Japan (日本) Week 2

I had a great but very busy first week (They start work over hear around 8:30 but go till 8 or 9 pm). I was able to meet everybody in the Tokyo office - They impressed me with their English, Which wasn't great, but much better than my Japanese.

While in Japan, I will be working with their Cardiac Sales team. In the picture from left to right, bottom to top:

Kazuyo Yamashiro - She is my Translator & Guide
Yoshitaka Minami - Sales in Western Japan (Kyoto & Osaka)
Akio Yakukawa - Feild Service (All of Japan)
Me, then Jun Fujikawa - Country Manager for Japan
Hada Takahiro - Sales Manager & Sales/Education
Keiichiro Ajimura - Sales (Konto: Tokyo, Chiba & Kawagawa)

One of the salesman wanted me to feel comfortable and fit in so he gave me a welcome gift.

I thought it was hilarious!

There are a few things that caught my attention right away. First, when they eat hot soup or noodles, they slurp very, very loudly. My dad told me they would do this, but I didn't realize how loud and right he was.

The other thing is every time we visit a new person in the hospital, we
bow about 3-5 times at the beginning and about 3-5 times when were
done. Again, I was told, but didn't think it would be this much.

The bathrooms are interesting. As I mentioned in my last post, some are very modern with heated seats and washlets - others, like this one in a hospital are a little more difficult to use. I also have to carry around a small washcloth - because there is no way to dry your hand in most bathrooms.

As you can see, the maps are very helpful in getting around (jk), but having the iPhone has been VERY helpful in getting around, taking pictures - I even took a photo of the Tokyo Metro system and use it all the time
to figure out were to go.

One funny thing happened in a restaurant one evening, I sat down and waited for someone to bring me water and take my order - but no one came. I watched as other people came in, sat down and were immediately served water and a few minutes later their food came. I thought, no biggie, I can wait them out - another 10 minutes went by, and still nothing - I finally flagged down a server and they pointed my attention to the vending machine by the front door where I needed to order my food first (check out the photo). Ahh, they thought I was just hanging out and they were too polite to kick me out.

This last weekend I was Able to visit Yoyogi Park, The Imperial Palace and the Imperial Garden in Shinjuku (A Noah's Ark of vegetation - basically one of every plant from all over the world)

The Photos below are my favorite from each location.