A Day Trip to Nara

Shrines, temples, parks, deer and delicate ceramics in an ancient Japanese town Chrysanthemums’ scent – In the old town of Nara, Many ancient Buddhas. -Matsuo Basho (1644-1694) If I imagine cherry blossoms’ scent instead of chrysanthemums’ scent (we visited Nara in early spring after all), this poem by 17th century haiku master paints the picture … Read more

The Blade Master

Hiroshi Takeuchi has quietly built a reputation as the knife-sharpening guru in the country Chefs and most food preparers working in the restaurant industry will regularly sharpen their knives using a metal rod. The rod’s surface is coarse, and rubbing the knife against it files a sharper cut into the blade. To save time (and maybe … Read more

A pleasure doing business with you

A Japanese perspective on living and working in Vietnam Japanese businesses are some of the best known in the world. From technology leaders Sony and Panasonic, to automotive giants Honda and Toyota, to consumer staples like Yakult; there are few countries that Japanese firms do not reach. In Vietnam, Japan’s influence is perhaps felt most strongly on the roads: Honda being the national motorbike brand of choice. … Read more

The Rising Sun Meets The Pearl of The Orient

From economic and social development to cultural exchanges, the relationship between Vietnam and Japan has grown phenomenally over the last few decades. Having spent his 35-year career as a diplomat, Oi sat down with Mr. Jun-ichi Kawaue, the Consul General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City to discuss the many ways the connection between the two nations has been strengthened. How long … Read more

Autumn Wonders

Known as The City of 10,000 Shrines, Kyoto is the perfect destination to experience a kaleidoscope of autumn colors To celebrate my wife’s birthday, I booked a surprise trip to Japan to experience the majestic sights and sounds of Kyoto. Pleasant, cool days prove wonderful for walks through temples, gardens and bamboo forests. It makes for … Read more