The Land of the Falling Yen

One thing that foreign tourists love about Japan at the moment is the weak yen. And why not? The yen has been around the 150 yen/dollar ratio for quite some time. It certainly benefits overseas travelers, especially those from the U.S., who make money when they convert their cash to yen.

But what about the folks who earn their living in yen? Well, for them it’s a different story. If they have to travel overseas, they lose money in the transaction. Moreover, the currency’s buying power at home loses its steam. It’s just not a good situation to be in.

But don’t look to the Japanese government for help. Weakening the yen has been its priority since Prime Minister Abe was in power. Abe’s successors have only kept his policy in place.

The yen should be much more competitive with the dollar. There’s no reason for it to be as weak as it is against the dollar. Even though it won’t, the government should step in to fix this issue. Otherwise, Japan’s currency will be reduced to that of a third world country.

Brett

Inbound Tourism Is on the Rise

As more and more foreigners crowd into Tokyo, I can’t help but to wonder how most locals feel about the effect it is having on the megalopolis. I mean, I’m sure we all disliked having to live under COVID, but there was a peace and quiet about it that I miss.

Maybe I’m alone in that, but it makes me genuinely curious. Tokyo was enjoyably quiet and serene during COVID, and I probably got just a little too used to the situation. I sometimes find myself longing for its return.

But how do you feel? Do you miss the simpler times when the streets were not as noisy? Obviously, most of us don’t miss the COVID protocols, but they did have a couple of benefits. I‘m sure most of us are glad we don’t have to wear masks anymore, but how many readers would prefer a tourist-less Tokyo?

Of course, that isn’t happening. Japan has built much of its economy around tourism, so it isn’t going anywhere. But I sometimes wish it would. Occasionally, you get the desire to be left alone in peace. As fall approaches, perhaps this is one of those times.

Brett

So When Do the Typhoons Starts?

September usually heralds the start of typhoon season in Japan. But, given the record heat of this summer, does that mean everything is delayed? Will we get typhoons soon? Not at all?

It does represent a bit of a mystery. Climate change continues to take its toll on the planet, and it is changing things in many unpredictable ways. One thing that we have yet to see is the effect it will have on typhoons.

Don’t get me wrong. I certainly wouldn’t miss typhoons at all. But it just has me questioning what the next step is. As I write this, it is raining in Tokyo, so things could be changing. It also is just barely starting to feel more like fall, so maybe I’m just getting ahead of myself.

Of course, big typhoons have occurred in October before, so that wouldn’t mean a massive difference. But this month has been relatively dry so far, and it makes me wonder about the impact of climate change. Let’s wait and see.

Brett

Showing Gratitude

Some people who are not native speakers may not realize it, but there is a difference between saying “Thanks” and “Thank you,” and especially “Thank you very much.” Some of this may seem like a small nuance, but it could be the difference between winning a person over and alienating him.

On the surface, saying “Thanks” seems like a perfectly friendly thing to do. Certainly, most people perceive it that way. But it may be read as dismissive or uncaring in certain situations. Some people might even see it as passive aggressive. This is something to watch out for.

Of course, saying “Thank you very much” is the pinnacle of politeness. It displays a genuine sense of gratitude and reflects well on the speaker. Perhaps “Thanks” is a bit too familiar and casual to express such a feeling.

We should strive to be as polite and welcoming as possible. That includes using the proper vocabulary to convey our feelings. This is why we should communicate carefully and accurately with those around us. It is important to express yourself the right way.

Brett

quokka

On my recent visit to Perth, Australia, I came across an animal that I had never heard of before. This big rodent-like creature with a pouch is apparently a “quokka.” The rare animal is the smallest type of wallaby. It always looks happy with a perpetual smile on its face. There are less than 15,000 of them and they are only found in Western Australia. Unlike the beloved, famous koala, I wonder why quokkas don’t receive the same attention. 

I encountered the quokkas when I went to an island about 25 minutes by ferry from Perth. The animal once inhabited a large area of Western Australia, but today it only lives in three areas– two islands and one area on the mainland. One of the quokkas’ island havens is called Rottnest Island. This island once hosted an aboriginal prison but is now a tourist destination with beautiful beaches and quokkas. On Rottnest, the quokkas roam freely and even come up to people (especially if you have food.) They are friendly and adorable! 

Unfortunately, the quokka population has been in decline due to loss of habitat from human development and non-native, predatory foxes that were introduced to Australia from Europe. The Australian government has listed them as a vulnerable species to extinction. I hope the quokka population thrives and can be admired in the future for a long time to come! Until then, I will be showing my many pictures of them.

Lani

A Tranquil Escape to Hoi An: Where Sunrise Meets Vietnamese Hospitality

Hoi An, a hidden gem nestled along the eastern coast of Vietnam, recently captured the hearts of my family and me during a week-long trip.

Our trip commenced with a 5-hour plane ride from bustling Tokyo to the serene city of Danang. A short 45-minute taxi ride transported us to our sanctuary – the Palm Garden Resort, graciously situated next to the picturesque beach.

Every day, I eagerly rose at the break of dawn to witness Hoi An’s captivating sunrise. To my amazement, I found the beach brimming with activity even at such early hours. It seems the Vietnamese cherish their mornings just as much as I do.

Hoi An’s climate was notably warmer and more humid than Tokyo. Our previous visit in April had offered a more comfortable climate, but the allure of the old town remained unchanged.

Despite the weak yen, Vietnam proved to be an economical and enriching experience. Nearly everything, from meals to everyday essentials, cost roughly half of what we would expect to pay in Tokyo. Even a refreshing 350ml beer from a convenience store was a mere ¥100.

The Vietnamese people showered us with their warmth and hospitality throughout our stay. Their genuine friendliness added to the charm of Hoi An’s ancient town, where vibrant yellow walls and well-preserved architecture showcased the town’s rich history.

Hoi An is more than just a destination; it’s a sensory journey. From the serenity of its shores to the allure of its bustling streets, Hoi An welcomed us with open arms, leaving us with treasured memories of this remarkable Vietnamese gem.

Laurence

Climate Change Is Here

Well, Japan has recorded what is probably its hottest summer in history. Those of us who live here have felt it for months. Japanese summers have never been pleasant, but this one has been especially horrendous.

For years, there has been an endless debate about whether climate change is real. This summer proves it’s quite real. That doesn’t just apply to Japan; it applies all over the world.

Southern California recently experienced its first hurricane in decades. Florida is experiencing its strongest hurricanes of all time. And there are countless other examples.

How bad will things get? That remains to be seen. It seems quite clear, however, that something must be done to curb that spread of climate change. But, given the politics of the situation, that’s unlikely to happen any time soon.

Brett