I feel the earth move

There is a first time for everything. Today at 6:15pm I experienced my first earthquake. The epicentre was in Sumatra, near city of Padang some 500km southwest from Singapore. The tremors shook Singapore too. Since I live above the 60th floor, the tremor effect was quite powerful. I felt dizzy and had hard time to stay still on my chair. The situation lasted about 2-3 minutes. Interesting experience, but I do not want to have it again!

Feeling peckish or thirsty?

No problem! There is a vending machine in every street corner of Tokyo. One of the best part of Japanese vending machines is the fact that they give back even notes, not only annoying small coins.

The best airline snack award goes to...

...ANA! On my recent trip to Tokyo I flew with All Nippon Airways, ANA. Their plane was not the most modern one, but the snacks they served with drinks were the best I have tasted in economy class - Japanese rice crackers.

I like their old-fashioned logo and style too, minimalistic and stylish.

Tokyo moments, part II

Yachting with style

All pictures from why-yachts.com

My morning started by reading an e-mail from Hermés. They have stepped into the marine world with Wally, the famous yacht company. They have set in collaboration a new standard for luxury yachts. The yacht is called WHY-58. It's dimensions are huge: length 58m, max. beam 38m. It can take up to 12 guests and 20 crew members. The best part of it is of course the design. WHY-58 looks extremely smooth and natural, there is nothing to add and nothing to be taken away. The master and guest spaces' decoration has a traditional Japanese touch with modern simplicity. I like!

Take a look at why-yachts.com

Tokyo moments, part I

Hello Kitty 35th anniversary

Picture from kitty35.com

Later this autumn Japanese cartoon figure Hello Kitty will have her 35th birthday. I was not a fan earlier, but now in Asia I have started to like Hello Kitty. Maybe the reason for my liking is the fact that Hello Kitty is Japanese. For me she represents all the best qualities of being Japanese: simple design, irresistible cuteness, eye for even the tiniest detail and brilliant branding.

Last weekend I was visiting Tokyo and stayed at a friend's place in Aoyama. On Sunday evening I noticed something familiar in the horizon. It was our birthday girl in huge size. Sanrio had put Hello Kitty lights on one Ferris wheel in Tokyo bay area, see below.

Happy birthday Hello Kitty!