Sorry to keep gushing about Tokyo but it was just such a remarkable trip. Actually have to do a little plug for my man Yasuda-san here. For any American sushi followers, Naomichi Yasuda should need no introduction. For those who don't know about him, here's a clip from Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations (Incidentally I'm Bourdain obsessed).
Yasuda-san has recently relocated from New York to Tokyo with the explicit goal of perfecting his craft. I already found him flawless so I'm excited/inspired by his search for sushi nirvana. Accordingly, we made it a very high priority 'to do' on our Tokyo list. So happy we did as my brother and I were lucky enough to be the only two diners at Sushi Bar Yasuda last Saturday night (How amazing!). The meal was exquisite! His tiny restaurant is by reservation only and his preparation is bespoke. Fits with Yasuda-san's plan for his Tokyo sojourn: quiet/ low-key and personal. That said, the modest/often sentimental Yasuda-san did mention he misses his NY regulars (mentioning Anthony Bourdain) very much and worried many could not locate him. Accordingly, my brother tweeted Bourdain that Yasuda-san is hard at work in Tokyo and sends his regards. Bourdain in turn re-tweeted that to his 800,000 followers (I bet most of them are women!) and David Chang again re-tweeted to his 30,000 fans as well! How cool! My brother's tweet went viral in minutes and he was acknowledged by Anthony Bourdain! More importantly, we successfully reconnected Bourdain and Yasuda-san. Social Media is truly remarkable!
Speaking of followers and fans, let's talk about US Real Estate. Remember when US Real Estate was economic ground zero? Jeez - what a difference 4 years can make? US real estate is a 'Hot' investment again. Note even AIG who needed a bail-out in 2008 wants back in the mortgage market. It's all pretty encouraging but hope everyone's being prudent. Certainly don't want to repeat the mistakes of the past.
Showing posts with label Japan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Japan. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
I HEART Japan!
So I didn't win the mega-millions lottery! Although one of the winning tickets was sold in the great state of ILLINOIS. Maybe my parents have won but just neglected to tell me? In which case, one of the first things I would do is purchase a pied-à-terre in Tokyo.
Just back and what an amazing city! Barring earthquakes, arguably offers some of the the best quality of life anywhere - safe, clean, wonderful people, nice weather, food, ski. Actually found myself lamenting (for a millisecond) maybe deflation is ok. Perhaps the lack of investment/innovation that comes with deflation contributes to Japan's traditional/serene/artisinal culture? Sorry being a bit unrealistic here.
Indeed deflation has been very tough for Japan. There are scores of sobering articles on the Japanese deflationary spiral which has lasted decades. This year, however, the Japanese government has been very vocal on plans to finally fix their dire economic situation. Accordingly Bank of Japan has committed to spending their way out if need be and even setting an inflation target of 1%. This explains why their stock market (Nikkei 225) has performed so well this quarter and also why the Yen has been weakening. I'm actually loving it. Hope the Japanese government prints money like crazy and the Japanese economy gets its groove back. In the meantime, the weaker currency will allow me to frequent a country and culture I love.
Just back and what an amazing city! Barring earthquakes, arguably offers some of the the best quality of life anywhere - safe, clean, wonderful people, nice weather, food, ski. Actually found myself lamenting (for a millisecond) maybe deflation is ok. Perhaps the lack of investment/innovation that comes with deflation contributes to Japan's traditional/serene/artisinal culture? Sorry being a bit unrealistic here.
Indeed deflation has been very tough for Japan. There are scores of sobering articles on the Japanese deflationary spiral which has lasted decades. This year, however, the Japanese government has been very vocal on plans to finally fix their dire economic situation. Accordingly Bank of Japan has committed to spending their way out if need be and even setting an inflation target of 1%. This explains why their stock market (Nikkei 225) has performed so well this quarter and also why the Yen has been weakening. I'm actually loving it. Hope the Japanese government prints money like crazy and the Japanese economy gets its groove back. In the meantime, the weaker currency will allow me to frequent a country and culture I love.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Off to Toks...
Last post of the week. I'm off to Tokyo. I really owe you guys a Japan post. Promise I'll get that to you when I return. A quick summary for you. Much like the US Fed (and unlike China), the Bank of Japan (BOJ) has been vocal and committed to stimulating the economy. Basically they are sick and tired of the deflationary hell that has plagued them for decades.
All right enough negative talk. Short week and I'm going on holiday. Quick uplifting note on one of my favorite sectors right now. I saw Dick Bove (a well followed banks expert) promoting US banks citing they are in the best shape in three decades! What a nice compliment - wish I could say the same for myself! Although I did manage a chin-up at the gym yesterday. How cool is that? Have a great weekend and speak when I get back.
All right enough negative talk. Short week and I'm going on holiday. Quick uplifting note on one of my favorite sectors right now. I saw Dick Bove (a well followed banks expert) promoting US banks citing they are in the best shape in three decades! What a nice compliment - wish I could say the same for myself! Although I did manage a chin-up at the gym yesterday. How cool is that? Have a great weekend and speak when I get back.
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