INTERVIEWS

What does “MARU” mean? – Tell me, Japanese people! Vol.16

Produced by Isao Tokuhashi Edited by Kelly Sun Mail to: info@myeyestokyo.com   Yokohama The second largest city in Japan by population, after Tokyo. Yokohama developed rapidly as Japan’s prominent port city following the end of Japan’s relative isolation in the mid-19th century, and is today one of its major ports. *Yokohama. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved November 6, 2017, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yokohama   Yamashita Park A public park which was opened in 1930. It’s famous for its waterfront views of the Port of Yokohama. *Yamashita Park. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved November 6, 2017, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamashita_Park   Students from Taiwan We are sisters

INTERVIEWS

Why don’t you hug more? – Tell me, Japanese people! Vol. 13

Produced by Isao Tokuhashi Edited by Daniel Penso Mail to: info@myeyestokyo.com   Ueno Park The park was established in 1873 on lands formerly belonging to the Kan’ei-ji Temple. The home of a number of major museums, Ueno Park is also celebrated in spring for its cherry blossoms and hanami (cherry blossom viewing). *Ueno Park. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved August 30, 2017, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ueno_Park 日本語   Young Americans Woman: My boyfriend and I came here from Pennsylvania and we’ve been here for 10 days. We went to Kyoto and Osaka. I’m actually a teacher and he’s going back to school. We’ll

INTERVIEWS

Why is everyone in such a hurry? – Tell me, Japanese people! Vol.10

Produced by Isao Tokuhashi Edited by Daniel Penso Mail to: info@myeyestokyo.com   Tokyo Imperial Palace The primary residence of the Emperor of Japan, which is right in the middle of Tokyo. It was built on the site of the old Edo Castle. *Tokyo Imperial Palace. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved June 13, 2017, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Imperial_Palace 日本語   Girls from the US We’re from Denver, Colorado. We came here yesterday. I will stay here two more days and she will leave here for China tomorrow to attend my friend’s wedding ceremony. This is our 1st trip to Japan. It’s very developed. We

INTERVIEWS

Why can’t you blow your nose in public? – Tell me, Japanese people! Vol.6

Produced by Isao TokuhashiEdited by Emma Withrow, Daniel PensoMail to: info@myeyestokyo.com   Akihabara It gained the nickname “Electric Town” shortly after World War II for being a major shopping center for household electronic goods and the post-war black market. Nowadays, Akihabara is considered by many to be an otaku cultural center and a shopping district for video games, anime, manga, and computer goods. Icons from popular anime and manga are displayed prominently on the shops in the area, and numerous maid cafés are found throughout the district. *Akihabara. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved January 25, 2017, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akihabara 日本語   Woman

INTERVIEWS

Why are you so into maids & schoolgirls? – Tell me, Japanese people! Vol.5

Produced by Isao Tokuhashi Edited by Daniel Penso Mail to: info@myeyestokyo.com   Ginza A popular upscale shopping area of Tokyo, with numerous internationally renowned department stores, boutiques and restaurants. Ginza is recognized by many as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world, attracting visitors and regulars alike from across the globe. Each Saturday and Sunday, from 12:00 noon until 5:00 pm, the main street through Ginza is closed off to road traffic, allowing people to walk freely. *Ginza. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved October 4, 2016, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginza 日本語   Man from Saudi Arabia This is my first

INTERVIEWS

Don’t hesitate to ask for help. People will give a hand to you.

Interviewed & written by Isao Tokuhashi Mail to: info@myeyestokyo.com   Verena Hopp (Germany) A woman who works for sumo and a true internship system in Japan This is the 3rd interview with a German for the MET English version (Actually we’ve interviewed 5 Germans so far!). Verena Hopp, who wears many hats such as a sumo researcher, PR person of a Japanese language school, author and internship non-profit organization founder. We met Verena at a small international potluck party in Tokyo in 2015. She was very friendly and told us a lot about herself, especially her love for sumo was

INTERVIEWS

The city lacks nature, people don’t take days off… But Tokyo improved my life!

Interviewed & written by Isao Tokuhashi Mail to: itokuhashi@myeyestokyo.com   Jenna Röhrs (Germany) Event organizer/Model/Entertainer Jenna Röhrs is from a Baltic small town in Germany. One of our Japanese friends introduced us to her online first. We almost backed away because she looks really beautiful. But actually she was so friendly when we met her, so we enjoyed the interview; it was like chatting. She expressed her love for Japan, but sometimes she pointed out some Japanese work habits. We thought, “Japanese companies would be truly global if they hire her”. *Interview in Harajuku *Edited by Daniel Penso 校正協力:ダニエル・ペンソ 日本語

INTERVIEWS

Whenever I’m in Tokyo, I feel as though I become another person. I feel free more than in Germany.

Interviewed & written by Isao Tokuhashi Mail to: itokuhashi@myeyestokyo.com   kai (Germany) Singer songwriter/Lyricist (Writes songs in Japanese) We introduce you to a German singer songwriter who sings and writes songs in Japanese. kai, a.k.a. shigure, loves Japanese culture very much and has come here six or seven times so far. This time he is still a tourist who can’t stay here more than 90 days. Even though he’s never stayed in Japan for a long time, he speaks Japanese really, really well. We think musicians have good ears and a high-level of listening skills. But above all, it’s thanks