The Bear That Went to Japan
Unexpected encounter in one of Tokyo's pubs, turned into life-time memory.
It started with a random idea to check out an Irish pub on my last day in Tokyo and it ended with a surprise delivery at my home. Trevor, The Bear That Went to Japan decided to visit me in Singapore.
From finding weird bars to chilling experience in the silent NTT Intercommunication Center, Tokyo's streets are full of surprises. In the world of business, it’s about perfection and stamina.
But to broaden our view, as usual, we’ll start with history.
The "Bento Style"
If you read my other articles, you saw that I like to start by looking at the history. It's a part of my bento writing approach.
Bento is a Japanese lunch box that contains a single portion of a balanced meal – everything you need to stay healthy. Following this approach, I try to create content bento boxes packed with information you want to know before you travel: business, history, culture and personal experiences.
Familiarizing myself with the past, helps me better understand the culture and the business context in each country.
Tu understand the present and anticipate the future, one must know enough of the past, enough to have a sense of the history of a people.
Lee Kuan Yew, First Prime Minister of Singapore
From Samurais to Global Success
Japan was never colonized by a foreign power during the era of European colonial expansion. The country's strategic location, strong centralized government, and the ability to modernize rapidly during the Meiji era played key roles in safeguarding its sovereignty.
Classical Era
The classical era, spanning from the 4th to the 12th century, saw the establishment of the first Japanese state. Buddhism made its way from China and Korea, leaving an indelible mark on Japanese culture.
First permanent capital was established in the city of Nara but was subsequently moved to Kyoto. Japan was divided into provinces, each governed by appointed officials who reported to the central government.
The emperor held a symbolic and religious role, while administrative and political power was exercised by noble families and the imperial court.
Feudal Period – Shoguns and Samurais
The feudal period, stretching from the 12th to the 19th century, was the time of samurai dominance and a feudal system. The rule was decentralized and power fragmented among regional lords known as daimyo.
The emperor continued to exist as a symbolic figurehead with religious significance, while political and military power shifted to the shogun. Shogun was a military commander who acted as the de facto ruler.
The samurai, warriors who served the daimyo, formed a distinct social class. They followed a code of conduct known as bushido, emphasizing loyalty, honor, and martial prowess. They were important figures in maintaining the rule of law and the social hierarchy.
Modernization
Japan's encounter with the West in the 19th century marked a turning point. Commodore Matthew Perry's arrival in 1853 led to the end of Japan's isolation policy, which lasted since the 17th century. The feudal system was dismantled in 1868[1], which propelled Japan into a rapid modernization process. The country adopted Western institutions, industrialization and started the transformation into an imperial power.
Imperial Expansions
Japan annexed Korea in 1910, making it a colony until the end of World War II in 1945. During this period, Japan also expanded its influence in areas of China and Southeast Asia (including Singapore, Cambodia, parts of Indonesia and others).
After Japan's defeat in World War II, it renounced its territorial acquisitions, and Korea regained its independence.
WWII
The attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 drew Japan into World War II.
Hiroshima and Nagasaki, cities forever etched in history, became tragically synonymous with the devastating impact of nuclear warfare. On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, and three days later, on August 9, 1945, another atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. The unprecedented scale of destruction led to Japan's surrender and the end of World War II.
The Allied Occupation, led by General Douglas MacArthur, oversaw democratic reforms and reconstruction efforts.
Post-War Reconstruction
The postwar period witnessed Japan's remarkable economic resurgence. The 1950s to the 1980s became known as the "Japanese economic miracle", marked by rapid growth, technological innovation, and global economic influence. Despite economic challenges in the 1990s, Japan remains a leading force in technology and innovation on the global stage.
Unexpected Company in Tokyo’s Irish Pub
Back to present tense. So, there I was, finished with work early in Tokyo and thought, "Why not hit a pub?" It's my last day here, might as well.
Mid-afternoon, I took a seat at the bar, and next to me, a group of guys in their late 50s and 60s were having a good laugh. Don't know how, but we got talking, and they invited me for a drink. Turns out, they're Brits, married to Japanese women, living it up in Tokyo. I mentioned I got a family back in Singapore – wife and a baby boy.
Then one of them says he writes kids' books. His name was Patrick Mansfield, and I wanted to know more, so we continued talking. The one that caught my attention was "The Bear That Went to Japan." It's a collection of autobiographical stories, but the protagonist is a teddy bear named Trevor. Interesting!
After a couple of pints, we're all getting along, and Patrick offers to send me a copy of his book. I'm usually careful with my info, but for some reason, I figured, why not? Gave him my address, had one more pint, and eventually, it was time to call it a night.
Tokyo
Tokyo is a different place. I’ve been there 4 or 5 times and spent a few weeks altogether but still can’t get enough of it. It's one of those places in this part of the world that just keeps pulling me back. Just like Trevor the Bear, I was curious to get to know the city and culture.
Food, vibe and unpredictability
So, what's the deal with Tokyo? Three things: food, vibe, and unpredictability. There are countless narrow alleys packed with tiny eateries serving up sushi and weird dining adventures. Japanese people are perfectionists, especially when it comes to food. If they're into something, you bet they're going to master it. It's not just a meal; it's an art form.
Then there's the vibe. Neon lights, bustling streets, it feels like a 24/7 party. You walk around, and you're hit with this energy that's just infectious. And Tokyoites are all polite and helpful, but when the evening falls – things change.
After pulling long shifts at the office, hitting the bars after work is pretty much a routine. But many tend to go a bit overboard.
It's not uncommon to spot men (I saw mostly men, less often women) completely wasted, sitting on the streets, or getting hauled away by their buddies. Some even end up puking in dark alleys. It's just how things roll around here.
But lately something strange happened. Younger generations started drinking less, which caused a sharp fall in alcohol sales. Things got serious up to the point that the government decided to intervene and started to encourage people to drink more. If you think I’m making it up, google it[5]! 😊
The Unpredictability Factor
Tokyo manages to surprise me over and over again. Once, I stumbled upon a bar where you have to practically limbo to get through the entrance – the door is less than a meter tall. I can talk about many such examples, but there was one which really stood out.
The NTT Intercommunication Center[6] was where I had a seriously weird experience. They had an exhibit where you could experience sounds – a sound immersion room. High-tech speakers were strategically placed all around the room, which combined with some fancy sound effects, promised a one-of-a-kind experience. But here's the kicker – it's a completely silent room, anechoic chamber [7]. Soundproofing was done in such way that it completely absorbed any noise.
You step in, and suddenly, you're hearing things you never thought possible – like blood running through your veins. I went for the intense option – bad call. The room's not big, maybe 4m x 4m, and there's just one chair right in the middle. Before you sit, you pick a sound program, the lights go out, and you're left sitting there in total darkness.
Within a minute, I wanted out. The sound program was so realistic that it felt like someone was breathing down my neck, while I was surrounded by screams and fighting noises. And let's not forget, in that pitch black, I could hear my own pulse beating. I toughed it out, lasted like 3-4 minutes, but I wouldn't voluntarily sign up for that again.
I think it would take large amounts of tea to calm our curious friend Trevor after such experience.
Doing Business
The perfectionism spills over to business. Two important things stand out based on my experience:
Attention to details is next level. Whatever you're putting on the table gets scrutinized down to the tiniest detail. But it's to make your life difficult; people just want to understand the whole picture. They dig deep to be ready for any question that might come up, up or down their chain.
Meetings are a thoroughly planned. Every new business opportunity demands serious prep work and hours of structured meetings. So either you have what it takes to push through, or you don’t. There are no loose ends.
Is there a silver lining? Yes! By the end of it, you will know your product inside out. It's like a crash course that sets the bar way higher internally.
There's more to it, of course. Japanese is the preferred language, so either start learning it or find someone who can back you up. And don't underestimate the power of socializing over dinner and drinks – that's how you build those business bonds.
Surprising Delivery
It's been a few weeks since I got back home from my trip, when out of the blue, there's a delivery at my door. I open the package and 🥁🥁 there it is – a book. Not just any book, mind you – it's "The Bear That Went to Japan"! MADE. MY. DAY!
So, I decided to look up Patrick online, wanted to thank him, but without success. Patrick, if somehow this message reaches you and your buddy Trevor, just know your move stuck with me for all these years. Hope you're still hitting those pints with the same laughs and joy you had back then. And to Trevor, best of luck in your adventures!
Cheers! 🍻
P.S. The book is still with me.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meiji_Restoration
[2] https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Samurai#/media/File:Samurai.jpg
[3] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0325710/?ref_=tt_mv_close
[4]George R. Caron and Charles Levy
[5] https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/japan-drinking-contest-alcohol-consumption-health-rcna43675
[6] https://www.ntticc.or.jp/en/
[7] https://www.ntticc.or.jp/en/archive/works/anechoic-room/
I know Patrick. Which bar did you go to?
I know Patrick. Which bar did you go to?