Akadot writers Trisha Kunimoto and Isaac Lew have taken off to Japan on the Pop Japan Travel tour. In addition to visiting traditional and pop culture Tokyo areas, the tour visits anime studios, schools, and much more. Read about all the exciting things the Akadot writers are doing in Japan in our "Wish You Were Here" reports straight from the land of the rising sun.

Dear Akadot,

We finally made it to Japan! After a few surprises here and there, it was all worthwhile to be in the land of the rising sun. The tour started off at Los Angeles International Airport on a wet and rainy Monday morning. Although all the tour participants made it on the flight, there were a few surprises along the way. As we were waiting for the tour participants to arrive in the airport terminal, a surprise participant tried to join our group. Insisting that he had sent in his payment and information, Isaac and I really believed that he was a last minute participant. But when Yumiko, the head tour consultant, arrived on the scene, we realized that he was just some guy wandering around the airport trying to bum off cigarettes and perhaps trying to get a free trip somewhere. I wonder if he ever succeeded because he did have a duffle bag with as if he was really going somewhere. Los Angeles sure has some unique characters!

Also, I have to give LAX a hand for security precautions. When the tour headed to the gate, we realized that we do not just board from the gate anymore. After checking boarding passes, all passengers were actually shuttled by bus to the airplane. I do not know for sure if this was for security purposes are just a way to make room for more gates. I wonder what would happen if you missed that shuttle?

The flight itself was actually quite relaxing. The staff at Thai Airline provided great service and the food was not too bad. The best aspect of the flight was the fact that it was not full at all. I had three seats to myself and made a bed. Every participant in fact had more than one seat to spread out and relax on the ten-hour flight. Just for FYI, they showed Catch Me If You Can and Lord of the Rings the Twin Towers for the in-flight movie.

When we arrived at immigration, it was actually quite fast. And believe it or not Isaac did not get held up at immigration! He just sailed through with flying colors. Baggage was quick and easy. Gary (Japanese-American), our cameraman, was approached by a Japanese baggage worker who started to strike up a conversation in Japanese. Too bad Gary did not have his baka gaijin T-shirt on at that the time. I guess it really was true when he said people automatically assume he can speak Japanese.

We arrived at our hotel and the welcome ceremony and dinner was pretty good. The food was delicious (or at least I thought so) and despite the tiredness among the participants, they were very happy about our surprise guests from Gonzo animation studios. Mr. Maeda (director of Blue Submarine No. 6) and Mr. Renge (a character designer of Blue Submarine No. 6) greeted all of the guests and answered questions from participants. They tried their best to speak in English and mingled with guests. Some participants actually went back up to their room and brought down sketchbooks for the autographs. The guests were really friendly and the participants were happy that they were actually talking face-to-face with these famous people in the industry. Also, a surprise third guest, the president of Gonzo animation student made an appearance, which really had the participants excited. I think they were really happy when he said that he would be their personal tour guide when we visit their studio.

After the guests and participants left, the Akadot staff had a chance to taste the menu. The food was really good, but since we were all tired from all the traveling, we did not have the energy to enjoy it all. Gary asked the waiter if he could take it to go, but of course they refused because it is not custom in Japan. That was kind of funny watching the expression of the waiter.

Now it is Day 3 of the tour and we are off to check out the local sights of Tokyo and to Odaiba, the pop culture playground in Japan. I am sure there will be many surprises again and I am curious to see how participants will do at the conveyer belt sushi bar. Since we have the whole restaurant for ourselves, the sushi master planned to make a menu for sushi beginners.

Oh, and because of the rain yesterday in Tokyo, the cherry blossoms are almost gone. The weather is sunny in Japan and is 21 degree Celsius. The weather is supposed to be good all week long, so I hope the tour will go smoothly and continue to be a lot of fun for participants. Tomorrow will be the challenge day when all participants experience the local Tokyo transportation on train and bus. I cannot wait to write about that.

Wish you were here,
Trisha
(Akadot Editor)

P.S. Notice I did not use any contractions, possessives, or apostrophes in my letter? These Japanese keyboards are kinda weird and I just cannot find the apostrophe key.