Tokyo, Higashi-Matsushima, and Jakarta
I stayed in Japan this time only for 4 days. 2 days in Tokyo and 2 days in Higashi-Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture.
In Tokyo, I attended the Business Matching Event in Indonesian Embassy in November 7 as the Advisor of Trade Marketing Japan Co., Ltd., that promotes trade and marketing of Asian companies including Indonesia to Japan.
After that, I had a meeting with the Japan Foundation to discuss the idea of cultural collaboration activities in Asia, especially in Sulawesi, Indonesia.
In November 8, I met my old friend, a journalist of one of famous newspaper in Japan, and enjoy Kita-Otsuka Ramen together. He ordered special ramen full of Char Siu.
And I bought a noise canceling earphone of BOSE. This is very good and enjoyed music more deeply.
I visited Higashi-Matsushima city in 9-10 November based on request from JICA Tohoku to give some inputs about local autonomy and village system of Indonesia for Higashi-Matsushima City Government. Higashi-Matsushima city has a cooperation program with Banda Aceh City Government of Indonesia which has the same experience of Tsunami disaster in 2004.
Nobiru Station. Rail road has not been operated until now.
Before the discussion in the City Hall, I had chance to get several stories about current rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts of communities in Higashi-Matsushima city, including many stories from the owner of small inn I stayed.
No beautiful stories. Many real and unbelievable stories on human relation in their communities. But they must overcome them as the community members.
Discussion with Higashi-Matsushima City Government was very fruitful and maybe I felt their sincere attitude for their cooperation program with Banda Aceh City.
Lunch in November 10 was oyster ramen at a small restaurant named “Enman-tei” (Enman means harmony), owned by a victim family of Tsunami in 2011.
After lunch, I must bounded for Sendai to ride on Tohoku Shinkansen “Hayabusa” to Tokyo. Then, ride on Keisei Skyliner to Narita Airport to catch the JL729 to fly to Jakarta. Very tight schedule in November 10, and at last I arrived at Jakarta at 1:30 am in November 11.
In November 11, I had a chance to be speaker in Nikkei BP Asia ICT Conference at Intercontinental Hotel Jakarta about economic policies of Jokowi’s new government.
After it and two another appointments, I came back to Surabaya at midnight, November 11.
Tough days still to be continued……