I’m writing this at approximately 2:45 a.m. (local Tokyo time) and I am suffering form a severe case of jet lag.

They have a business lounge at our hotel. One with a reasonably well-stacked, complimentary bar and a snacks buffet. It’s open from 5:00 pm-9:00pm – so, while Charlotte was in Roppongi checking out a couple of museums (and an exclusive grooming salon for dogs) yesterday evening, I sat comfortably on the 20th floor by a window in the lounge, taking time lapse sequences and long exposure stills all the while sipping alternately on an ice-filled glass with Four Roses bourbon and chilled one brimming with Sapporo beer.

I was interviewed by a local Tokyo tv channel yesterday at the Harajuku subway station. They asked me to react to several anime monsters they showed me on an iPad – none of which were particularly scary. The interview was over in about three minutes and I couldn’t help but feel a little sad for the crew to be sent out on such silly assignment.

I find it increasingly interesting why the Japanese are so fascinated with cartoons. Is it perhaps a counter reaction to the fact that society here is so strictly governed by social etiquette and tradition? That the cartoon characters help them regress to a less burdensome time in their lives, i.e. childhood?

Having said that, I wholeheartedly dig the Japanese sensibilities for aesthetics. Not just the minimalistic approach, either. Most everything just looks naturally balanced and visually pleasing. From the futuristic design of the superfast Shinkansen locomotive we saw yesterday at Tokyo Station to the beautiful presentation of the bento box dinner I ordered from rooms service last night. Nothing is left to chance and everything is given some thought.

Today: the fish market, the mega crossing and hopefully, a glimpse of Jiro.