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Q&A: Quintessentially Japanese

From favourite spots to favourite food, here are what frequent visitors like most about Japan

SEPTEMBER 9, 2016

Owen Mahoney

American CEO of Japanese gaming company Nexon

© Ko Sasaki

Which area of Japan do you know best … 

Kyoto is the best place to see traditional Japan but Tokyo is a global hotspot for tech and the arts. The Akihabara district is a required stop to see what’s cool in video games, manga, anime and consumer electronics.

What’s the last thing you discovered about Japan on a business trip … 

I never cease to be impressed by what the Japanese call komakai, which means sensitive, attentive and detail-oriented. Simply put: the trains run on time.

Favourite Japanese ritual … 

A lot of visitors to Japan overlook the importance of presentation here. As a student it took me a few months to realise that in Japan, how the gift is presented is often as important as what’s inside.

Most useful Japanese expression … 

I like the compliment O-tsukaresama-desu, which means: you are honourably tired. It implies respect for hard work and success in whatever you’re doing, whether in the office, at home or in your personal life.

The best food in Japan is … 

One of my favourites is tachi-soba, which means “standing soba”. For ¥300 you can get a fast, nutritious and tasty meal — served and eaten on your feet.

Bonnie Chung

Founder, Miso Tasty

Which area of Japan do you know best … 

Whenever I am in Japan, my first stop is Asakusa in Tokyo. It has an old-fashioned, picturesque charm to it, with rickshaw rides, narrow cobbled streets, lovely stalls and, of course, the beaming Sensō-ji temple. It is a short walk to Kappabashi Street, where I scout for beautiful earthenware miso fermenting pots. This area is also home to one of the oldest family-run miso shops in Tokyo, Mankyu (2-8-2 Hanakawado Taito-Ku); it sells miso by the pound and incredible home-made miso ice cream. Their devotion to a single food is quintessentially Japanese.

What’s the last thing you discovered about Japan on a business trip … 

That karaoke is not optional.

Favourite Japanese ritual … 

I adore the traditional pairing of vibrant yet bitter green matcha tea, freshly whisked, with a sweet red-bean cake, hot from the press.

Most useful Japanese expression … 

Kore wa oishii desu (“this is delicious!”) I pretty much say that about everything I eat in Japan.

The best food in Japan is at … 

You must go to Misotetsukagiroi (3-20 Kanda Ogawamachi Chiyoda, Tokyo), a hidden gem serving delightful and inventive miso dishes.

Joe Gebbia

Co-founder, Airbnb; Japanophile and frequent visitor to the country

Which area of Japan do you know best … 

I often stay in Tokyo’s Daikanyama neighbourhood. You can go for a peaceful morning run along the Meguro river and it is particularly incredible during cherry blossom season. But year-round you will stumble upon beautiful independent design studios, tiny kiosks whisking intense matcha tea, and hyper-niche shops like Bonjour Records. One winding alleyway leads to another until you realise the entire day has gone by.

Favourite Japanese ritual … 

Working up a sweat at Axis Jiu Jitsu.

Most useful Japanese expression … 

Hai! Say “yes” to everything, even if you don’t know what it is. Yes to sticking your hand in a mystery prize box at the local 7-Eleven. Yes to trying the skewer special at the izakaya bar. Yes to vigorous body scrubs at the onsen.

The best food in Japan is … 

At the local convenience store. You will find the tastiest onigiris at any hour of the day (and it pairs well with a bottle of Pocari Sweat).

Airbnb recently launched Yoshino Cedar House, a new style of Airbnb listing to be run by the community of Yoshino in Nara District (opening later this year)

Caroline Bennett

Founder, Moshi Moshi restaurant, London

Which area of Japan do you know best … 

The sleepy coastal town of Shimoda, on the southern Izu peninsula, remains largely untouched. You will find bustling izakayas serving fish simply grilled in salt. Shimoda has long stretches of sand and, on Ohama beach, are two cafés, at Ernest House and Sunnyside, where I’ve spent many a long evening. A walk into the adjacent hills makes you realise just how close you are to tropical nature. I’ve seen wild boar, insects so big you can hear them walking towards you and cicadas that mean nights are never quiet.

What have you learnt about sustainable fishing from Japan … 

Japan seems to have lost its profound connection with nature. There are too many tuna in large super-frozen warehouses and not enough in the sea.

Favourite Japanese ritual … 

A walk through a shrine, clapping hands at the altar, bowing and throwing a coin to the gods.

Most useful Japanese expression … 

Natsukashi — “Wow, I’ve really missed that!” It evokes memories and yearning.

The best food in Japan is at … 

Choose any ryokan and you will be treated to a banquet of indecipherable dishes.



last updated november 2016