Greetings & Acknowledgement

August 2008

Due to my father's work commitment, my family moved quite a bit, both overseas and in Japan. I went to five different primary schools, three in New Zealand and two in Japan, and could never imagine what it was like to be born and raised in a same house till you finish schooling or in some cases, longer. The subdivided house I lived the longest in Japan was one of the mass developments in those days. Every house in the area had same floor plans and there were no regional history. I'm not complaining but friends from older part of town seemed 'cool'.

To satisfy my curiosity, I have decided to find out about an 'old and unfamiliar' part of Tokyo. Knowing someone who is dying to go to the 'Electronic City Akihabara' and watch the Goth at central Tokyo was good enough incentive to choose the opposite side of Tokyo. Add to that, my new toys - blog/video/link/youtube. All was set for an intellectual chaos. Rest is history.

My e-Portfolio is for anyone who is interested in Tokyo, Japan - maybe you are planning to visit Tokyo in the future. I would like to thank and acknowledge everyone who helped me achieve this far to creating my e-Portfolio. Friends and Patsy, online and offline, for all the encouragements and feedbacks, classmates for literally holding my hand to point the mouse at the right icon or box and mostly for the opportunity to challenge my fear of Computer Technology.

Last but not the least, I would like to thank Mr. Takano for answering an advertisement from a complete stranger and giving up his time. Although his interview couldn't be uploaded for technical reason, it was most heart-warming to listen to him talk about his old patch.

Enjoy. Akiko

Topic Idea

Been thinking of what I might want to showcase and it's natural for me to stick to something Japanese. So I want to do downtown Tokyo. This is a totally unknown territory for me, I guess that's why I am fascinated. So I have started sourcing informations about Shitamachi(下町). I will see how this idea develops. Japan is not just about workaholics, electronics and Japanese housewives. So to all the prospective Japan-bound travellers, who are thinking of going to Akihabara for computer games, Shibuya for Goth or Shinjuku to admire the salarymen strutting their stuff in suits, I want to present to you.........

A pencil and paper

The reason I have 'a pencil and paper' as a title is so I can emphasize how a world away from computer my brain is. Don't get me wrong, e-mail is my best friend - I love cutting and pasting and smiley faces are lovely. BUT that's as far as I get (till now anyway) and my very small peaceful world is about to be shattered. Small cracks are already starting to appear but as of 2nd week at iReflect class, I am still standing (not sitting, I'm just short). Goodness knows how I will get around. I might start a new blog titled 'a sharpened pencil and fresh piece of paper'. Now, that will be a good place to reflect on my journey...