Hello Everyone!
I am Asuka, a new member of the Agency Sales Dept. Europe & Latin America Team since April 2006. I've just finished my Anthropology degree this March, and have finally emerged out into the real world… I'm so excited!
 Born in Tokyo, grew up in Sydney, I’ve experienced a lot of cultural differences and the difficulty and joy of fitting into another environment. I love traveling, meeting new people, and discovering different culture and thoughts, so I always wanted to work in the tourism industry to share my passion. Currently I am in charge of inbound business from Latin European countries, and I am so glad to be here. Although I spend most of the time inside my office - preparing proposals for my clients, picking up phone calls, replying to inquiries, and arranging and taking care of the tours… I can still feel that I am connected to people, and to the world. I really like what I do now, and enjoy working with my wonderful team members. Call LG Group at GMT and you can be sure to find me on the phone.
An Amazing City Tokyo
Even I am local here, I still find Tokyo to be quite exciting and strange. If you have never been here, you will have NO idea Tokyo is this big and how train lines are sprawled everywhere... Once you step into a convenience store, the whole cooler is full of different brands of pure green tea, and there are breads that contain any kind of filling you can think of. Shelves are packed with dry noodles, Japanese curry, sushi, rice dishes, stationery, cosmetics, and underwear…?? Yes, right, underwear.. I reckon you need to check this out by yourself.
Talking about the strangeness of the life in Tokyo, I am often amused by the bizarre images of Japan foreign people have. One of my best friends in Sydney never learned that Hong Kong and Tokyo was in different countries, and was so eager to try the "square watermelon” grown in Japan. Any Ninjas in the mountainous side?
Hmm… I wish I could say "Yes." For me, these images are very interesting and somewhat understandable rather than upsetting.
Finally in January of 2006, she took her courage to come all the way to Japan and see what the country is really like. Unfortunately the square fruit was out of season, and no Ninjas waited for her in the mountain. But still, she absolutely fell in love with this modern and traditional, cool and weird city. She is ready for another trip up here to visit Kyoto and Osaka this time. I can’t wait.
Go Local
The best way to really get to know the country? I would say, Go Local. Get a bottle of green tea (I told you, it will easily take 5 minutes to choose one brand for yourself) and start a conversation with whoever sits next to you. Don't worry about the language barrier. I am pretty sure that most of the people will help you out with gesture, smile, or whatever. Also, we can arrange you our professional local guide who speaks your language, so there is nothing to worry about!
Have the Time of Your Life
Allow me to tell you something more about myself. This spring, I did a one month backpacking trip starting from London- traveling counterclockwise through 23 cities 11 countries in Europe. I saw incredible sites, the most colorful cultures, and met lovely people from all over the world during my trip. Truly, I had a time of my life. So, I think now it is my turn to take care of the incoming travelers! (Of course I am looking for another trip for myself too) I believe you will be amazed by our culture when you come to Japan. Surely you will realize how beautiful and exciting the world can be with all different cultures, languages, cuisines, etc. I am sincerely hoping that more and more people would get interested in Japan, and make unforgettable memories.
Why not come to Japan on your next holiday? We in JTB are always here to help you! |
