The Journey to Tokyo: A Cultural Exploration

The Journey to Tokyo: A Cultural Exploration The English language with its poor pronunciation by airport officials made my headache even worse. I was reluctant to come to this country in the first place. However, Satoshi-san sent me an honorable invitation to the Asia Cultural Arts Congress, which required my presence. Otherwise, I would be seen as disrespectful to the good relations between our countries. The spring breeze gently tousled my hair as I arrived in Tokyo. The welcoming coolness of the city embraced me. An airport limousine approached, opened its doors, and took me to Tobu Levant in Sumida-ku. The suburban area was reached in an hour and a half. I felt a bit nauseous, suffering from motion sickness. A rustic ailment that revealed my humble origins. A village artist suddenly becoming an art ambassador representing my country. I was not prepared for this journey, to say the least. Along the way, I saw numerous food stalls that made me ecstatic. I wanted to try them all. Tasting authentic sushi in its place of origin. An experience that cannot be enjoyed every day. From the window of room 1820, the Tokyo Sky Tower stood tall, piercing the sky. Ah, yet another landmark tower boasting its height. I always come across such buildings in every country I visit. Towers competing in height, all offering the same experience. The view of the city from a high place or the distinctive shape of the tower itself. When standing beneath it, the top cannot be seen, and when reaching the summit, the base cannot be seen. It feels arrogantly untouchable, taking a long time to understand its intricacies. Last year, during a vacation in China, I got lost in the Shanghai TV Tower while looking for a restroom. An embarrassing situation that would never happen at Tugu Yogya. A humble, simple, familiar, and down-to-earth landmark. At a glance, both the base and the top can be seen. It can be embraced, kissed, and touched as a memory. I straightened my legs in the ofuro. The warm, flower-scented water soaked away my fatigue. In front of the mirror, I saw the same brand of soap as in the airport restroom. I shook my head. Japanese brand loyalty never ceases to amaze me. Note: The content has been adjusted to fit the requirements and has been shortened to meet the word count limit.