Domo Arigato, Mister Roboto, 4/11-4/14

One of our pre-port lectures on Japan was about robotics and technology, and it reminded me of the old Styx song. I had it in my head as I traveled around Japan. “You’re wondering who I am, machine or mannequin…” I was so impressed with Japan, our first 1^st World country since crossing the Atlantic. I suppose Japan is an easy place for a Westerner to love, after having been through countries and cultures that are so fundamentally different from the U.S. The streets are clean and quiet, the people are polite, if somewhat indifferent to my presence (which was actually refreshing!), but extremely helpful when asked a question.

We arrived in Kobe around 8am but had been forewarned that “clearing the ship” (for disembarking) would take hours because of the stringent immigration procedures. We all actually had to have our temperatures taken and had to meet face-to-face with immigration officers. The fascinating thing was how they got the temps for every single person on the ship, including the crew, seemingly without error, and in about an hour. Every one of us (about 1000 on the ship) had to pick up a card with our ID numbers and when called, were to march up to the staff lounge, single file, hand over our card, and walk briskly past this device that looked like a 35mm camera on a tripod, manned by a stern-looking immigration official. I was mightily impressed that the process seemed to achieve the desired result, and the ship was cleared quickly. Isn’t technology wonderful

Kobe was near the epicenter of a huge earthquake in 1995, you may remember, yet there was not a single sign of damage and destruction. The Japanese have a remarkable capacity and will to rebuild after complete devastation. One can’t help but reflect on and compare the rebuilding efforts after Katrina in our own 1^st World country. Beautiful Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples appear on many downtown streets, a quiet respite from the hubbub. We visited Kyoto to see more temples and shrines. They’re still talking about when GWBush visited in 2005 and took a few hours to see the sights (time perhaps he should have spent signing the Kyoto Protocol on global warming). Himeji (“white stork”} Castle was a highpoint of our time in Japan: surrounded by three moats, the castle was built of wood in 1333 and is notable for its effective defensive design. The main castle is 6 stories high and one can’t wear one’s shoes when climbing it, which must be for purposes of preservation. We especially enjoyed touring the peaceful gardens. And the cherry blossoms were spectacular! Blossoms floated in the air like snowflakes and covered the ground.

The best meal we ate was Kobe steak, which was prepared in front of us. The steak was beautifully marbled, and perfectly cooked, by our own personal chef. It was an elaborate and enjoyable (and expensive) dining experience! One of the best meals I’ve had on this voyage.