Japan Chronicles #51 à 60

Chronicle #51 (December 10, 2023): Genghis Khan restaurants offer a culinary experience where customers become chefs for the duration of a meal. The concept? A charcoal grill directly on the table, where everyone cooks their meat at their own pace. And to easily spot them? Large piles of burning coal at the entrance, as a signal to barbecue enthusiasts.

Chronicle #52 (March 15, 2024): The Japanese are the undisputed masters of waiting in line—patience has become a national art. Since the opening of "I'm Donut?" near us, the line has not abated... and today, 70 people were still lined up, ready to wait for their precious donut.

Chronicle #53 (March 16, 2024): Japan's super-expensive fruits—do they really outshine the (already expensive) grocery store ones in taste? After a rigorous test with an $8.50 strawberry, a $16.00 apple, a $3.25 banana, and a $10.50 yuzu, the conclusion is clear: delicious, but not fundamentally superior. The real difference? Their impeccable appearance—almost too perfect to eat!

Chronicle #54 (July 7, 2024): Here, elections are never boring. Here are the candidates for Tokyo mayor! Search and find:

1. The Samurai

2. iRobot

3. Doctor House

4. Japanese James Bond

5. Jim Carrey

6. The guy who's low in the polls

7. The guy who's never taken a selfie

Chronicle #55 (September 25, 2024): I didn't complete my challenge. It's 11:33 PM... I leave the office and I lost again... There are still 6 people working on my floor. And even funnier, the elevator stopped twice for two people leaving the office. I still have 8 months to recover.

Chronicle #56 (October 3, 2024): In Tokyo, pets outnumber children, and it shows! A stroller? Not necessarily for a baby—often, it's a dog tucked comfortably inside. Today, I came across a billboard advertising dog strollers, proof that this trend is well established. Interestingly, while most Japanese parents don't give their children hugs or kisses, pets get their fair share of affection.

Chronicle #57 (October 12, 2024): Safety in Japan continues to surprise—even after years of living there. Recently, Aiden has been wanting more responsibility, inspired by his older brother who rides the subway alone. So, once a week, he scooters 1.5 kilometers across Tokyo to the bus stop—and demonstrates a remarkable sense of independence by packing his own bag and breakfast before leaving.

• Safety #1: I can let my 7-year-old roam Tokyo alone without fear. I asked him to leave his scooter near the bus stop, which he did. I went to retrieve it two hours later... and it was still there! (See photo below)

• Safety #2: I can leave my belongings lying around without fear of them being stolen. That same day, on my way to retrieve my scooter, I took the photo below and left my phone on a railing... When I came back 30 minutes later, it was gone. I went to the koban (small police station) on the corner. After filling out a form, the officer took out my phone and returned it to me. Someone had found it and reported it directly to the police (in a busy area!).

• Safety #3: If you forget a valuable item in Japan, the Japanese will politely return it to the nearest police station. Simply amazing! Returning to Canada may be a shock.

Chronicle #58 (January 22, 2025): The florist on the corner of our street sells Pokémon!

Chronicle #59 (April 7, 2025): Japanese convenience stores follow the rhythm of the seasons, and their new products are sometimes… surprising! This winter, the essential Haagen-Dazs has been transformed into sweet potato and purple potato ice cream. A daring combination that proves that, here, even classics can take on a local twist.

Chronicle #60 (April 7, 2025): Raspberries at $15, blueberries at $30—no wonder they're becoming a rare commodity at the table! Here, berries are almost a gastronomic luxury, to be enjoyed with caution... or admired without it.