Metropolis - Last Word (April 2013)

When it was finally time to depart Japan, I wanted to mark the time spent in such an amazing country in a special way. Luckily, I was contacted by Metropolis very close to leaving date and could therefore write an article for them of my choice. 

I decided to opt for a compacted memoir of my time in Tokyo, focusing on the positives.

Sayonara Tokyo

Taking a Japan adolescence back to the UK

I have been living in Tokyo for nearly a decade, most of my adolescence has been spent here, and I have been heavily influenced by the culture and experiences I have been lucky enough to have in this buzzing metropolis. When I first moved to Japan, I was only four. I had never been to Asia before and the experience was too much to comprehend. But I’m positive the time I spent in Tokyo then contributed in making me who I am today.

 

 

(Photo courtesy of Metropolis)

Respect for my elders is possibly the most important thing I’ve picked up. Standing up to allow an older lady to sit down on the bus is something to do in any country. But in Japan, the hordes of elderly citizens have made me especially careful. This also applies closer to home, though my mum hasn’t even hit forty and would be furious to hear me call her an elder. Living in a country where seniors are treated with so much respect has taught me to give my parents the respect they truly deserve.
Bowing to the man at the petrol station in England after picking up a Coke and a packet of crisps is certainly not usual, but in Japan it is the norm. The level of mutual respect felt when exchanging these gestures is heartwarming—and sometimes a little overwhelming. Over the years it’s really grown on me, and it’s a habit I’m going to find hard to shake.

Individuality has always been something I have taken pride in, especially where fashion is concerned. Even at the age of six, I admired the flair and confidence of the “Harajuku Girls.” Nowadays, I mirror this same confidence not only in the way I dress (though perhaps not quite as outlandish), but in other aspects too. It seems within the Japanese culture, people are free to coexist as they please. This allowed me to grow into the person I am today with little restraint. As long as the rules are adhered to, you can be anybody you want to be.
I can also thank Japan for my eating habits. Five-year-olds are fussy eaters, but for me, eating raw fish and seaweed became less fearful and more enjoyable. Fish for breakfast might be an alien concept back home. But the interest the Japanese take in eating healthily has rubbed off on me. Drinking green tea and eating a nutritious bento at lunchtime has become something to carry on throughout my lifetime—trading potato chips for edamame all the way.
We moved back to England when I was eight, and I didn’t mind the move. However, six years later I began to miss Tokyo terribly. When my dad told us we were moving to Japan again, I was overjoyed—despite my apprehension at leaving lots of family and an excellent school.
Any apprehension was lifted as we arrived in Tokyo in the midst of spring. Sakura fell like snow onto the grey tarmac streets of central Tokyo. A scene that may have been mundane a month before became something picturesque. Sakura in Tokyo is one of the things I will miss most.
I believe it was these brief periods of time each year that taught me to find the beauty in things that would otherwise be considered ugly.
When I leave this summer for university in the UK, I will miss Japan infinitely. But I will take the experiences I’ve had here with me throughout my life. Japan is a wonderful place for making memories. I hope any other kids and teenagers (and their parents) who read this will also realize the impact living here will have on them and appreciate this city for what it truly is—awesome.

To see the full article click HERE

Metropolis (May 2012)

In 2012 as well as getting involved with Travel writing, I also got involved with more commercial publications. In Japan 'Metropolis', dubbed 'the number 1 English speaking publication in Japan' is a prestigious magazine to write for - especially at the age of 16- I was truly blessed.
I was asked to edit the 4-page 'Student Takeover', a massive task that I had no prior experience to help me with. I was terrified!
Much like the travel writing, I spent more time perfecting others' articles than tweaking my own. However, learning the ins and outs of the processes of a print publication was so interesting and I can definitely say it was the moment where they handed me the finished copy of the printed article that I knew- this is what I wanted to do!

My article had to be about issues that teens face living in Tokyo. My article is below.

To Party or Not To Party

 

In Japan, it’s illegal to drink and smoke before the age of 20. In many countries, this age boundary is around 16-18, so older expat teens in Japan might feel they are missing out on a lot of partying. As a 17-year-old girl, plenty of “coming-of-age” events seem to crop up every year. Here, celebrating a milestone with your friends is important. Eighteen is the age that the majority of expat teenagers leave Japan to go to college, meaning they won’t see their high-school friends again for a long time. Celebrating turning 18 as the milestone seems right for this group, as it is almost a subliminal sayonara.
In the UK, it’s common practice to have a large party for your 18th birthday. Meanwhile, for Japanese, this milestone doesn’t come until a full two years later. Which is to be celebrated? For Japanese nationals, turning 20 is a milestone as it is the legal age to vote, smoke and drink—three things that turn up the notches of freedom to 100%. For expat teens this can really be an issue. Do you abide by Japanese customs and celebrate the big 20? Or do you stick by your homeland’s customs, and have a big blowout at age 18? It is a social and legal conundrum that I’m sure many teens face.
It’s no secret that many teenagers take to the streets of Roppongi (with or without parental permission) in the latter hours of the evening. It is also no secret that many don’t. Living here has sheltered me from the usual behavior of British teenagers. Meanwhile, I have been able to have a better perspective of what goes on with my peers back home—without being in the thick of it. In Tokyo, peer pressure is very limited. It’s liberating to feel as though I am the one making the decision whether to go out in the evening, and I’m not being influenced by a large group of rowdy youths with alco-pops. Being an expat teen in Tokyo has allowed me to live the life, without feeling uncomfortable about going out and getting drunk before I’m ready. There’s pressure to wear the right clothes, say the right things—but isn’t that the case with every social group? Overall, living as an expat teen has allowed me to mature as and when I wanted to—something I doubt I could have done back home.

To see the full set of articles that I have edited, click HERE

Jess
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Travel Writing (Feb 2012)

 My second article whilst working for the Japanese Tourism company was on a small 'indie' cafe called 'Free Factory'

Free Factory

Edgy Shimokitazawa Cafe

"Free Factory is a very contemporary cafe/bar located in the very 'indie' Shimokitazawa. It is located right next to a 60's vintage shop, tucked away on the third floor of an otherwise nondescript building. Free Factory is the epitome of a hidden treasure that I am thrilled I found. As a young woman in Tokyo, it is hard to find interesting yet pleasant dining venues that don't cost the earth! Free Factory is not only an experience in itself, but its prices will definitely not break the bank.
Upon stepping out of the elevator on the third floor, we were met with a large metal door adorned with a picture of a Campbells soup tin. At this moment, I knew this place would be an exciting experience. Through the metal doors we entered another room, a metal staircase leading to another metal door stood in the corner, the industrial heaviness of the decor gave the cafe a rustic feel, and left me with total intrigue as to what the rest of the cafe would look like! At the top of those stairs, we encountered one of the smallest doors I have ever been through. Being of around 5"7 myself, I had to duck through the minuscule door frame, the whole time, very curious about the rabbit hole I was stumbling into! Once inside I couldn't believe the wonderland I was seeing. Mismatched chairs and tables, a library, lounge chairs, a hidden reading space- all lit with cosy lamp lighting. The decor complimented the mood and feel of the cafe, warm, buzzing and full of youth.
The main clientele I observed during my time there seemed to be young artists or musicians, busily tapping away at their laptops while listening to music through the large headphones that were free to use. Young couples having dinner, and of course, myself and my friend- the only foreigners in the venue. Upon saying that, the menu and staff were very foreigner friendly, the menu had English titles and tasty looking sketches of the food to give foreigners an idea of the delicacies they had to offer. The staff were very friendly and welcoming, helping us with our bags and giving us blankets- despite the temperature of the cafe being just right.
We ordered at the small counter and were asked which of the complimentary drinks we desired (tea or coffee) and then returned to our table. Our 'table' was unusual, very comfy - but unusual. Me and my friend came late in the evening, and there were very few seats left, so we were given a "bed table" which is literally a comfy flat seat with trays! Very rustic. For those that prefer not to lounge as you eat, do not fret, there are many alternatives! When the food came, we were both very impressed by the two starter courses we received before our main meal. A delicious salad topped with Free Factory's own dressing, and a mouthwatering Onion soup in a mug. When our main meals came we were again completely delighted by the food that came! Piping hot and full of flavour!
The whole experience left me with fond feelings and eagerness to return. Free Factory is definitely a place to stop by if you are enjoying a vintage experience in Shimokitazawa."

To see full article + Pictures click HERE

Jess
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Travel Writing (Jan 2012)

Whilst living in Japan, I was offered a fantastic opportunity to work for a Japanese travel company. The website specialises in reviews of 'tourist' destinations in Japan (both conventional and unconventional). The website was split into various sections, one of which was specific to younger people. I was offered the position as manager/editor of the 'Teens and Kids' section so helped edit other young people's work and upload reviews of my own.
Due to GCSE commitments, I had very little time to write my own articles, only managing two. However, I did allocate a lot of my time to editorial work, therefore not only aiding others with their writing, but also bettering my own by gaining a keen eye for error.
Writing reviews was enjoyable not only for the fact I got to visit some awesome places, but also due to the fact that knowing others have been inspired to go somewhere because of your words is a really good feeling.

My first article was on the popular Japanese restaurant dubbed 'The Kill Bill Restaurant' -

Gonpachi in Nishi-Azabu

The 'Kill Bill' restaurant

"Otherwise known as "the Kill Bill restaurant", 'Gonpachi' is a notable tourist attraction. The main clientele are foreign tourists in pursuit of one of the great movie destinations of Tokyo (another one being the Karaoke-Kan in Shibuya where the karaoke scenes in 'Lost in Translation' were filmed). Though, upon saying that, whenever I have been to Gonpachi, myself and family have always been the only foreign diners.
The fact that Gonpachi is mainly a tourist spot means it definitely caters towards a foreign palette. This meaning that the dishes may not be as you would find them in a local soba or tempura restaurant. Nevertheless, the food is enjoyable. Upstairs is a sushi restaurant that again provides 'gaijin-friendly' cuisine.
The restaurant gave itself a name when its beautiful decor inspired director, Quentin Tarantino, for the set of his blockbuster 'Kill Bill'. Due to its big name it has been visited by many an important figure, notably Bill Clinton (though he visited the Odaiba branch) and George W. Bush. Upon entering, you are met with a wall of photos of some famous people that have graced the lantern canopied dining hall.
It is known for being an expensive dining experience, though at lunch time, without drinks (there was complimentary tea), the price was very reasonable- under ¥6,000 for 5 people (around 14 USD each). Most dishes are around ¥750-¥1,500, and in some cases, like that of the delicious Oyako Donburi (a rice dish topped with egg and chicken), you can super-size to an 'Extra Large Portion' for only ¥100. With this super-size option, you receive considerably more food, so for those who are big eaters- that is a trick worth remembering.
Some notable dishes were the Avocado and Camembert Cheese Tempura- "what's that?!" I hear you say. Now let me tell you one thing about this place, you must try this dish. This may seem like the oddest concoction of flavours known to man, but, it is honestly the best. Another enjoyable dish was the aforementioned Oyako Don, which- to be honest, unless you can eat as an Olympic sport, like myself, you may not want the extra large portion like I did. Though, when sharing, it is a more advisable size. For those who are perhaps not fancying Japanese food, or simply aren't that keen; Gonpachi does a marvelous Caesar Salad, which is a good size for sharing as a starting dish, or as a main meal.
Setting a great mood alongside some great food, dark wood and oriental music make the ambiance in this old-style, Japanese restaurant. The English speaking staff and menus make the restaurant ideal for those who wish to experience a cultural Japanese meal- without that ever embarrassing language barrier back-and-forth with the waiters."

To see full article + Pictures click HERE


Jess
xo

About.

My name is Jessica Chambers and I am a Part One English Literature (with Creative Writing) student at the University of Reading.
Writing has always been a great passion of mine and studying the art is something that I enjoy very much. This blog will serve as an online portfolio, showcasing work that I have written in the past both published and unpublished,  and also concepts for pieces I am working on.
I started writing (and being published) in 2011 when I was 15 years old. Therefore, some of my pieces are not as well written as others. However, I hope that readers can see that as I've got older, my writing style has been refined - and will continue to do so in the years to come (I hope!)
Enjoy!

Jess
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