Noodles in a can

I've mentioned earlier about the amazing products and services which Japanese vending machines provides, here is another interesting one I've found while I was in Shinjuku, noodles in a can. I didn't try this particular machine so I don't know if its cold or hot, however costing only around £1.50, it sure its a good option as a snack. Maybe the UK should have something like...'Chips in a can'? 'Potato N Mash in a can'?

Compact size restaurant

With the limited space Japan has in terms of flat land, designers and architects have to think of ways to maximize the space within each plot of land. A restaurant within the Tokyo Tower, call 'Tokyo Curry Lab' is a great example. The rectangular restaurant consists of seating area, serving area and kitchen all in this small space, but yet, it feels spacious and comfortable. The format and layout is similar to a typical sushi bar, where the kitchen is in the middle. This way, the food can be served fast and gives the customers a feel of authenticity and freshness in the food.

Although normal restaurants and shops in the UK have a bigger floor space. But the examples of Japanese designs are excellent examples for smaller shops/restaurants.

More info at:

http://www.orange-p.co.jp/currylab/

24 Hours

24 hours shops and restaurants are quite popular and common in the Asian market. More 24 hours McDonald's can be seen in London, which could be seen as 'fast food after clubbing' in the central district or for the late diners around the city. However, back in Hong Kong and Japan, one of the major reasons is purely not targeting late diners, but is a solution to teens who hang around street corners dealing drugs and smoking at night. From an article I read while I was in HK, the service is really solving this problem and working really well according to statistics and social workers. On another note, it is also attracting wifi gamers (especially playing the game 'Monster Hunter') who uses the free wifi service to have regular meetings late at night. Something which you probably wouldn't see in UK, as people like them are seen as weirdos and geeky.

I'm not actually sure if it would have the same effect in the UK, especially probably doesn't apply to UK as McDonald's are not in every street corner, unlike in Hong Kong. And also with Teens in the UK are getting more and more obese I doubt that alone will encourage more 24 hours branches.

Also, there seems to be another crowd coming into McDonald's late at night:

No longer just a restaurant for people to munch a burger, McDonald's in Hong Kong has recently become a shelter for some down on their luck, a local paper reported this week.

People who cannot afford high rents or who want to save a few dollars on late-night transportation have opted to sleep in some of the fast food restaurants which operate around the clock, the mass-market Apple Daily said Monday.

A picture taken by the newspaper at 4 a.m. in a downtown McDonald's in Tsim Sha Tsui, a popular tourist district, showed at least eight men resting on their arms and occupying a table each.

The paper called these people "McRefugees" — a term imported from Japan, where a growing number of working poor have been spending the night at McDonald's.

A man the paper identified only by his surname, Lo, was among some 10 people sleeping recently in one of the McDonald's in Hong Kong.

Source from:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2007-05-01-mcrefugees_N.htm

More info at:

http://www.psfk.com/2008/05/gamers-gather-at-24-hour-mcdonalds-in-hong-kong.html

No phone calls please

Sick of people blasting their music on the bus? Tired of people speaking about X Factor on the Tube? Then maybe Japan is the best country for you. Most known about its manner (eg. bowing).

I always known about how Japanese people are well mannered but I was surprised how far they go when I bought my first item in a small boutique shop in Tokyo. A staff gift wrapped my item in about three layers of tissue paper, place it into the bag, tied a ribbon between the handles, then carried the shopping bag to the front of the shop, invited me to follow her, then bowed before giving me my shopping. The whole process made me feel some sort of celebrity, it certainly is too much, however it is their customs. And by the end of the trip, I got used to the way they treat their customers.

This practice of manners also apply to different areas of daily lives in Japan. One thing you'll notice the most is that people on public transports are prohibited to make calls on their mobiles. If you choose to do so, you'll get ice cold stares from other passengers. (Which I once experienced when picking up a call in a bullet train) I believe it is a very good practice as people respected each other so they can all travel without any disruptions to their personal space and the journey.

Could this apply to the UK? I actually don't think the UK need to apply but on the other hand, they need to bring back what UK is also known for or have (English Gentlemen). It used to be a country full of manners, but look at what it has become? I believe young children from this country are learning less about manners and how they should interact with one another. The system is totally not working, as it is hard to educate people when they are older, therefore the government should concentrate from a young age.

When will we see these signs on the tube?

Metro Melody

Traveling around the Tokyo Metro systems is quite a nightmare and worst if you don't know the language. However, I've noticed that each station has its own melody/jingle when the train departs and leaves. This could be a good way to help people recognize the station or people could notice they've arrived while they are having a nap. Although the melodies might seem the same at first, but a few visits to the same station and you will begin to memorize the tune.

This could work in London as many tube stations or regions have a distinct personality. For example, Leicester Square Station could play some form of Chinese tune as it's the nearest station to China Town. I believe it also adds a bit of fun into the old and boring system. However, sometimes the old should be left untouched, as it won't be the same anymore.

More info at:

http://hisaai-hp.hp.infoseek.co.jp/JREast/Yamanote/Yt_s_eg.html

Choose, Cook and Packaged

Vending machines are in every street corner in Japan, they are convenient, cheap and provide a whole variety of products. They are great self service machines which save costs and very handy at times. Especially when you just want a bottle of drink, which saves you a trip to find the nearest super market or corner shop.
It is very fascinating that the first vending machine is found in the work of Hero of Alexandria, a first-century engineer and mathematician. His machine accepted a coin and then dispensed a fixed amount of holy water.
In Japan, with a high population density, limited space, a preference for shopping on foot or by bicycle, and low rates of vandalism and petty crime, there seems to be no limit to what is sold by vending machines. While the majority of machines in Japan are stocked with drinks, snacks, and cigarettes, one occasionally finds vending machines selling items such as bottles of liquor, cans of beer, fried food, underwear, iPods, porn magazines, sexual lubricants, live lobsters, fresh meat, eggs and potted plants. Japan has the highest number of vending machines per capita, with about one machine for every 23 people.
The most interesting vending machine I've come across is one which I can choose between rice, hot dog, meatballs, noodles, rice cake and chips. I chose meatballs at the end, and unexpectedly, it cooked and packaged in a box in under 60 seconds. I think vending machines should be in more places in the UK and Western countries. With London also have a high population density and limited space, it would be perfect for the City. And one of the most popular choices in vending machine would definitely be coffee and tea.

No Smoking Stalls

While walking in the Shibuya district in Tokyo, I heard a loud announcement in Japanese. When I turned my attention to where it was coming from, I came across a stand with about 8 people standing there and handing out tissues. It was a stand which was calling attention to pedestrians about the new law, no smoking in public areas. It was a strange experience due to the fact they were handing out tissues and some staff were just standing there. Could this make people take notice of them? To a tourist, definitely, but the local people probably are used to it now. Secondly, why tissues? This is a common advertising strategy used in Hong Kong, China and Japan. Normally a piece of card is placed within the pack which itself has information on it regarding about the product/service/announcement.
Back in London, the most 'freebie' given out is water/flavoured water, new companies in the drinks industry give them out to gain exposure and often it is popular with passers by and the company gets more awareness. Maybe UK can learn from the stalls in Japan and use it to promote 'Smokefree England'.

Cartoon City

During a trip to Tokyo last year, I've noticed there was a lot of cartoons around. They were not because of manga and anime advertising, but it was in the form of signs. From Police, transport to car park and normal 'no smoking' signs. Little characters were everywhere, some are seen to be iconic as they have been around for years and are regonized by citizens and tourists.

So why are cartoons everywhere? One explanation is due to the second world war and the Hiroshima atomic bombing, also know as 'The Little Boy'. After the war, many Japanese wanted to find a relief and sense of comfort, many turned to manga/anime. And this lead to artists like Takashi Murakami who appropriated these scenes and created new imagery based on the form of manga.

Example below is the original image of the bombing, and Murakami's appropriated imagery:

Would this cartoon imgery work in London? I highly doubt so. If it did, it would be a huge change to the City's landscape and definitely won't suit the classical buildings and feel of the City, which is a huge contrast to Tokyo's fast pace electronic image.

Umbrella Bags

During the rain season in Hong Kong, you can see a lot of these Umbrella bag stands at the entrance of most shops and buildings. Due to the crowded space of every corner of Hong Kong, for safety precautions. Although it is very useful and probably prevented a lot of accidents (slippery floors), but is it environmentally friendly?

In a poll done by an environmental group in Hong Kong, it found that 77% of citizens uses umbrella bags given by shops and shopping centres, 34% will reuse the bags, and 93% believes it is a major environmental issue. The group also estimated the rain season will use up 1,800,000 umbrella bags in Hong Kong's 554 shopping centres.

Although people knows it is not environmentally friendly, but the cost of umbrella bags is significant lower than cost of accidents and cleaners, this is why they aren't doing anything much about this issue. However, if shop and shopping centres simply place recycle bins at the entrance, then people can dispose the bags and recycle them. (It is something that the Japanese are introducing)

Something I notice about the people in UK, is that they don't really use umbrellas. Maybe because the rain levels is nothing like Hong Kong, or because people use cars a lot more frequently than people in Hong Kong while traveling from A to B. This issue does not really apply to Western countries, but it is something which Easter countries really should look into and change.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Charger

Is a common knowledge that the Asian market always comes up with unique and ground breaking electronic products. When I borrowed a phone charger from a Hotel in China, I began to think it is going a bit too far.

Maid Cafe

When we think of Victorian Maid Costumes, it normally leads us to the Victorian Times in England. However, is not the case anymore. In 2000, theme restaurants began to erect in the Akihabara District of Tokyo, Japan. They include maid cafes, where the waitresses are dressed as elegant maids, normally taking its inspirations from the Victorian Era. Such restaurants and cafes have quickly become a staple of the Japanese Otaku culture, also known as the 'Geek' culture, where people are obsessed with video games and anime. One of the big differences, is that the waitresses treats customers as masters and mistresses.

I have the opportunity of visiting one of the most famous cafe in Tokyo last year. I have to say is a very strange experience indeed. The staff really see themselves as maid and will serve you in very polite and friendly way. However, sometimes you would feel is too much and too patronizing. For example, I asked for ketchup on my omelet, and then the maid came and sat next to me and asked me what pattern I want on it. I was bit shocked, so I said anything. She then quickly drew the infamous Pikachu character and smiled. You could say is a bit much when I just asked for ketchup, but many of the Otaku community love this kinda service and would make daily trips to such restaurants and cafe.

The popularity of these services has spread to other districts of Japan as well as other countries, such as Hong Kong, Taiwan and Canada.

This summer, I went and try out the new Cosplay restaurant in Hong Kong with fellow classmate Leo. Have to say it doesn't feel the same as the language is different and the staff are less sincere, which makes the whole experience less authentic.

So, would this work in London? I certainly believe so. This is because the whole experience and costumes originate from London itself. I believe it would certainly make the whole experiece a lot more authentic. However, would the same 'otaku' community like the idea of original costumes? ie. the more dull looking longer version of traditional Maids costume, or the now more 'acceptable' shorter and modern version of it? It is open for debate.

More info at:

http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/tokyo/maid_cafe.htm

Extra More Lost in Translations

I remember this English description of 'massage oils' caused a long conversation within the family. This and a few condoms were on the bedside table while we were in a Chinese Hotel. The translations are properly came straight out of a Chinese-English Dictionary, without much consideration. It is time for the Chinese Government to hire a highly trained Translator....

Designed for the climate

During the summer season of Hong Kong, temperature can rise to around 38 degrees Celsius. Although there are air con everywhere you go in HK, but what if you are stranded in the streets, walking from A to B? Recently, drinks manufacturers like Lipton have invented drinks which could actually cool you down, not the sudden cold rush you get while drinking it, but drinks which you could feel during the whole progress, a chilling sensation from throat to your stomach, which lasts about 5 seconds. Although is might seem as a gimmick, but this stuff does actually work and definitely a much welcome product in a hot location like HK.

While flickering through a magazine, I found out an advert about a new type of Coca Cola which will turn 'Slush Puppy' when you open and shake it. The stock is extra limited and only available in a few selected places. Therefore I went to one of the shopping centres and try out this new product. To my amazement, this stuff works like magic. 'Open, Close and Shake' is the tag-line, and ice actually forms in the container, which makes it a longer 'Best Served Chill' effect, and also cools you down from the heat.

If HK has these special products to cope with the heat, then why can't UK introduce similar products in the Cold winter months, but work in the opposite way? Starbucks Coffee cans which turn hot when you open them? Let the imaginations run free.

Extended Menu

As I mentioned in a previous entry, that people in Hong Kong likes fresh ideas in every aspect of their daily life. This trait can be seen clearly at the amount of new restaurants and shopping centers that sprung up in these few years.

One thing I look forward to when I go back is the extensive menus in every fast food outlet. Big firms like McDonalds and KFC regularly have new products and theses products would usually stay on the menu for a long time. For example, in the pictures above, there is the banana pie and the KFC 'Cheeeeeeeesy' Burger. Ironically Hong Kong people being smaller than Western countries, the portions are usually bigger and greater value.

The thing I don't understand about the UK market is why they only get a very small choices of products within each fast food restaurant. It seems to me that everyone is stuck with a good old Big Mac Meal or a Bargain Bucket. While other markets around the world can have the choice of a 'Samurai' Burger or a 'McLobster' roll. Are people in the UK less fussy with new products and services? or is there something nostalgic about a Big Mac?

More info at:

http://trifter.com/practical-travel/budget-travel/mcdonald’s-strange-menu-around-the-world/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonald's_products_(international)

Underground System

It's always a relief to get on the Hong Kong underground system, remembering the cramp and dirty stations and carriages in London. We cannot blame on the oldness and ideas of the Tube system as it was built over 100 years before the Hong Kong Underground. Although it is the world's first underground system, but first come sacrifices. At the time, the idea must've been eye opening but they didn't have any other system or mistakes to learn upon. However, it was definitely an important lesson to other systems that were built after.

Both systems cannot be fairly compare as there is a 100 years gap between them, but I believe there is something simple which the tube system can learn from the Hong Kong Underground: The MTR. One of the advantages the MTR has is the pristine condition of the carriages and the stations. In the MTR, people are not allowed to drink and eat in all paid area of the station. This means, anywhere beyond the gates. If caught, the is a hefty $1500 Hong Kong dollars, which is around £110. People in Hong Kong look at money in a really tight manner, therefore there is no way they will risk it.

From this, I remember reading about the 'Broken Window Theory'. Where if an area is left to rot, with no orders, then people will start to abuse it. This is a short description of the theory, but it is what the Tube system is experiencing. By cleaning up the Tube carriages and stations, at the same time placing signs and regulations about no eating/drinking. The whole system will look better and people will act accordingly. For example, the Jubilee line is the newest line in the Tube system, it is well lit, well designed and futuristic. The 'Broken Windows Theory' does not apply on this line, as it is cleaner and new. However, compare this to the Waterloo and City line (one of the oldest Tube line), the theory can be seen clearly there.

On the other hand, there is something major which the MTR should learn from the Tube. It is not necessarily how the Tube is operated but is how the people act. The manners of the British people are generally renowned, 'British Gentlemen' as people say. When it compares to the manners of people in Hong Kong, is a totally different world. One thing I noticed, is in the UK, people do let others to exit the train first before they get on the train. However, in Hong Kong is more like 'First come first served'. As you can see for an example below.

If the Tube can have signs and laws about not eating/drink on the Tube, then the MTR should have signs and laws regarding about manners, letting people to get off first. With how people in Hong Kong care so much about money, I believe it could be one of the most polite cities in the making!

More debate at:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/archive/index.php/t-237143.html

Tutorial Culture

One of the most heated talking point recently in Hong Kong, is the 'Tutorial Culture'. It is well known that Chinese parents are really strict with their children, wanting them to be successful and making lots of money when they are professionals. They want their children to become doctors, lawyers and businessman. Any jobs that will make big bucks or have a high social status.

People form Hong Kong commonly have a high 'jealousy' mentality. In this case, when parents see other parents bringing their kids to extra tutorials outside the school time, then they must do the same. As they believe, their own children have to keep up with the same standard. This sparked off the 'Tutorial Culture'. Many companies (including music labels) even started getting into the Tutorial business to cash in into this culture.

To compete with the vast of competitions, many companies hire 'Good looking' tutors and advertised them as idols, giving them names like 'Super English Force' and plaster their faces on buildings walls and buses. In a city like Hong Kong, where advertising is everywhere and everything, companies must do this to attract attentions from new customers. I find this culture fascinating as everyone seems to wait for the next advertising campaign, wait for the next idol. And often these competitions is like watching a soap opera.

On the other hand, there is no such culture in the UK or anywhere around the world. Is it because the Education Standards are much lower? or because parents and students here have a less 'jealousy' mentality? or end of the day, kids don't want to be 'geeks'?

More Lost in Translations

More info at: 

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article940992.ece

Lost in Translations

During the holiday, I went for a short trip to China to visit families and friends. While walking around in the gritty city streets, I've noticed a lot of signs with English translations. This really baffled me as certain cities in China would not attract tourists at all. However nearly everywhere I see bilingual signs, from food, road and warning signs. But the sad news is that 95% percent of the signs are wrongly translated.

This got me to research deeper on how and why the Chinese government did a pretty bad job at this. I've found out that Beijing began turning its attention to multilingual signs as part of the 'reforem and opening up' in the 80s, especially in preparation for the 1990 Asian games. And due to the unprofessional job they did then, Beijing overhauled the signs and even created a website where residents can upload and point out areas that needed attention and change.

However, it was only Beijing which got the makeover, but smaller cities and villages are still left with the 1990s laughable signs. China did a great job on transforming the signs as its a major tourist attraction and multilingual signs are definitely welcomed by the thousands who comes and visit.

More info at: 

http://www.danwei.org/trends_and_buzz/beijing_cleans_up_its_sign_tra.php

Looking back at the UK, where all signs are only in English. Should the government establish a multilingual sign system for the upcoming Olympic games in 2012? in French? Spanish? Mandarin?

No Straw Day

While on a trip at one of only two theme parks in Hong Kong - Ocean Park, I came across this banner which promotes 'No Straw Day'. This happens every monday, where every single food outlet or kiosk will not be providing straws to the customers. This reminded me that McDonalds have also tried to use the same method to save the environment.

This is a great awareness strategy, however on one hand it is actually using this campaign to make them seem environmentally friendly with no cost on the corporations behalf. But why can't a big corporation like McDonalds, sponsor recylcling bins to be put outside their stores, rather than more 'No Straw Day'?

A Hong Kong politician described the campaign:

'Who is McDonald's trying to fool with its twice-monthly "No Straw Day"? On a recent visit I noted that every single customer, without exception, asked for and received a straw. McDonald's should call it "No Straw Unless You Ask For One Day". And staff still put the same lid that can only be used with a straw on my soft drink. My order was presented on a paper-lined tray, my already paper-wrapped burger was put inside another paper container, my fries were in a paper container, I was given seven paper napkins for a single-person order. I was also given five packets of sauce that I did not ask for. My soda was in a paper cup with a plastic cover. And I was asked if I wanted a straw. It is ridiculous for McDonald's to tout that it is doing anything for the environment by saying it has two days a month where there are no self-service straws. '

More info at: http://www.mcdonalds.com.hk/english/no_straw_day/

Modern Toilet

The people at Hong Kong are heavily focused on trends and demanding fresh ideas from all different aspects. Themed restaurants are amongst the 'hot' list recently. I was invited to a restaurant themed as a toilet. Customers are to be seated at loos, eating noodles out of bathtubs and drinking green tea from urinal. Although it seemed strange and a bit disgusting at first, but soon you would enjoy the odd atmosphere surrounding the place.

I think many places in the Western world are lacking these new ideas of what a restaurant can be like. In my view, I see that people from the west are more reluctant to try new things, in contrast to the east.

More info at:

http://www.moderntoilet.com.tw/en/about.asp

Morning Promotions

On the first morning at 7am, after a bit of jet lag. I went to a local chinese restaurant for 'morning tea' is just like dim sums, but at an earlier time with discounted prices. Normally these places open at 5am, where the old folks come down for EARLY breakfast and sit till 10am or so. It is one of many chinese traditions, which we do on daily basis (if we can wake up in time).

In recent years, there have been promotions where $1 can buy you a dish. $1 is about....7p in UK pennies. Such promotions would probably never appear in the UK.

Shipment is Delayed!

In this summer, I went back to Hong Kong (again) for the holiday. As usual, there is no internet connection at our old family home. Due to the fact that I'm only there for 7 weeks each year. Therefore each day, I can only rely on the free 20 mins wifi provided by Mcdonalds. This is the reason why this blog is heavily delayed. However, I have taken a lot images and materials which related back to this project: Import/Export. In here, I will reflect on what I have found during this break.