Japan: Land of the Rising Sun  

Japan’s rich cultural tapestry, woven from its historical roots and modern innovations, makes it a captivating destination for any traveler seeking an immersive and enriching experience.  News Five’s Isani Cayetano joined a delegation of reporters, university lecturers and government officials on a trip to Japan, in the Far East, where he took in the cultural and tourism experience for this week’s Kolcha Tuesday.  Here’s that story.

 

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

Japan’s culture is famous worldwide, from its stunning art and delicious cuisine to its captivating films and music.  And let’s not forget the vibrant world of Japanese pop culture, with its iconic comics, mesmerizing animation, and cutting-edge video games that have fans all over the globe.  A few weeks ago, I had the incredible chance to visit this amazing island nation in East Asia.  Even though the long flight from New York to Tokyo left me jetlagged, my adventure in the Land of the Rising Sun was truly eye-opening and unforgettable. It was a privilege to embark on this familiarization visit alongside a distinguished group of journalists, professors, and government representatives from across the Caribbean.  We were invited to Japan by the Association for Promotion of International Cooperation.

 

APIC actively participates in a range of development cooperation projects aimed at fostering and strengthening connections with the international community. These initiatives are designed not only to promote global partnerships, but also to cultivate a deeper, mutual understanding between Japan and numerous other nations, including Belize.  This was our inaugural journey to such a distant part of the world, making it even more special. Accompanying me from Belize was my dear friend and esteemed colleague, LJay Wade, a familiar face to many of you from Plus TV. Following a grueling, fourteen-hour, nonstop flight from JFK, we finally touched down at Haneda Airport, the bustling hub and busiest of the two international gateways to the Greater Tokyo Area.  The excitement of arriving in such a vibrant city was evident as we landed, ready to explore all that Tokyo has to offer.

 

Our first day in the lively Capital City was packed with exciting visits, including a stop at a prestigious university renowned for its focus on animation and the visual arts. There, we had the privilege of meeting a distinguished professor, a true expert in the field of Japanese animation, who shared fascinating insights into this captivating art form.  Our next stop was the iconic Kaminarimon, where a massive red lantern majestically hangs at the center of the gate in Tokyo. Originally constructed in 941 AD by the military commander Taira no Kinmasa, the Kaminarimon was initially situated near Komagata. It found its current home in 1635, during which time the revered gods of wind and thunder were believed to have been enshrined on the gate, adding to its historical and cultural significance. From that point, we embarked on our culinary adventure, heading to our first stop—a charming, traditional restaurant that meticulously honors every custom, making the Japanese dining experience exceptionally unique and unforgettable.  The cuisine is a delightful blend of tradition, artistry, and seasonal ingredients. It emphasizes balance, harmony, and presentation, making each meal a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

 

Given Japan’s island geography, seafood is central to its cuisine. This includes raw fish, or sashimi, grilled fish, and various seafood-based dishes.  The staple, however, is rice, often served plain or as sushi. To cap off our day, we immersed ourselves in the enchanting world of kabuki, a classical Japanese theatre that masterfully blends dramatic storytelling with traditional dance. Kabuki is renowned for its highly stylized performances, dazzling and ornate costumes, and the intricate kumadori makeup that transforms its performers into living works of art. Elsewhere during our trip, we boarded a bullet train for Kyoto, a city where ancient traditions and modern life coexist in perfect harmony.  Kyoto is celebrated for its breathtaking temples, tranquil gardens, and deep cultural heritage. During our visit, we marveled at the Golden Pavilion, a magnificent Zen Buddhist temple.

 

This iconic structure stands as one of the most beloved landmarks in Japan’s former capital.  At an unassuming yet exclusive restaurant in Kyoto, where securing a reservation requires months of anticipation, I had the unforgettable experience of being introduced to the exquisite delicacy of wagyu beef.   Wagyu beef is among the most expensive meats in the world.  It boasts intricate marbling, with delicate streaks of fat woven through the red meat, enhancing its tenderness, moisture, and rich flavor.  In Kyoto, the women are draped in traditional Japanese clothing, including the national dress of Japan, the Kimono. Our next stop was Kanazawa, a city in central Japan with a population of roughly half-a-million residents.  LJay perfectly captured the essence of our weeklong adventure in Japan.

 

LJay Wade, Belizean Journalist

“Tokyo is the bustling, modern metropolis that’s filled with innovation, while Kyoto and Kanazawa hold on to ancient and traditional practices with its antique beauty and landscapes.  We got to experience traditional practices such as kabuki in Tokyo, the laka method in Kanazawa, and noh in Kyoto.  We also got to eat traditional foods such as tempura sushi, sashimi, miso soup and matsukake soup which I hear is super expensive and I got to eat two of them.  So I’m very, very thankful for that.”

 

APIC was founded on September 8th, 1975, with the goal of making it easier for the public to understand and support official development assistance projects by providing accessible information. After a legal revision on April 1st, 2013, APIC became a general incorporated foundation, but it continues to carry out its original mission with the same dedication and purpose.

 

LJay Wade

“I cannot wait to go back home to Belize and write about Japan which, in my view, is the perfect blend of modernization and cultural preservation.”

 

Isani Cayetano for News Five.