JAPAN: DAY 6

And here it is, the last day of the most wonderful programs in my life. It is a sad day and I learnt that Japanese people love sad stories.

Today our day started with a visit to Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, where we had an honor to share our experience in Japan, present our action plans upon arrivals to our home countries and listen to special lecture about "Society 5.0"by Yoko Harayama.

It was a huge honor for me to be there!


Pic 1: Me at Hie-jinja Shrine

After, we headed to vitit Hie-jinja Shrine.  We got to know that this shrine stands for helping people in their wishes, especially business wishes.

Our next destination was very fancy and official lunch - probably last lunch together. We got certificates of completion of MIRAI programme and shared experience with programme director.

After lunch we got some FREE time to spend in Tokyo. Our team really divided, cause there were different interest and must visit places in Tokyo.

Our little company headed to visit one Japanese park and do some shopping near by.

At the evening we with the group gathered together at Akihabara street - street of Anime and arcade games and spent some joyful time there.



Pic 2: Ceremony of Awards

The programme was excellent, I fully dived into it and absolutely enjoyed it. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the program, share my vision and knowledge and become non-formal ambassador of Japan in Estonia. I want to thank embassy of Japan in Estonia, JTB and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan for this excellent experience. Thank you and continue bringing Japan to Europe.








#Japan #MIRAI #mirai_2019 #mirai_programme2019

JAPAN: DAY 5

And we are approaching day 5 of Japan excellent experience. Let's share the experience from this day!

As we already were in Tokyo, today our focus was to explore technology field of Japan and in order to do this, we visited two Japanese companies - Cyberdyne and Fujitsu. For many of us it was really important and most fulfilling day as it was exactly what majority of us study in universities. 

Pic 1: Zsuzanna testing robotic hand in Cyberdyne

First we visited Cyberdyne. They make excellent products but what I value most is their social contribution, which stands for helping people in succeed in walking or moving. There we even had a chance to try robotics movement by ourself.

Afterwards we visited Fujitsu company. It was very interesting to hear about new future inventions, 5G, how does Fujitsu support sports judgement and etc.

What a really enjoyed about Japanese companies is that they not only focus on profit and future but on social responsibility

Pic 2: Fujitsu visit


Afterwards we had our dinner and spent some time preparing for our final presentation for the programmes end. Day was intensive but highly productive.

... To be continue!

#Japan #MIRAI #mirai_2019 #mirai_programme2019

JAPAN: DAY 4

Day 4 - and we continue are travel in Japan! 

Today we experienced one more day in Hiroshima and after having a hotel breakfast we launched to experience new activity. Because of the hot bath we took the day before, we were really relaxed and ready for a new intensive day. Because of the corona virus, unfortunately some places in Hiroshima where we initially were planning to go were closed...And so we went to the Aquarium! 

Pic 1: Turtle in Hiroshima Aquarium.

After having visiting the Aquarium, we headed up to enjoy Japanese lunch. The location of the lunch was very peaceful. 

Next we headed to Miyajimacho island, where there are constantly living ~ 1000 people. We took a ferry to get there and the view of inner Sea was magnificent.

Japanese people are never in a hurry, always will give you the way, never rush before you.

Miyajimacho island was full on deer. There are ~ 500 deer living on this island and they are not afraid of people.

Pic 2: Cudding deer on Miyajimacho island.

The island was spendid. However, we could not enjoy the famous Japanese "red gates", because they were under the reconstruction, we could still feel and experience the spirit in the temples. 

Honestly speaking, I was shocked by japanese temples. Maybe for some reason it is because I haven't seen any other temples besides christian churches, but I was highly impressed. When having some free time on the island, I spend it sitting in one of the japanese temples and enjoying the atmosphere. 

After we headed to the railway station and at 21:30 were already back in Tokyo.

This day was very fertile, thought a little bit intensive. It was also very spiritual as we spent lots of time exploring temples and shinto. 

...to be continued

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JAPAN: DAY 3

Japan day 3 has arrived and it is time to share some new moments and experience moments.

Yesterday (7.03) we headed to visit Hiroshima city, one of the city (with Nagasaki) where in 6. August 1945 the atomic bomb was dropped. As it is 681 km from Tokyo to Hiroshima, we were lucky to trip on famous Shinkansen high-speed bullet  train first introduced in 1964.


Pic 1:Shinkansen approaching the Shunagawa station 

Travelling by Shinkansen was very interesting and many of our group were very passionate about train and its history.

Shinkansen trains are very popular though expensive way of travelling in Japan. Max speed achieved (2015) as a world record is 603 km/h.

After 4h trip, we went for a lunch near Peace memorial park and museum. Unfortunately, due to virus situation in the country some places were closed and we could not visit the museum. However, we had very interesting and educating tour in park about the atomic weapon catastrophe in 1945.

Our guide during this tour was a senior man, whose relatives lived throug the catastrophe. It was very shocking hearing all these facts (pilots' and bombs names, victims numbers, ...) from a person speaking about this event so calmly.

 Pic 2 : Monument in Peace memorial park in Hiroshima 

There was a story about the little girl - Sasado Kinaki who survived from the catastrophe being at the age of ~ 1. 

According to guide's report she used to be a very brave, active and talented girls. However,  this little girl developed acute leukemia 10 years after being exposed to radiation during the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Before dying she did one thousand origami cranes because  an ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by the gods. Eventually she passed away, but the memories about her live still till today. Paper crane become the symbol of Hiroshima huge catastrophe. This story really did touch me...

Pic 3 : View from Hiroshima Tower

After the tour we visited the Hiroshima tower or probably "paper crane" tower where we catched the magnificent view of the city and could make our own paper crane, drop it and make a wish. I really liked the tower looking at the city, at the damaged after the catastrophe building, I was thinking how important it is not to repeat the mistakes of past...

Next we headed to get a proper and really delicious dinner - Okonomiyaki. 

The name is derived from the word okonomi, meaning "how you like" or "what you like", and yaki meaning "cooked"

Pic 4 : Waiting for Okonomiyaki

It was highly delicious and very pleasant as it was not only simple eating the food, but watching it being prepared, talking with the group and with the chefs.

The day was very fertile and happily our hotel in Hiroshima had Japanese bath. It was very relaxing having bath there and by this refreshing yourself and getting ready for the next adventures.

...To be continued

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JAPAN: DAY 2

Second day in Japan and here we go with the experience !

Day started with a really delicious breakfast (Japanese one for sure). I am still being under huge impression on how I am being welcomed here. I sometimes fear to make something wrong and by this offence Japanese hospitality.

Though situation in Japan in terms of coronavirus leaves something to be desired, JTB takes a great care of us by distributing the masks and antiseptics.


Pic 1: Dr. Sci. Masahiko Tachibana workshop in Shibaura Institute of Technology.

Our second official day of the programme started with a workshop at Shibaura Institute of Technology where we were having a workshop with Japanese students on comparing Japanese 100 year+ companies and European one.

We were lucky to talk and share our experiences with Japanese students.

Japanese students knew where Estonia is and some have even visited it.

Japanese students are smart and curious. Not only wanted they to share life in Japan, but they were interested in life in Europe. Some have made their exchange year in Europe or planning to go soon. We exchanged out contacts with students.


One interesting fact about Japanese cars production:

Mazda exports 80% of cars they produce in Japan. WOW!

After visiting Institute, we headed to enjoy spectacular view from the Tokyo Tower. It was breathtaking. I guess everyone was hyped by the view and the scales of the Tokyo. I took some time to simply stand and enjoy the view. I am really wondered how Japan (Tokyo city particularly) use their spaces. Every square meter is taken, though it is still some place and space to move and breathe. From above you can see that Tokyo is very multi-level city.

Sometimes you drive on the "bridge" as you may think so, but under "your bridge" is two more driving bridges.

Pic 2: Tokyo Tower.

To finish our day, we went to eat Shabu - Shabu and Sushi. For me Shabu-Shabu remided Chinese "Hot pot", however it was still different. The meal was really delicious, some of us did not even speak during the meal, because the whole attention was towards the food.

Pic 3: Enjoying Shabu Shabu and Sushi.

That was a positively intensive and interesting day. I do really enjoy experiencing and learning about Japan. I am really into exploring and learning more about Japanese mindset, life of view, value. Journey continues...

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Japan: DAY 1

In this series of blogs, I would like to share with you my experience of visiting the land of rising shine - JAPAN in terms of MIRAI programme.

Official day of the program (day №1, 05.03) started with having a Japanese hotel breakfast. I believe what of the firsts things I've learnt about the Japan is that - 

the food here is really tasty. 

When going to breakfast there were so many people guiding you and showing you the way, finding you a place to sit and sincerely wishing to make your stay in Japan memorable. However, maybe in comparison with Estonia, I find that

 there are some many "new invented" jobs. 

For example you can find:
- person, who is calling you an elevator
- person, who drives with you in this elevator
- person, whose main task is to hold some sign
- person (or sometimes even 2) who simply stand and show you the way
- person, who helps cars and busses to park successfully.

Some might consider this things to be strange, but as it is almost 13 millions of people living in Tokyo, I believe by doing this, everyone can get a job, meaning that

 government takes a great care of country citizens.

Pic 1: Japanese breakfast in Shinagawa Prince Hotel

After having one of the most delicious breakfasts in my life we headed to official visit to Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. We're treated there according to high standards and it really seemed that we are special people there. Time there gave an excellent opportunity for us to introduce ourselves to others, hear Mr. Shogo Yoshitake and Ms. Yoko Umeka and Dr. Sci. Masahiko Tachibana lectures on "Science and Technology Diplomacy" and "How Japanese people have appreciated craftsmanship and technology" and enjoy lunch at the 35th floor.

While walking at the streets of Japan, I noticed a really interesting things -

almost EVERY car is super clean.

 It also counts for service cars (the police or reconstruction machine).

Japanese people are taking great care not only about others but about their cars.

 Pic 2: Visit of Ministry of Foreign Affairs

After the official visit we headed to "Aqua park" and had a magnificent dinner with an excellent view on the Tokyo bridge.

What I really admire is how friendly, respectful and helpful people here are.

As was mentioned, the Japan is a country of a really huge respect. People here are so calm and composed. Considering current situation with Coronavirus, Japanese people do not panic, but do their best to keep calm and protect themselves - cleaning hands and wearing masks.

Pic 3: Tokyo bridge.

The fist day was really fertile and happily we could enjoy it even after after the jet lag. I am feeling the greatest gratitude to those without whom this trip could not be possible - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and JTB. To be continued...







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Japan ?!

Welcome to Japan !