Day 8- by Supriya Banerjee

On the 14th of November, our 8th day in Japan, we went to a teacher's house in Yokohama. Professor Sadoshima san invited us over to her home for lunch, for which we were very excited to go for. We woke up early, grabbed our teas and coffees from Doutour (our official coffee house for this trip) and waited for Yuri to pick us up. Then from Iidabashi we took the Toyoko line to Hakuraku Station in Yokohama. After a long, pleasant, fresh and painful (my bad choice of wearing heeled boots) walk, we reached her house. It was the tiniest and cutest little house I have ever been to. She greeted us with a wide smile and open arms and proceeded to show us around her garden.

                                   

The garden at Prof. Sadoshima's house

After this we went in. We took off our jackets and shoes and climbed upstairs to the main living room. I was amazed to see in such a tiny house the amount of space that was available. 

Living room at Prof. Sadoshima's house

Professor Sadoshima showed us around and then served us some Green Tea. Once our brief tea ceremony we proceeded to the kitchen where she showed us how to make Onigiri (rice balls). We made so many rice balls with different fillings each time, completely oblivious to the fact that we had to eat them all up!!! It was lunch time and I was famished, the walk in those boots had taken the life out of me. We sat together with some chicken on our plates and our numerous onigiris. By the end of the lunch we were full, I could feel my stomach giving me a hug and thanking me for filling it up. We helped clear out the dishes and sat for a game of bingo. Then, Yuri on Professor's request brought out a huge bag filled with goodies and she laid it all out on the table, and then she gave each of us a Bingo card. The rules were simple- whoever starts winning in Bingo gets to pick one present. By the end of all 5 rows we still had so many presents remaining, so Prof. Sadoshima came up with a quick Q&A round, where we won all the gifts. We continued to play another round of Bingo just for fun. 

                           Green tea                               Prof. Sadoshima teaching us to make Onigiri

Onigiri

After around what seemed like an hour, it was announced that we would get some cake and tea. We all got up and rushed to help around in the kitchen in whatever way we could. We cut the cake, cut the kiwi, placed them both on plates, helped make the frosting and helped in setting down the crockery. The tea was very much needed. After a warm cup of tea we started planning what we would do next. Aarushi, Kinjal and I decided to go see the Shinkasen (Bullet Train) and the Tokyo Tower (which looks a lot like the Eiffel Tower). We were about to leave when we realized it was raining. Professor Sadoshima san was our savior, she gave us at least 5 umbrellas to withstand the rain.

Tea time 

So we left Yokohama and took the train to Harajuku, just to finish some last minute shopping after which we took a train to Tokyo. THE TOKYO! The station and surrounding areas were dazzled with lights. They were already ready for Christmas almost a month before. Tokyo was very festive. 

Christmas decoration at Tokyo station

We clicked lots of pictures and then headed out find the Bullet train. After a rather cold walk in the rain, we reached the station and realised we couldn't enter without special passes. We bought the passes and headed out. We saw the bullet train and they sure were not messing around when they called it the fastest train in the world. Then we asked a station master to lend us the map of all the trains so we could navigate our way to the Tokyo Tower. In a country where the ENTIRE system of travelling depends on the COLOUR of the train line we're taking, this station master gave us a BLACK AND WHITE map!!! After a hearty laugh we managed to find another map and mapped ourselves to the Tokyo tower. We got there and tried to get to the tower, we spotted it and started walking towards the tower. That surely was a very long walk, it was farther than it looked. After a 30 minutes walk, we reached the tower where we witnessed a beautiful wedding amongst the yellow and golden lights in a very green archway.

 Shinkansen (bullet train)

Tokyo Tower

We went in, shopped for some souvenirs and left, as it was closing very soon. We had to take a train back to Iidabashi and did not want to walk all the way back to the station we got off from. We ended up running into two very helpful young Japanese boys who walked rather fast along with us to help us out. They took us to the station where the train would take us directly to Iidabashi and we didn't have to change any lines.

This truly was a rather eventful day and by the time we got home we were drained. Of course it was all worth it because we made some wonderful memories, experiences and finally got to relax in some hot hot water in the jacuzzi.  

- Supriya Banerjee

Day 1, Konichiwa Tokyo! - by Aarushi Caro

Day 1, 7 November 2016, Konichiwa Tokyo!

7 November 2016 dawned as our flight hovered over 'the land of the rising Sun'. All of us were overwhelmed with joy as we finally landed at the Tokyo Narita Airport.

After completing all the airport formalities we collected our baggage and headed towards our destination- Tokyo Central Youth Hostel, Iidabashi. As it was our first time in a subway train, Sir Dange bought the tickets for us all. We had to change three lines to get to our hostel. It was quite taxing as there were no escalators on two of the stations. And yes! We had to carry our 20kg bags on not just one but several flights of stairs. But that did not dampen our excitement even a tiny bit.

Finally we arrived at Iidabashi and the good news was that our hostel was on the 18th floor of the building right above the subway station. We then went up and kept our bags in one of the rooms. This was because we could not use our respective rooms since it was just 11 am and the check in time was 3 pm. The Japanese are very particular about time, you see.

Sir Dange then took us for lunch to a restaurant named 'First Kitchen' which was right below our hostel. I ate beef pasta and it was yum! After lunch we still had quite some time in hand so some of us decided to just look around the place. We checked out the shopping center below our building, clicked some pictures, sun bathed for a while as it was quite chilly and eventually got back to the hostel.
                                                   

                                       
 
                                                   


By that time our rooms were ready and we moved in with all our luggage. The view from my room was marvelous. I then had a warm bath and hit the bed. At about 7 pm we all headed out for dinner. Sir Dange showed us some good eating places. He showed us an extremely tempting Ramen place we all  wanted to dine at. But unfortunately not all of us could eat there as the Ramen was over. We then looked around for more restaurants but we somehow could not communicate with the people there. At one place they literally crossed their hands indicating a big NO! Finally, super tired and hungry we went to a Thai restaurant and parceled some noodles. We all sat together and ate at our hostel dining room. 

We then returned to our rooms and laid in bed staring at the beautifully lit buildings outside our window.

And finally came the end of a beautiful as well as exhausting day! 

- Aarushi Caro

Day 5 (11/11/16) - by Asmita Hegde

Day 5 (11/11/16)                                                                                                                                           

At 10:40 a.m. we had an audit lecture at Waseda University conducted by Professor Yoshiko Nozaki on the topic “Women, sports and education policy”. The class was divided into 6 groups of students with one or two Indian students per group.                                                                                                         

Each group was supposed to discuss about the following topics:

1) What are the merits and demerits of taking up sports?

2) Do you think it is good for our society if more men and women take up sports and engage in athletic activities? Why do you think so?

3) If you were a policy maker, in order to encourage more women to participate in sports and athletic activities, what would you do first, second and third? Would you like to formulate our strategies to achieve your policy goals?                                                                                                                         

All the groups were given around 20 minutes to discuss the topics and make points to present in front of the class. After all the groups were done presenting, the class was dismissed.

                                                                           

         

                                                                                                                                                            After that all of us went to have lunch in the university canteen.                                                            

At 2 pm we went to visit the writing centre, where we meet Professor Sadoshima and her colleagues who explained to us how their writing centre works. We were offered pocky’s since it was pocky day on November 11. Later on we had the opportunity to see where they conduct their sessions.                  

 

After this we went to experience the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. We had to wait quite a while since they were getting it ready for us. We were asked to sit down and were first served a sweet and then the green tea; we were shown the right way of drinking it after this we left from the university to the hostel.                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                                                    After arriving at the hostel we rested and then had discussions about our plans for the next day. All of us had fun as we sat down for dinner together and then all of us took a nice long bath and went to sleep.                                                                                                                                                           

By Asmita Hegde

      

Day 3, 9th November 2016, From the traditional to the modern - by Mariah Dias

Day 3, 9th November 2016, From the traditional to the modern

Woke up early morning and met Yuri-san at our hostel lobby with two other Japanese students. We first went to Meiji Shrine by train. Now I would tell you how we got there and which train line we took but I’m still getting used to the various train lines and their names.

Meiji shrine is really beautiful and the area around it is very well maintained and clean. Inside the shrine, we saw a HUGE sake drum and we copied the actions people do to worship the deity. They clap their hands thrice, bow and clap again and throw in a couple of yen. 

                        Meiji Jingu shrine                                                                        

Next, we went to the robotics museum and first watched a documentary on how the Tokyo sky tree was build. Then we had a guided tour around the museum and got to know interesting advancements in technology which were learned from animal biology and behavior.

One robot, in particular, won our hearts and that was Paro. She is a plushy seal who responds to sounds and touch. She moves her body and makes cute sounds. She is used in hospital settings and trust me it’s tempting to get one at home. She can really make you smile.

                                    Paro                                                                                

Then we went around for sight-seeing. We went to Takeshita Street for shopping and let loose at the candy stores especially at the gumball machines! We visited Yoyogi Park and witnessed the Shibuya crossing. We ate sashimi and do not ever try the caviar sushi unless you’re into weird flavors that send shudders down your body.

We then went back to our hostel and prepared for the India day which was fast approaching.

---Mariah Dias

Day 4, 10th November, Learning traditions - by Mariah Dias

Day 4, 10th November, Learning traditions.

After having a hearty breakfast at ‘Doutor’ we went to Waseda University. We had a lecture on the perception of Japan. It was a very interactive class by Professor Pablo Figueroa and we enjoyed it thoroughly.

                                                                                                         Breakfast at Doutor

                                                                                                                                                                                   

     Lecture with Professor Pablo Figueroa                                                         

Later on, we partook in a tea ceremony. The host of the ceremony informed us in Japanese which was translated by Yuri-San about the ceremony and the manner we should drink it. We enjoyed every bit of the ceremony even the cup!                                                         

                            Tea ceremony

Then we had lunch in the university cafeteria. We had loads of options to choose from and every one of them tastes amazing. We then visited the writing center in Waseda University. We were also informed about the pocky festival which was celebrated on the same day. We were given a run through about the work the writing center handles. All of this over steaming coffee and chocolate pocky.

Then we went back to our hostel and grabbed a quick lunch ramen noodles and practiced for the India day.

---Mariah Dias

The Day of the Big Bears!

                      

  
The day started with Vasant sir waking us up in the morning. Because of the time difference we sleep at 3.00 am as per Japanese time (Indian time 12-12.30 am). So it becomes hard for us to get up early in the morning. After waking up, we got fresh and ready for the exciting day ahead. After having a breakfast of bread butter and jam, we left the hostel for Harajuku at 10.30 am. We got in a metro at Iidabashi. For reaching Harajuku we had to change our metro at Kudanshita and then at Omote sando, and at last we took the metro which directly took us to Harajuku.

                                                                                                    (View from our hostel in the morning)

After reaching Harajuku, we went to see the Meiji Jingu shrine that was built Japan in memory of their emperor. People have planted 1 lakh trees in and around this shrine. So even though we were in the centre of the city, it felt like we were in forest

                                    











(The main shrine entrance)

because of amount of trees surrounding it. The moment we entered the gates of the shrine, everything changed. Before it was a big bustling city with cars, metros, buildings and people walking to work, and it changed to a quiet, inspirational and spiritual place. We roamed inside for about an hour clicking pictures of the monuments and kimono clad kids. We were also lucky to see a wedding procession in the temple arena. After that we went to have lunch. Me, Omkar, Suchitra and Aishwarya Bhat went in ‘Doutor’ a café which served good coffee and snacks. It was very cold outside, so the cup of coffee gave us some energy and freshness.

   
It was the time for one of the most exciting thing of this trip, ‘Rugby match’. We took a metro from Harajuku to Gaienmae, as the match was to be held in Gaienmae. Waseda had arranged for us to see a rugby match between Waseda and Kieo universities. Although it was a friendly match, we could see the sportiness and winning spirit in both the teams.  The whole stadium was full when we had entered. People were coming in large numbers to see

(The people entering the stadium to see the match)

                                             

                                                           ( The view of the stadium)

this match. The match started well. But as the match started getting exciting, the temperature also started getting low. It had drizzled just before the match, so it was quite chilli. And at a point the temperature went below 7 degrees. The match got so exciting, that we didn’t pay much attention to the freezing cold temperature. In the first half of the match, Waseda Big Bears were on 12 points and Kieo was on 10 points. But in the second half, Kieo took the lead of points. Waseda Big Bears in the final 60 seconds took the charge of the game and did a   ‘Touch down’ to win the match. The game was a neck-tie. This match gave me an opportunity to know a bit about rugby. I have never seen a rugby match either live or on TV, so this was a great opportunity for everyone I think.

After the game, we decided to go to Shinjuku.  While going to the metro station in Gaienmea, we saw a Lexus showroom. We all boys and Vasant sir went in the showroom to take a look at the cars. We clicked some pictures with the cars and we were leaving the showroom when we spotted something. Probably the future. There in a glass protection was a ‘Floating Hover board’. It was suspended in the air. On enquiring we found out that the board was floating because of magnetic repulsion of same polls. The scientists have used simple concept of same poll - same repulsion into creating such a great thing. The surface of the floor and that of the base of the board were same poll magnets. After feeling lucky to see such a thing, we left for Shinjuku.

In Shinjuku, we went in the Tokyo Metropolitan Building. This building, being around 50 floors offers the panoramic view of the city. We after getting our bags checked for any harmful objects went on the top most floor. But due to the foggy weather, we couldn’t see anything. This part was a bit disappointing. So we came down and went to have dinner. We had good meal. We roamed around the streets for a while and then came to the hostel.

No matter what happened today, I am sure it was one of the best day of Tokyo trip, and also in my life.

                                           (The view from hostel at night)


                                                -Ishan Abhisheki

Day 9: Visit To Professor Sadoshima's House

Getting up early was a bit difficult, after all it was a day to visit Professor Sadoshima Saori. Todays breakfast was prepared by our Sir Vasant, Ishan and Omkar. Yuri ma'am accompanied us for breakfast.

As we set out at 9:30am we took a train, after which we had to change two trains to reach the final destination (professor Sadoshima's place). Walking to her place, on the way there was a pond where people were fishing (as a hobby not hurting the fishes). Also there were ducks in that pond.

The moment we reached at her house, she was really glad to see us. She had a beautiful yard. Then she allowed us to pluck, Kaki the traditional japanese fruit, it was really good. As per the Japanese people, we peel the skin first and then have it. Then we entered her house and each one of us gave a gift as a token of love and appreciation to her. Most of the gifts were handmade and lovely.

Prof. Sadoshima taught us to make sushi and we also made one of our own which was very interesting. Then we had our lunch with sushi, beans and chicken specially prepared by her loving mother. there was someone we cannot miss out, that was April (name), who was born in April, helped prof Sadoshima a lot. it was nice to meet her. She is a student of Waseda University and is working as a tutor in writing centre.

then ma'am organised an amazing game BINGO. It was full of fun and excitement. There were lots of prizes for the winners for which there was a competitive spirit. After that Prof. Sadoshima served us with tea and snacks. The snacks were delicious. Then she took our signatures on her visitor's book as a memory.

At last while leaving we met her parent's. they were very happy to see us and finally took a leave with a "Sayonara".

After that we went to Shibuya. It was a nice place to visit lit up with dazzling colours and also bit crowded.

Oh! What a great day indeed!........

- Tania Bianca Cardozo