Sista In Tokyo

For the Times You are Craving Corn Bread in Tokyo

Japan has wonderful food!  It's a popular assumption that the Japanese diet consists of mostly rice and sushi/raw fish.  But nuh-uhnnn not true (if it were, I probably wouldn't be here).  Instead, Japanese food is actually quite diverse and really really good; and most of it is very healthy, not to mention, it's good.

I enjoy cooking and I often look up new recipes to try out.  But this is a relatively new thing.  As you may recall, back in the day I intentionally avoided the kitchen as a young woman.  As a result, I don't have recipes in my memory... not even one (well, maybe one for a good grilled cheese sandwich).  So for ideas and inspiration for cooking I have found the website AllRecipes.com to be an excellent cooking resource.  It's a cooking community and kind of social network for cooking and recipe sharing.  I really enjoy the reviews feature-- I am an avid reader of reviews, for everything (movies, books, music, tv shows, shoes, clothes.... I do a lot online)!  I have been referring to this site over the past two years and have come across a few great recipes.  As a result, I have increasingly become more comfortable incorporating more Japanese ingredients into my cooking.

Occasionally though, a sista does become homesick and I begin thinking about the home cooking I can't get here Japan.  Last fall, I had a serious craving for turnip/collard greens.  Turnips are a popular vegetable here, however leaves or 'greens' part of it, I have never seen a big full bush of turnip greens left in tact. 

Out with AU and in With Softbank's iPhone

Last week, I decided it was time to trash my AU cell phone of three years.  Since returning to Japan, it has served me so well.  But after plugging in the charger and not being able to remove the charger last week (without breaking the entire thing), I made the decision that it is finally time to purchase a new phone.

My husband uses Softbank and has been telling me to make the switch for the past year.  But, I'm pretty stubborn and a very loyal customer to brands I like.  That's just it though, I realized that I didn't even REALLY like AU.  Their branding isn't that great, their customer service isn't that great, and their phones.... not so great.  I think they appeal to the student demographic because of the great student discounts.  Which made me further consider the fact that I was not provided a student discount, because I was a 'research' student. 

So I said Screw AU....  And Tuesday evening I jumped on the train, headed to Omotesando's Softbank shop and came out 1.5 hours later with an iPhone.  (Actually, before that I had to stop by AU to get a 'number portability form'-- then I jumped on the train).  On a side note, I was charged sooooo many fees by AU for leaving.  And, the representative asked me "Softbank?  Why softbank?  Is it their image?"  My reply, "Yes, and their phones.  They have better phones." He shook his head in agreement, as if he's heard it at least 20 times that day.  For a moment I felt sorry for AU.  I doubt they are gaining new customers these days.  (Then I remembered the fees I was just charged...)

Anyway, I'm enjoying the new phone-- I don't have to carry multiple gadgets around anymore.  I have a cell phone, personal organizer, ipod all in one.  Not to mention, I can check multiple e-mails from it, including work.  Mac has won me over.  I'm thinking of getting my husband one as well....  It would make scheduling so much easier for him. 

And no....  I didn't have to wait in a crazy line.

"Where Can I Have My Hair Done in Tokyo?"-- Braids

Today is a national holiday in Japan, Marine Day I do believe. My husband and I spent yesterday and today at the beach in Onjuku. He surfs and I simply go in and out of the water or watch him catch waves. One day soon I plan to hop on the board along with him... :) Having braids make going to the beach and spending all day in the water a wonderful thing.

I initially came to Japan (Sendai, remember?) and I rocked a natural twisted out afro for a few months. Until things began to break off whenever I so much as ran my fingers through my hair. Some say it's the water, shampoo, conditioner, humidity, some say it's the change of environment, diet, etc. that one goes through when living in a new country and I say it's all of the above. Whatever the cause, a sista had to do something about her constantly dry hair and breakage (and I tried everything!).

So I called a friend in Tokyo and he introduced me to Miss Jane (this was back in 2006) and I have been going to her ever since. I am so happy to have found her. Usually, I call her one to two weeks ahead of time and schedule an appointment for Saturday morning. I like to arrive early, around 7:30AM or 8AM and once I arrive she begins. Of course, my hair is already shampooed and conditioned before arriving, so she begins and goes non-stop.

UPCOMING POST SERIES: "Where in Tokyo Can I Have My Hair Done?"

To my wonderful readers, thank you for your e-mails!  They are always great. 

Since I have more free time (yes, the change of scheduling is working out just lovely!) I am now able to spend a bit of time each day to reply to your mail.  And you know, based on the number of e-mails that I have in my inbox related to hair (20 out of 45), I think it's about time that I focus on Black Hair Care in Tokyo.

So, I've decided to do a little leg work and actually research, snoop around, travel to, and find out just what options are available to black women in Japan for hair care and styling.   My first topic, "Who Braids Sista in Tokyo's Hair... and ummmmm, how much does she charge?"

:) Looking forward to it.

Braids in Tokyo

CNN- Black in America Documentary & Sista in Tokyo

There's a great documentary being released this month through CNN titled, "Black in America" and it's examining the black family, black man, and the black woman.  I just finished watching the preview episode on iTunes and I must say, I am truly looking forward to it.

Back in April, along with the engagement news, I mentioned that I was contacted by CNN.  I was contacted for a segment of this documentary, one that examines the lives of African-Americans living outside of the U.S.  I spoke with a CNN producer via phone and she asked me several questions about being in Japan.  After answering her questions, my husband (boyfriend at the time) had a pretty long discussion about my thoughts, treatment, and experiences living in Japan.  It was a pretty cool experience :).  But don't expect to see Sista in Tokyo on there though.  We planned to do an in-person interview in Alabama when I returned home for wedding planning in May-- but if you recall I went to Hawaii instead of Alabama and got married :).

Anyway, one of the many questions she asked me about residing in Japan was, "Is there a difference in the way you are treated in Japan than in the USA?"  My answer, certainly and that's a good thing.  If there's one thing I have become aware of during my time outside of the USA is American fascination with race.  It's really interesting.  And my being from Alabama definitely created a very deep and at times extreme awareness of race.

A Change Has Come....

I know, it's been waaaay to long. Things have been going quite well, but I am still busy as hec!  So much so, that I have decided to implement some drastic schedule changes at work. But first, I will explain what I actually do.  Since judging by a few comments, some of you are beginning to believe I'm like Tommy on "Martin", "Tommy, you don't have a job mann!" 

I am a headhunter also known as a corporate recruiter, executive search, etc.  I work with multinational corporations entering the Japan market or already operating in Japan, and I help them find talent.  I primarily recruit Japanese professionals (Native Japanese speakers) with English speaking ability and I specialize in the Digital Media and Mobile industry.  My days are filled with e-mails, calls, meetings, and introductions.

I absolutely enjoy my job and I enjoy meeting so many new people and developing new relationships.  It provides independence and a handsome monetary reward.  But just like every other job in Japan, the work hours are fierce and I have been pulling 12 hour days M-F for the past 3 months.  As a result, I have become pretty grumpy and haven't attended any new social events-- and I love attending social events, especially new ones.

One of the things I like most about what I do, is the freedom in scheduling.  I literally run my own business, have my own clients, produce my own revenue, and I have the freedom to schedule my days as I see fit.  So today, I realized that I have reached a point of "A Change is Gonna Come... Fast or I'm Going Crazy Fast".  You'll I'm tired.

So, I'm changing it up- a sista needs some balance!  The first change is.... I'm going to speak with my assistant about scheduling meetings after 7PM.  I'm going to allow one day out of the week to have meetings after 7PM ONLY. That's it, only one day!  Normally, I am meeting people from early in the morning until late in the evening (8:30PM or 9PM).

The 2nd order of business is my gym time.  A few months ago, I traded my gym time for more personal /God time in the mornings.   This is the very important time where I either read the bible, a chapter/lesson or something related to being a better woman of Christ and I talk with God.  I have come to really enjoy these times so this can't change.  Up til February, I was mixing my personal time with gym time (gospel songs while running on the treadmill) but it just wasn't enough.  So, I swapped the times and now I just don't have the time to get to the gym anymore.   In order achieve gym time, I'm thinking of an after work wind down run twice a week (30-40 minutes) and an early morning muscle-toning and abs twice a week. (30-40 minutes).  PLUS-- a fun fitness time (maybe hip-hop, salsa, aerobics, or yoga) that is usually scheduled at my gym during the evenings.  I MUST get my butt back in the gym, my body is feeling sluggish.