Today it snowed in Tokyo. Being born and raised in California, snow is a novelty. It snowed once in my lifetime in my hometown of Merced, California. I of course was taking a mid afternoon nap as this was occuring, so to me, this event never happened.
I'm not used to cold and it just so happened to be snowing on the day we were scheduled for a tour of the imperial palace. This was an outdoor tour. Though I don't think I have ever been so cold, it wasn't so bad. I actually slightly enjoyed it. Our poor BTMU laisons, these girls are thin as a post and had only their wet heels and both were in skirts! Japanese women are hard core.
Snow!
Do I look cold?
Because I am!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Back to work
Thursday and Friday I had my branch rotation at the Kanda Ekimae branch. Banking is definately different in Japan and I was very impressed. I also went on a business call with my host branch. Our mode of transportation? Bicycle....Yes that's right: black suit, pearls and high heels sitting professionally on my bike. I only wish I could've got a picture. It was like a video game, weaving and dodging in and out of pedestrians. I'd have to say that this was one of my highlights. It even had a motor to help us pedal. Considering I'm larger than most of the women here, they probably figured I was out of shape. On a brighter note, due to extensive walking and Japanese diet, I'm dropping weight like I'm on a Nicole Ritchie diet.
On my business call, we visited a client who owned a souvenir shop by the Edo shrine. She was unavailable at first so we went to the shrine and I was taught ow to pray Japanese style. Bow twice, clap twice, press hands together in praying fashion, pray, and then bow once. I prayed for high sales and success for my host branch. Then we got back to business. I ask how long they had been in business. The answer...160 YEARS! In the U.S. we pray that they've been in business 3 years just to submit an application. The proprietress was so nice and even gave me some parting foods. She thought I was "kawaii". It's Japanese for adorable. I hear it alot, must be the chipmunk cheeks. We rode our bikes back to the branch who had been so hospitable and I'd have to say that my favorite thing about Japan is it's people.
Moving on, I find it difficult to find time to keep up with this blog, but I'm working on it. My body still refuses to accept that I'm not in California and I'm always up at 3-4am. I'll survive, and I can't complain. My Japanese colleagues have an average of 1-1.5 hours in commuting time, arrive at work at 7-8am, take 30 minute lunches and do not leave the office until 8-9pm. Then they have to commute back home. I feel guilty leaving at 6pm.
However, I have noticed that the stress I compact into 8 hours in the States is stretched out here for most of the day. The employees seem to have more continuity and seem more relaxed. Maybe there is something to the 12 hour day.
On my business call, we visited a client who owned a souvenir shop by the Edo shrine. She was unavailable at first so we went to the shrine and I was taught ow to pray Japanese style. Bow twice, clap twice, press hands together in praying fashion, pray, and then bow once. I prayed for high sales and success for my host branch. Then we got back to business. I ask how long they had been in business. The answer...160 YEARS! In the U.S. we pray that they've been in business 3 years just to submit an application. The proprietress was so nice and even gave me some parting foods. She thought I was "kawaii". It's Japanese for adorable. I hear it alot, must be the chipmunk cheeks. We rode our bikes back to the branch who had been so hospitable and I'd have to say that my favorite thing about Japan is it's people.
Moving on, I find it difficult to find time to keep up with this blog, but I'm working on it. My body still refuses to accept that I'm not in California and I'm always up at 3-4am. I'll survive, and I can't complain. My Japanese colleagues have an average of 1-1.5 hours in commuting time, arrive at work at 7-8am, take 30 minute lunches and do not leave the office until 8-9pm. Then they have to commute back home. I feel guilty leaving at 6pm.
However, I have noticed that the stress I compact into 8 hours in the States is stretched out here for most of the day. The employees seem to have more continuity and seem more relaxed. Maybe there is something to the 12 hour day.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
My first karaoke night
Well going out after work is very common. Tuesday we had a little gathering with the Customer Satisfaction Department. At the Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi, UFJ (BTMU) building there is a cafe complete with beer, sake and shoju on the 23rd floor. I met my match in the japanese lady sitting next to me in the striped sweater. Alcohol and laughter transcends any language barrier. Luckily Wednesday was Japanese independence day and we had a day off in the middle of the week.
Friday night we met at a restaurant after a tour of BTMU's precessing centers and had appetizers and again more beer and sake. The fun came when someone had the bright idea to go sing karaoke. Nothing makes the statement that "I'm tone deaf" like karaoke. Of course that's not going to stop me. For those who know me well, fear is not in my vocabulary and pictures like these are sometimes the biproduct. Luckily for you all, there was someone to document this case.
Have I mentioned I love Japan! The people have been accomodating, gracious and kind. Tokyo is clean and easy to travel. The rest of my three months will be a whirlwind.
Friday night we met at a restaurant after a tour of BTMU's precessing centers and had appetizers and again more beer and sake. The fun came when someone had the bright idea to go sing karaoke. Nothing makes the statement that "I'm tone deaf" like karaoke. Of course that's not going to stop me. For those who know me well, fear is not in my vocabulary and pictures like these are sometimes the biproduct. Luckily for you all, there was someone to document this case.
Have I mentioned I love Japan! The people have been accomodating, gracious and kind. Tokyo is clean and easy to travel. The rest of my three months will be a whirlwind.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
San Diego to Japan
For those who are not privy to how I came to work in Japan for three months, here it is: Let's start with Union Bank, formerly Union Bank of California. Since my start with the bank, the Bank of Tokyo Mistsubishi has been our majority share holder. They owned about 65% of our stock. The Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi is a wholly owned subsidiary of MUFG, the largest financial institution in Japan. The Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi represents their retail market across the globe with branches in Europe, Asia and and the Americas. The end of last year the purchase of Union Bank was finalized and we are now a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi who is a wholly owned subsidiary of MUFG which is our holding company.
I was one of ten nominated to participate in the interview process for a new program my bank started last year. These nominations were determined by three market presidents who manage Union Bank's retail network from Washington State down to San Diego, California. What can I say, who can resist my adorable charm? I was one of four canditates (from the ten) selected to participate in this exchange program.
Fast Forward, I am now living in Japan and will be here until April 25, 2009. My apologies for the boring bank talk, but hang tight, the fun is just beginning.
I was one of ten nominated to participate in the interview process for a new program my bank started last year. These nominations were determined by three market presidents who manage Union Bank's retail network from Washington State down to San Diego, California. What can I say, who can resist my adorable charm? I was one of four canditates (from the ten) selected to participate in this exchange program.
Fast Forward, I am now living in Japan and will be here until April 25, 2009. My apologies for the boring bank talk, but hang tight, the fun is just beginning.
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