I received a text from my boss late at night (past midnight) on Thursday that we can work from home on Friday, 8 January 2021.
I’m glad to hear a news.
I happily reported to my boss that I took note of a text and I won’t have any problem working from home because I brought back necessaries from office.
I like to work from home because I can work in comfortable clothes and be with Choco.
Choco seemed VERY happy to see me at home.
Town was quietly celebrating New Year
Usually we decorate these New Year decorations till 15 January.
However, I saw some were taken away this morning.
Tonight, Japanese government announced the State of Emergency in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama and China effective 8 January – 7 February 2021.
We are in high alert now; perhaps, some building owners were concerned engaging staffs to take away New Year decorations at later date.
COVID has been taking away celebrations from us.
Hopefully we can enjoy Ohanami (Sakura Viewing) this spring.
Japanese government encourages us to stay home and work from home.
Unfortunately, as at 23:30 hrs Japan time, I am yet to hear an announcement from my boss allowing us to work from home tomorrow.
I brought back office laptop and others to prepare for working from home; but I need to bring them back. Hummmm
Due to increasing number for new case by recording record high, Japanese government plans to announce the State of Emergency for Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba tomorrow effective from 8 January – 7 February 2021.
I am hoping boss to allow us to work from home.
In fact, I can work efficiently at home.
It’s getting cold, winter in Japan; therefore, it is getting harder for me to come out from a warm bed to go to office.
Especially with this Choco’s face.
He is my angel.
I visited the headquarter of NEC Corporation, a leading Japanese electric company, and had a tour at NEC Future Creation Hub.
The company was established in 1988 and has over 120 years of history.
This earlier PC was developed together with Bill Gates…..
Today, NEC is famous for face recognition machines.
Their products are currently installed at local and overseas international airports.
The company is Gold Sponsor for Tokyo Olympics and will support the event by installing their facial recognition machines with body temperature checking function.
I’ve experienced most cutting edge technologies which we would surely use in our daily life in near future.
It was a fun visit and proud to introduce this Japanese company: NEC Corporation.
I had a meeting with Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo.
I had a tour of hotel rooms and banquet rooms for future events (if any).
I like their mask case, LIMAX which is simple yet stylish.
It’s made of eco friendly material yet antibacterial: limestone.
I will keep it and use it for sure.
It’s nice weather, therefore, I decided to walk back home after the meeting – another mini sightseeing in Tokyo.
There is a clock to count down to Olympic day at the Tokyo Station.
Looking at the current situation, honestly, I wonder we would be able to host such a large event in 2021.
I hope I am wrong about it.
Nonetheless, I felt good walking on the street to the Imperial Palace because there are less people!
Usually there would be many local and foreign travelers covering this street.
Sakashita Mon (Sakashita Gate)
Nijubashi (Double Bridge) or officially called Seimon Tetsuhashi (Steel Bridge of the Main Gate).
This steel bridge was originally made by wood, then, reinforced by wooden beams.
This is why this bridge is called Nijubashi or Double Bridge.
Sakurada Mon (Sakurada Gate)
The other side (outside) of Sakurada Mon
Sun is setting and peaceful scenery.
I continued walking towards Kasumigaseki area where Japanese government buildings are.
The Diet Building
I’ve been enjoying Mini Tokyo Sightseeing.
My friend started importing Malaysian food paste, Mama’s Delights, from Malaysia.
She sent me samples to me so I tried few.
First, Nonya Curry with seafood (squid, scallops and prawns) and vegetables (onions, eggplants and potatoes).
Then Malaysian Curry with chicken and vegetables (onions, eggplants and potatoes).
She told me it required efforts to change packaging and modifying taste; but I think it’s paid off.
It’s easy to prepare and delicious!
I also enjoyed these Malaysian food at office by bring it as my lunch.
Yeah
Today, after expiring my subway commuter pass on 15 May 2020, I didn’t renew my pass and started walking to the office.
The rainy season is over so it’s VERY HOT in Tokyo now; therefore, I need a backpack to carry many more new necessaries to the office.
These are new necessaries in addition to normal etiquettes things such as tissue, cosmetics for retouch, hand cream, wallet, cough drops and eco bag.
It’s heavier now but these are necessaries.
Boss wanted to treat us McDonald for lunch.
It’s hot outside so he asked me to order delivery.
Well, I want to eat my food when it’s freshly made so I’m not a delivery person.
I rather cook during the Stay Home Period though I crossed many delivery persons then and even now.
I needed to start with downloading the app.
McDonald engages two delivery services: Mc Delivery and Uber Eats.
Since it’s Mc, first, I registered on McDelivery.
When I tried to request for a delivery, I found that our office area is not covered by McDelivery which is understandable because many offices are located in our area, Ginza.
Then I continued registering on Uber Eats.
I received few errors on payment because I wanted to pay by cash but the system only allows payment by credit card which is also understandable because the Uber Eats delivery person might have faced issues on change (small coins).
Finally, I managed to order our food by Uber Eats.
After installing apps and understanding the system, I’m ready to order delivery via apps.
I understand the convenience of service; however, I still want to dine at restaurants or shops, or cooking at home after experiencing it.
Am I an old fashioned person? hahaha
Today, it’s difficult to organize physical seminars.
I was a project officer to co-organize a recent webinar with a law firm.
My Boss was happy with arrangements, presentations and quality of participants.
I coordinated with the co-organizer to prepare invitations, eFlyers, ZOOM Background, etc, prepared the Boss” presentation material and invited participants.
It was a new and interesting project and this would be a new normal of seminar style.
This is my first time to see the real ACTRESS LIGHT.
We call this, “ACTRESS LIGHT” because this is a must item for an actress to enhance face texture and look of beauty.
The law firm was happy with the outcome so we all happily enjoyed chatting with nice puddings, cup cakes, fruit and coffee after the webinar.
Now I know what needs to be done so if there is a next time, I could arrange smoothly.
According to the media, on 1 June 2020 (the first Monday after government lifted the State of Emergency), the number of commuters has increased.
To avoid taking subways because I won’t have enough social distancing there, I started to walk to office.
During the State of Emergency, I was required to go to the office twice in a week so I could manage it; however, from 1 June 2020, I’m required to go to the office every weekdays.
As reported in previous blog, it takes 1 hour or 4 km to reach office.
It’s getting warm outside, reaching to 30C with strong sunlight.
Walking with a mask makes me feel hot which leads me to sweat.
Today, I tie my hair.
And carry a drink (amino) in small bottle.
My mask gets wet with my sweat by the time I reach to the office so I keep some (backup) at the office.
In addition, I reinforced footwear.
I have already introduced Asics Walking before.
I started wearing this brand when I hurt my knee because cushions are soft.
I bought other colors and styles that I don’t have yet.
I also bought Tokyo Olympics designed sneaker for memory.
These will surely assist my walking to the office.
Choco checked its quality and approved. hahaha
I’m more ready for next week.
