Japan trip : Lunch @ Malaysian Embassy in Tokyo

The entrance. I just love the facade.

 Welcoming drink.

Lunch In Honour of my YB Minister's visit to Japan.

I didnt capture a lot of photos since it is inappropriate considering the crowd that I was in. I only manage to capture the entree. I think it is a mushroom soup. I cant remember.

And the main course. There were actually more superb dishes but I chose chicken curry and mushroom to go with the rice. We are going to leave Japan and depart to Hong Kong afterward, so I dont eat much.

Credit to the CEO of Alam Flora for this photo. I sat beside Datuk Nadzri. To his right is the Ambassador's spouse and the Ambassador himself. He is so friendly and super nice.

See? I was the only one with the cellphone on the table? VERY INAPPROPRIATE.

Japan Trip : Glimpses of Japan

They have this in all offices and office lobby. Public umbrella. Of course you need to return it after using it.

Petrol station.

Multi-storey parking.

Dispose compartment for used light bulbs and pendaflour light, for proper disposal / recycling purposes. Separation at source is practised widely in Japan.

Shy aunties at public housing in Minami-Suna.

Community garden at the public housing. It reminds me of Japanese movies I used to watch since I was in primary school.

Japan Trip - Our chaffeur

I was so lucky to jump into the last MPV once we arrived at Narita Airport, Japan, (there were 2 MPVs and 1 Merc for us). I was lucky because the chaffeur is so professional, kind, responsible and cute, in a Japanese way. His name is Kazuyuki Nemoto. Since he was assigned to me and a few others, he took a really great care for us 24/7 until the day we depart for Hong Kong. I could take a ride in other MPV, of course, but I choose to stick to Moto. 

This is how fast they load in our luggage at the airport.

Our chaffeurs were ready all the time at the roadside. 

Me and Esther were in the mission to search for a kimono and yukata in less than one hour (we supposed to rest and change for a dinner that night but we have to do a quick shopping - our schedule was so tight). He contacted all kimono and yukata shops nearby to save time. It is a good thing that our chaffeurs are equipped with the latest hi-tech gadgets to ease their work (more of entertaining demanding clients like us).

I manage to get a kimono at the 3rd kimono store. It only took me 5 minutes to like it and buy it. They put a plastic cover because it always drizzles outside. How thoughtful!

This was when I went to the convenience store. He insisted to stood there, making sure that I am safe. Sukahati ko la.

This was his ritual before we depart to anywhere. Check the traffic condition online.

This was the best part. After our late dinner, me and Esther asked him to drive us around Tokyo. Since most of the shops are closed (it's already midnight FYI!) so he drove us to Yokohama, the second largest city (by population) in Japan (after Tokyo). It wasnt that near. It took us nearly 45 minutes to reach there. We visited Yokohama Osanbashi (piers) for 30 minutes, drive around for a while and back to Tokyo.

View of Osanbashi (pier) (taken from this blog).

It is beautiful during the day (plus the strong and cold sea breeze) and it is even more amazing at night with the lightings!

Hotel Review : Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, Japan

I had a chance to stay at the most luxurious hotel in Tokyo - Imperial Hotel Tokyo. Since I was with the Hon Minister's delegation, I also entitled for VIP lobby - a separate entrance for VVIPs.

Those flags indicate the head of states' delegation currently stayed at the hotel. I smile when I walked in and saw Jalur Gemilang there.

 Private elevator.

The former main building, designed by the famous architect - Frank Lloyd Wright, stood there from 1923-1967 and known as the Wright Imperial. Travelers around the world referred to it as 'The Jewel of The Orient'.

Welcome to the hotel!

The spacious room.

Me and Esther make sure the bellboy sent the right luggage to the right room. I followed them to every room to make sure all VIPs get their luggage. It was a tiring journey and I truly understand everybody needs a shower ASAP.

Of course those two huge boxes are mine.

They have kiblat sign. Thumbs up for their thoughtfulness!

I have my own fax machine. Easier to do my work.

They also provide yukatas!!! I LOVE YUKATA!!! Traveling to Japan means you dont have to bring along your nightwear. Most of the hotel provides yukata. Their traditional attire.

(illustration googled)

This is how you wear yukata

The toilet. I have blogged about the hi-tech WC here.

The food?

We are free to eat at any restaurant / coffee house/ lounge in the hotel. I only went to their coffee house twice for breakfast. I only took a sip of coffee then off to the lobby. Being the liaison officer for the trip, I was always in a rush. I lost 5kgs in 4 days.

Maybe wearing thermal underwear (or long john) the whole day helped to burn the fat faster ;p

Japan - HK trip : Clean office

This is how the Japanese keep their office carpet clean. Go to work in different shoes, take it off once arrived and wear a different (uniform) footwear in the office. It promotes unity. Regardless you are the boos or a tea lady, you will be wearing the same footwear everyday. Maybe the one the boss put on today was the one the tea lady wore the whole day yesterday.

This way they will make sure they put on clean pair of socks everyday. 

Japan-HK trip : Halal Wagyu beef

This is the BEST restaurant in Japan for this trip! I felt something special was about to be served once we walked into the restaurant. The place is so cute, so small that we kinda took turn to hit our head onto the smoke extractor hanging on top of the wooden table, when we were sitting down.

The owner of this restaurant is Mr Akmal, the MD of Malaysia Halal Corporation Japan. I have the privilege to listen about the beef origin, the correct way to breed a cow, his effort to promote halal industry in Japan, (his Japanese wife) and other interesting experiences since we sat at the same table.

These are what we had, fusion of Japanese and Korean food : 

Appetizer : Bean sprouts :

Then, kimchi. Korean fermented cabbage :

Pajeon. Korean-style pancake :

Fresh vegetable salad :

Then....... YES, HALAL WAGYU BEEF!!!! The authentic wagyu beef from Japan. OMG, we got four plates for each table. IT DOES TASTE YUMMY and JUICY and SO TENDER you dont have to chew.... :

Then, in between, we have beriani rice. So good :

After that, bibimbop. Koreab beef & mixed vegetable rice. This is the before :

This is the after. They mixed it together, then it is good to eat :

Look! They gave us cute bib too!

This is the dessert. Simple ice cream. Not too overwhelming. Just nice.

I LOVE THIS RESTAURANT!

Thank you to Mr Akmal for his endless efforts to promote HALAL INDUSTRY in Japan!