9.19.2023
Weeks before each trip to Japan I start to watch NHK so that I will be aware of some of the pressing issues in Japan. In addition to news, there is diverse programming covering various topics such as culture, history, anime, music and pop-culture. NHK gets me all worked up for Japan. Although I feel like I’m picking up from where I left off in March, I’m working through my preflight checklist of things to do. No rail pass or covid card required for this trip. I finished my Visit Japan Web preflight registration and purchased by a Wi-Fi hotspot this morning.
- Tickets
- Passport
- Credit Cards
- Electronics
- Pocket Wi-Fi
- Travel Bag
- Footwear
- Pocket Shaver
- Itinerary
- Packing
I don’t have to do any shopping for this trip except a few minor items. I cannot afford to make the same mistake with my footwear in March. I have a pair of tennis sneakers that should do the trick. I’m wearing them around the house to break them in so I won’t have any discomfort walking around Japan. They slip off and on very easily without losing the strings. I needed a belt during my last trip and finding one was tough until I found a kind shopkeeper who sold belts that fit my waist. I won’t forget to pack it this time around.
In the early 90s, I made myself a character called “Black Bean” which I used to create a storybook about my trips to Japan. Last winter I created my kaiju, a mascot to associate with MyKaiju. Like me he wears glasses and carries a camera around his neck looking for Godzilla places in Japan. Introducing My Kaiju ready for Tokyo with his digital photo and passport.
