After Day2 at TIFFCOM and pre-production recording at the studio with my new Japan management company, I had the pleasure of being treated to a nice dinner at what the Japanese call izakaya. *smile*

In Japan, izakaya is a food place where alcohol is also available. Japanese go there to drink and eat after work, and it can be equated to a Japanese version of tapas-style dining. *smile* Since extensive food is served and there’s no music (not even the pipe in music like in our regular restaurants), it won’t be considered the same as our Malaysian bars although some people do go there specifically to drink. Learning new things about Japan every day! Haha.

Shogo serving us nabe at an izakaya

Anyways, one of the dishes we had for dinner is a claypot version of our local Malaysian steamboat called nabe. Cooking is done on your own, but it’s nothing too complicated since everything is pre-prepared for you including the soup stock and cut veg/meat. Food was one thing but the company I had was another. My Japanese boss Hayakawa san got me a friend of his named Stuart as my interpreter (he’s Australian BTW) for the recording session and he practically answered all the questions I had on Japanese culture since he himself have been living in Tokyo for several years. Quite a relief having someone to communicate with after not being able to speak much the entire week due my lack of grasp on the Japanese language. *laugh* So ironic to have a white guy interpreting for an Asian girl, but hey, that was the case and all I can say is lucky me. *laugh* Thanks Stuart for making me feel at home and teaching me more about the Japanese customs yesterday! *smile* He’s an entertainer himself so check out his blog when you have time – the Japanese blog an average of 3 times a day from their mobile phones. Beat that!!! *laugh*

with the very accommodating and hospitable Stuart *smile*

Among all the food we had, I enjoyed my dessert the most – sweet Japanese persimmons (kaki)!!! Couldn’t have been better and yes, I was one happy camper indeed! *laugh*

kaki and pear