Japan 1987: Tokyo - The Land of the Rising Sun...

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams..." - Eleanor Roosevelt

(The Palace Hotel, Tokyo)

Tokyo, Japan

(13 - 26 October 1987)

There’s always something unforgettable about a first - the first flight, the first stamp on a passport, the first time you step into a place where everything feels new. My journey to Japan in 1987 was all that and more. It wasn’t just a work trip; it was a moment of courage, discovery, and quiet pride - a young mother leaving her comfort zone to see the world for the very first time.

October 1987 will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the year I took my very first trip overseas alone - to attend a two-week seminar at The Long-Term Credit Bank of Japan in Tokyo.

I still remember the mixture of excitement and fear that filled me before the journey. As a young bank officer, being chosen felt like such an honour, yet the thought of stepping foot into a foreign land for the first time was nerve-wracking. I left behind my husband and our three little children, my heart heavy with worry - would they miss me too much, or would it be me missing them more?

Tokyo was overwhelming at first - everything felt so clean, orderly, and efficient. I stayed at the elegant Palace Hotel Tokyo, a beautiful place overlooking the Imperial Palace gardens. I could see the morning mist drifting over the moat from my window, a sight that never failed to calm me before another busy day of lectures and discussions.

The seminar itself was intense - long hours filled with talks, case studies, and group work. But what made it memorable were the people I met. We came from different corners of the world, each bringing stories of our banks, our countries, and our dreams. Some were seasoned professionals; others, like me, were still finding our footing. By the second week, the formality faded. We laughed more easily, shared meals, and learned from each other beyond the classroom.

There was a weekend break in between, and the organisers took us on a trip to Kyoto. I still recall the soft rustle of autumn leaves, the scent of incense wafting through ancient temples, and the quiet grace of people going about their day. It was the Japan I had always imagined — serene, traditional, and deeply spiritual.

(A windy trip to Mt Fuji)

(Beautiful autumn leaves)

(The mist was clearing up, yeay!)

When the seminar ended, my husband arrived to join me. Seeing him after two long weeks was such a comfort. Together, we explored Tokyo — visiting Mount Fuji, the peaceful Lake Hakone, and the magical Tokyo Disneyland that made us feel young again. One of the free nights in Tokyo, we took time to watch a Kabuki, a classical form of Japanese dance-drama. Kabuki theatre is known for its heavily-stylised performances, the often-glamorous costumes worn by performers, and for the elaborate kumadori make-up. Kabuki theatre was proclaimed by UNESCO as one of the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

(Exhausted after a full day visit to Disney Land)

(At the Wax Museum with Michael Jackson)

(The Wax Museum at Tokyo Tower)

(Enjoying a hot cup of coffee at Tokyo Tower)

(Raining cats and dogs at the temple)

(My first time wearing the contact lenses)

Looking back now, that trip was more than just a work assignment. It was a personal journey - of courage, growth, and discovery. I stepped out of my comfort zone, crossed borders I never thought I could, and came home with memories that have stayed with me ever since.

That first journey to Japan became the spark that ignited my love for travel - a gentle reminder that the world is vast, beautiful, and waiting to be explored, one meaningful step at a time.

(The Palace Hotel, Tokyo)

Tears from my eyes

If the tears from my eyes,

could fall upon you,

they would cry for me,

as i do for you,

They would look into my eyes,

and give me a kiss to hold inside,

for then i would plant my lips upon you,

for our love forever,

remains so true.

👈 1987: Kyoto, Japan