrestling. Upwardly mobile executives and fashion models still adore the rural countryside with temples that come from the tenth century. Japan is the land of Noh and of comic books; the samisen and punk rock; the cherry blossom and the computer chip; of high tech and Hello, Kitty. Welcome to Japan, land of kaleidoscopic contradictions.Read more