Well, the volcanic ash finally mysteriously parted to allow my plane to escape to Tokyo, and I am as delighted and mildly bewildered as ever to be here.

When I am not gazing dreamily at cherry blossom…

 

 Or gazing dreamily at ramen for breakfast, lunch and dinner…

 Or gazing dreamily at Japanese sweets in the department store food halls…

…I spend my time frowning in confusion trying to decipher the thinking behind corporate communication.

For example: for which demographic would this woman's endorsement be considered a deal-maker, I wonder?

"Hey, guys! Put your pens down, I've finally got the perfect name for our new sake outlet!'

The company that manufactured the rubbish bin in my hotel room had meetings, allocated resources and commissioned a designer in order that this sticker would one day grace their product and clarify forever their 'life-vision'. No, let's not.

"Honey, can you see how much this damn thing costs anywhere?"

Then again, you've got to love any race which elevates crackers to the status of jewellery.