Was in Tokyo 2 weeks ago and the sakura was already blooming. Warm spring except for a few super cold days end of March. I've been told that us foreigners never really understand or appreciate sakura season. It heralds the start of the new year for the Japanese - new school year, new hiring year. new financial year etc. Now's the season for new hires - you'll see lots of people wearing the "new hire suit" if you go to Tokyo station for example. Black/navy suit with white shirt. The new school year starts on Monday.

Nowadays lots of Chinese in Tokyo. Old people even in the past (obatarian) never queue. They'll elbow past you boarding the bus.

Berbanding my last trip, prices of things have come down a lot (not just due to the exchange rate). The store-brand stuff (like Aeon's Topvalu) is amazingly cheap. Price of an entry-level Toshiba washlet is now like 15800yen.

The other thing that's changed is everyone seems to be wearing a mask these days. Perhaps because of the pollen season but still - much more now than before. Stores are also selling air purifiers like hot cakes.

Heads up.

Japan MOFA will soon implement visa waivers for Malaysian nationals. Which means no more visa required for tourist visits.

First reported here:
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/04/2...s/#.UbXzQ5x1gmw

Latest news in Japanese newspaper (I don't have a link, sorry) says that this has been approved and will go into effect soon (when? soon but don't have details).

"The other side" ada meaning yang lain tau

The previous post above made me smile. My son has One Piece "Wanted" posters all over his room. My daughter likes "Bleach" instead.
Both of them huge manga fans - I'm trying to get them to read real books.