Tokyo Diary # 7

[Dave Farber <farber () central cis upenn edu>]

It has been a quiet week in Tokyo. However the next three weeks are rather
full of meetings and talks. Took a while for everyone to find me here :-).


The newscasts (at least NHK 7 p.m. program which provides English on the
Broadcast Satellite edition is still full of the cult news, some news re
the tariff battle with the US (but rather small amounts) and lots on
Japanese politics in particular the VJ Day resolution issue.


We are becoming vets re dealing with Tokyo (well at least surviving in). I
find myself saying that 800 Yen for a Soba lunch is a bargain and 180
Yenfor a cup of coffee a steal. Some random prices in supermarkets are: 1
quart nonfat milk 180, small loaf of white bread 350, 1 1/2 liter Diet Coke
320, 450 grams chicken breast (sale) 250, 700 for a box of shredded wheat
etc.


Several nights ago Hiro HASHIZUME and his wife held a Soba party at our
place where they made fresh Soba. It was great.


There is a feeling of prosperity that belies the statements of the
government. stores are crowded and people seem to be buying -- especially
the young. Note again that the strong yen seems not to have caused prices
to drop on imported goods.


In Mitsukochi Department store you see one end of Japanese retailing. There
are many clerks -- most young women. Everything you buy is carefully
wrapped and then bagged.  The other end is the numerous small stores that
carry one class of items -- for example small fruit stands etc. Japan is a
nation of very small stores and large chains. Within Tokyo central there
are few large supermarkets and discount stores (parking is limited) and you
buy from the small stores (it is fun).


I have my first haircut. It was an experience. Hot towels, shampoo, back
pounding and a very good haircut. Price 3800 yen and there are no cheaper
shops I can find.


Eating again -- we have fallen into the big lunch out , small dinner at
home habit when we are not meeting people. Dinner out is a business habit
and stores have endless takeout prepared foods of all varieties. Moma-sen
seems to buy dinner at the Department store food court and serve it at
home. By the way one of the fun things is to wander through the food courts
of the large stores. Besides endless variety there are samples and samples.
Fun.


We had a chance to go to a fun Koto performance in one of the very fine
parks one can find in Tokyo (not too many but very nice). Held in a Tea
House by one of the many organizations trying to help foreigners.


We also went to Ueno park to the Tokyo Museum for the final day of the
exhibit of foreign Japanese art that had been sent to Japan for repair.
Beautiful. The Museum shop was very good. Ueno Park is the home of homeless
people who sleep on benches. They are mostly sad old men, quiet in their
poverty and never bothering anyone (that I saw) and most definitely not
begging.


Tomorrow we go to a concert by the Yale Whiffenpoofs at the American Club.


23 days left and I suspect we will miss doing many things. Rainy season
starts very soon and outdoor activities will give way to indoor ones.


Dave and GG