October 14, 2016

[YLP ICT: Part 18] Sayonara Okinawa –>Tokyo --> Japan

It was our last day in the land of Japan...
Most of us had a mixed feelings...
We're eager to go home despite the fact we're quite sad to leave Okinawa...
I'm myself wake up a bit early...
Although I did pack my bag on my last night but I just would like to stroll along the shop lots near Solvita...
My favorite would be the convenient store beside the hotel, Family Mart...
I love to shop at any convenient shop at Japan be it Family Mart, Lawson or even 7 Eleven...
These shop really spell out by what it mean by convenient store...

Will be updated soon...

P/s: Courtesy pictures to all my YLP-ICT batchmate. Arigatou! (Will update soon)

October 13, 2016

[YLP ICT: Part 17] Workshop Presentation and Closing Ceremony

Workshop Presentation


Before the presentation start, we take an opportunity to take official photo as we the ladies use our Kurung...
Then we headed to the workshop room and prepared for our presentation...
Our workshop presentation will be based on what we have been proposed during our workshop which being conducted by Mori-san...
There were three presentation which being divided by the group that were Himawari-X, Shogun and Sakura...
During this presentation, there were representative that consists of JICA; our main sponsor, Fujitsu; members from Okinawa Town-hall...
My group was a second group to the workshop presentation...
Azrin-san lead the presentation while others were also present at the front...
I was in-charge in handling the slides...
The best part was when Azrin-san bring out his "Tokyu Hands" that eventually bring all the class into a laughter...
For your information, Tokyu Hands were widely used in Japan especially when they're explaining something i.e. lecturing...
Actually Tokyu-hands in particular has its own story...
Then while going on for our Tokyo Evening Tour, Uran-san, our tourist guide using it as a tools to make us identify where she is...
At the tip of Tokyu-hands, she do tie a cute bear...
From that moments, Sore-san was interested in getting it and so does Azrin-san...


In the end, most of guest were satisfied with our proposal that have been presented...
We do get lots of positive feedback as well as a critique that do initiate us to be alert on challenges that will occur in the future...
Ideally all the proposal were much benefited to the country however there will be a lot of challenge that need to be faced before you can actually get what you have been proposed...
Personally I do enjoy the session and deep down my heart I do wish that whatever we do proposed will somehow take into account...

Evaluation Session


After came back from our lunch session, we need to be back at the workshop room and be ready for evaluation session...
This is something new to me and most of my friends...
Normally here (in Malaysia), we only required to fill the evaluation form after we do finished any course...
However its quite different culture in Japan...
We have been asked to fill the form after completed all the visits and workshop sessions...
Then our coordinator, Sajima-san and Yasumura-san will compiled the evaluation forms and summarize it...
During this session, there will be presenting the feedback that have been gathered from us and we do discuss about it...
It such a good session since we're been able to disclose whatever we felt throughout our course and so do they...

Closing Ceremony


Our closing ceremony started around 1500...
After all of us be present at the OIC board room, slowly all the representation from OIC, JICA; Fujitsu Learning Media, Okinawa; Okinawa Town-hall; programme officer, Takano-san; coordinator, Yasumura-san; course leader, Sajima-san; takes their place...
It just like our opening ceremony except there few people from Fujitsu Tokyo were not present that day...
The ceremony started by Amin-san deliver his thank you and appreciation note which has been prepared by Nisya-chan...
It was indeed a good speech and all of us thanks Nisya-chan for composing the speech...
At then end of Amin-san speech, we do presented a video made by Solleh-san...
The video is about our story and the journey in completing the course...
Then it being continued by OIC JICA, Uegaki-san...
After the speech end, its was a time when Uegeki-san read a brief speech to indicate that all 15 of us already completed the course and will be awarded with JICA OIC certificate...
It was just like a formal graduation ceremony...
After all of us have received the certificate, we immediately assemble ourself at the back of the room to prepare for our closing performance...
We opt to sing two song which the first one is Mirae by Kiroro and Balik Kampung by Sudirman...
We had practiced once in Solvita which quite hilarious since everybody didn't really had a good pitching...
However we do sung it from the bottom of our hearts...
It such a great feeling when they do appreciated the performance and did give us a standing ovation...

"Kenduri Sutun"

Please disregard the hands as we ladies don't take pictures during "Kenduri Sutun" *wink*

At night which was our last night in OKA, we're being blessed by our Amin-san a.k.a "Tok Ketua" by sponsoring big squid...
At first we thought to divide the portion among all of us but Amin-san decide to treat us...
Arigatou Amin-san...
So squid is being cooked by two of our chef, KP-san and Bushra-san...
We cooked it inside KP-san room...
Once all the dishes being cooked, we held "kenduri" at that room and for the guys they ate it at one of the guys room...
The dishes not only consist of squid but also all our unfinished ration that we bought it all the way from Malaysia...
Till this day, I can still remember how the dishes taste like and we never stop asking KP-san to cook squid for us again...

To be continued

P/s: Courtesy pictures to all my YLP-ICT batchmate. Arigatou! (Will update soon)

October 12, 2016

[YLP ICT: Part 16] Preparation Leaving Okinawa

As the title of the entry, yes it was our day to do some preparation to leave Okinawa...
Its getting near to the end...
The feelings jumble and mixed with various elements...
Deep inside my hearts I do appreciate this opportunity and alhamdullilah I'm the chosen one out of hundreds or maybe thousands of people apply....
Since the end is near, Ida-chan a.k.a Kak Long Kawasan came up with an idea for us to exchange notes and simple gift...
The note can be in forms of letter/ story or anything...
Later on after bring this matter to our Amin-san a.k.a Tok Ketua he do agree with the idea and then the rest is history...

Letters Writing


I do start to right my letter on the day we should been doing our preparation to leave Okinawa...
Honestly its quite to difficult to write these letters...
Its not a letter but 14 letters plus 1 for Atuk Yasumura-san...
The idea was wrote on how we do prescribe the person or any unforgetable moments we been through throughout the course...
End up some of us do write the letters by the beach, inside our nice and comfortable room or even during our buffet lunch in Banzai...

Strolling by the Okinawa Beach


Okinawa had ben known about it beautiful beach along the island...
During our excursion to Churaimi Aquarium, we do personally asked Atuk Yasumura-san to stop by but due to rain and Atuk was concern on our safety, the request seems like an air flow by his ears...
Somehow, Azue came up with the idea to go to the nearest beach near Solvita...
To cut it short after discussion via Whats Apps, the ladies finally set our way to hunt for Okinawan beach...
Alhamdullilah we made to the beach...
After a while, I make a move back to the hotel together with Ida-chan and Nisya-chan...
Others decide to stay and continue with letters writing...

Lunch with the Ladies


During our way to the beach, we decide to have a halal buffet lunch in Banzai...
The restaurant is located near Hokke...
The reason we wanted to have our lunch there since we haven't go on proper dining (except for Azue-san) in Okinawa...
We did once in Tokyo...
So far the variety of the menu will make you smile...
The waiters there were very helpful and keep assisting us in recognising the halal food...
We leave the restaurant after spending nearly an hour and half in the restaurant and start to leave for Naha Main Place...
This would be our last time to visit Naha Main Place since our trip comes towards the end...

Martial Art Performance by "Atuk" in Ballet Recital


Atuk Yasumura-san is a man that always complaining on his back ache...
However when he told us that he'll be performing at the ballet recital, we're surprised...
The ballet recital organised by his sister that own ballet academy in Okinawa...
Atuk wasn't a ballet dance instead he's into martial art...
He do karate and will performed special performance in the recital...
Back to his back ache, we're thrill to see his performance...
I go to the recital together with Ida-chan and Nisya-chan...

Exchanging Gifts & Letters Session and Rehearsing for Closing Ceremony


After coming back from ballet recital, all of us gather at Solvita's lobby for rehearsal and exchange letters and gift session...
Its start quite late since there of us (me, Ida-chan and Nisya-chan) just arrived to Solvita...
Once everyone were there, we start to gather all the letters and gifts...
Then we start to exchange letters and gifts...
The session was indeed a good one...
We have so much fun that night...
Besides exchange letters and gifts, we do practice for our performance during closing ceremony...
We have decided to sing Mira-e by Kiroro and Balik Kampung by late Sudirman...
We just get to know that Kiroro is an Okinawan when we're back in Malaysia...
During the practice, we're actually have been asked by the Solvita's receptionist to tone down our voice as we do sing and giggles quite loud due to the fact that we're not professional singer...
Later on before going back to our room, we personally asking for forgiveness to the receptionists and they just smile at us...


To be continued

P/s: Courtesy pictures to all my YLP-ICT batchmate. Arigatou! (Will update soon)

October 11, 2016

[YLP ICT: Part 15] Free Self-Study @ Okinawa

Naha Tug-of-War and Kokusai Dori


The Naha Tug of war (那覇大綱挽?) is an event at the annual festival held in Naha, Okinawa, Japan. Its roots may be traced back to the 17th century. Held on Route 58, it is a battle between the East and West teams. This correlates with the competition between two rulers in the Naha area in days of old.
The event draws some 275, 000 attendees annually, and is preceded on the prior day with a parade celebration on Kokusai Street (also in Naha). In 1997 the event was first logged in the Guinness Book of World Records as being the largest tug-of-war event in the world. The rope weighs some 40 metric tons. 
The festival begins with men dressed in traditional Okinawan dress standing on the rope facing in opposite directions to symbolize the battle between East and West. A myriad of performances take place along the rope's length, from martial artists of varying ages, to older women performing a sort of fan-dance. It is an international event with Japanese nationals, American military, and tourists in attendance. Just before the start of the match a man dressed in the dress of the Ryūkyūan kings stands on a wooden platform hoisted in the air on the shoulders of men standing on opposite sides of the rope. The "king" is carried on this platform down the length of the rope, before the festival starts, and the two kings perform a ritual sword contest.
The main rope, over 1.5 meters in diameter, has many smaller diameter, but very long ropes extending from it, and the participants pull these during the contest. The contest lasts 30 minutes and the challenge is to pull the other team a total of 15 meters. If neither side pulls the other the 15 meters, whichever side has pulled the other the furthest wins.
After the 30-minute time limit expires, one side is declared the victors, and they are allowed to climb on top of their rope to celebrate. It is customary for participants to cut apart the rope, and take a length of it as a token, and so throngs of people using tools ranging from their pocket knives, scissors and hacksaws set on the rope, cutting lengths of it to commemorate the festival.
(Cited from wikipedia.com)


Kokusaidori (国際通り, Kokusaidōri, literally "International Road") is Naha's main street, stretching for roughly two kilometers through downtown Naha. The street takes its name from the former "Ernie Pyle International Theater", a movie theater that was built along the road after the war.
Starting around the Naha Bus Terminal and Prefectural Hall, Kokusaidori is lined by restaurants, cafes, bars, hotels, souvenir shops, boutiques and department stores. Many shops remain open until 11pm, and live Okinawa music is played at several restaurants.
If you are looking for even more shopping opportunities, you are encouraged to venture into the colorful Heiwadori, Mutsumidori and Ichiba Hondori arcades, which branch off Kokusaidori around the intersection with Okieidori, halfway along the street. The shops in the arcade are smaller than those along Kokusaidori, and are often made up of just a small booth and a single shop owner.
(Cited from japan-guide.com)

On the free self-study in Okinawa, once again we split into guys and ladies team...
The guys decide to go to Ashibinaa while the ladies would like to venture in Kokusai Dori a.k.a Kokusai Street a.k.a International Street...
It happen to be that Naha Tug of War festival will held a parade and will include Kokusai Dori as part of the route...
Hence we're like killing two birds with a stone...
We arrived Kokusai Dori around 0900...
The crowd wasn't not too much...
Slowly around 1000 and above people start to fill in the road...
In Kokusai Dori lots of omiyage shops that selling most Okinawan omiyage...
In this street you can easily find delicious Okinawan Yam Tart, famous Okinawa pineapple as well as Shisa (a pair of lion: one with mouth open and another with mouth close, symbolism of  bring prosperity) miniature...
We managed to witness the parade and see traditional rituals that involved male adult in handling the long bamboo sticks (its like a flag)...
The parade involved school children too...
Therefore they're many cute faces of Okinawan kids and we can easily know how committed they're event their faces did turned into red in colour since the climate on that day were pretty hot...
We're in Kokusai untill lunch time...
From there I and Ida-chan took a train to Naha-koku (Naha Airport) before taking a bus to Ashibinaa to continue our shopping spree...
The others decide to going back to Solvita...

Ashibinaa Premium Outlet

Consider this is my second visit to Ashibinaa...
This time around is only me and Ida-chan decide to coming here as we would like to do some shopping...
With the fact that during the first visit here, we're just strolling around the shops and at Gotemba Ida-chan only bought toys for her sons...
After finish with our shopping session, we do treat oursleves with a good dessert before taking a taxi to go back to Solvita...
Initially we think of getting the bus and the train but its getting dark and its only two of us and taxi will better option...
Alhamdullilah we made it to Solvita around 1945...


To be continued

P/s: Courtesy pictures to all my YLP-ICT batchmate. Arigatou! (Will update soon)

October 10, 2016

[YLP ICT: Part 14] Visit to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium


Visit to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium was among a visit that we're looking for...
Arigatou minna-san to our senpai, YLP-ICT 1st Batch on February 2016...
We had fun during this trip...
We leave Matsuyama quite early since we're going up north...
Along the way, it was raining...
The driver take us along the road by the beach...
It was an amazing view to see...
If you have saw a series entitled, Ku Tinggalkan Cinta di Okinawa played by Hanis Zalika absolutely you'll love it...
We do make a stop a Aeon to pick up something for our lunch...
Once again our Atuk Yasumura-san patiently become our translator...
Arigatou Atuk =)

On the way back, the feelings suddenly become different...
Everybody seems to be carried away by themselves...
With the fact that Azrin-san did a special video on our visit to Churaumi...
Suddenly out of nowhere, Atuk said that he want to sing a song for us...
He, Atuk immediately became Frank Sinatra by singing My Way...
He had a nice voice...
Then he asked us to sing any song....
All of us decide to sing various songs...
I can't remember the songs title but I'll try to remember it...
We finally reach Solvita around 1730...
Its had been a nice day to remember, 10102015....


To be continued

P/s: Courtesy pictures to all my YLP-ICT batchmate. Arigatou! (Will update soon)

October 8, 2016

[YLP ICT: Part 13] 2 Days Workshop @ OIC


After coming back from Tokyo, we don't have any visit except to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium on our last Saturday in Japan...
We need to attend 2 days workshop (from 8th to 10th October) conducted by Mori-san...
We only meet Mori-san during the workshop as before this only Sajima-san, Otsubo-san and Ishibashi-san from Fujitsu accompany us during visit both in Okinawa and Tokyo...
Mori-san by appearance look very serious but through times we comfortable with her...
We can saw how she struggle a little bit to explaining on the usage of Post-It note to us...
Maybe she thought that we might don't some kind of Post-It note in Malaysia...
But no offence because she just know us...
She given us a chance to express our ideas...
During the workshop we need to fill in all the forms that given by Atuk Yasumura-san and Sajima-san for both JICA and Fujitsu evaluation...
Overall during this workshop we find it is very fruitful session in regards with knowledge sharing and we managed to generate new ideas...
We're being group according to our group in Tokyo...
We named ourselves as Himawari-X, Sakura and Shogun...
We had 2 session of presentation...
The first session just as warm up and for us Himawari-X we asked our MAMPU guy, Azrin-san to presented on behalf of us...
Arigatou Azrin-san...
While the second session all of us presented and be in front of the crowd...

To be continued

P/s: Courtesy pictures to all my YLP-ICT batchmate. Arigatou! (Will update soon)

October 7, 2016

[YLP ICT: Part 12] Finding Himawari and Goodbye Tokyo

Meteorological Satellite Centre


This is the last day in Tokyo before heading back Okinawa...
I will definitely miss the calm and windy weather since it was autumn back then...
The last day occupied with a visit to Japan Meteorological Agency which located outskirts from Tokyo...
In here where I found Himawari 1 till the current one, "Hachi" Himawari...
If possible all of us would like to have the cute Himawari soft toys but it wasn't for sale...
During this visit we're able to see how technology help in doing analysis not only weather forecasting but beyond that...

Flight to OKA


Our flight to Okinawa was on 1550 and expected to arrived 1825...
Before we're going to Haneda, we need to pick up our luggage at MyStays...
Initially Atuk Yasumura-san tought that we can bring along the luggage when we're visiting Meteorological Satellite Centrebut looking at the size and weight he change the plan...
We're quite rushing to return to MyStays before dragging our luggage to Akihabara station before heading to Haneda...
Upon arrival to Okinawa, we're being transfer to Solvita Hotel located in Matsuyama...
The location here is different from Shintioshin area...
Matsuyama area very full with adult entertainment and therefore made our Atuk Yasumura-san keep advising us of not to going out by alone...
Fews days later we found out the reasons why we can't continue our stay in Hokke because the hotel was fully booked in conjuction with Tug-of-War festival...
The silver lining was that the room in Solvita is much bigger than the one in Hokke and they have a most comfortable pyjamas too...



To be continued

P/s: Courtesy pictures to all my YLP-ICT batchmate. Arigatou! (Will update soon)

October 6, 2016

[YLP ICT: Part 11] The Day I Became Statistician and Dietitian

Statistic Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications


Next day visit was to a Statistical Bureau Japan (SBJ), Ministry of Internal Affairs & Information...
The similar department that exists in Malaysia is Department of Statistics Malaysia...
In this visit we're being welcome by the Director of Statistical Information Systems Division of SBJ itself..
He was giving us a lecture on how the usage of ICT help in SBJ operation...
Later on we're given opportunity to visit it facilities where all the census questionnaire will be placed for storage....
These census later will be send to a machine in order to get the data and proceed with the analysis needed...
In the facilities we're prohibited to take any pictures since its among a sensitive place...
inside SBJ, there're Statistics Museum...
We had our chance to visit the museum and be able to get to know all those machines used prior to computers...
Our visit to SBJ was even get cover by SBJ's portal...


The news can be retrieved by clicking this link --> Participants of the Training Program for Malaysia by JICA visited Statistics Bureau of Japan (October 6, 2015)

National Diet Library


At first, most of all though that National Diet represent a library that full of dietary info, but after we learn a history of Japan back in Okinawa, we know it is actually a parliamentary for Japan...
The library can be access by anyone...
However it can't give you a permission to borrow any of the reading materials...
The library have similar function like our National Archives Department...
In fact we do have an opportunity to be underneath of the library storage which is 30 meters down under...

Mission to Shinjuku, Shibuya and Tokyo Tower


Giving up is never listed in our mind during planning the night outing...
Normally the plan will immediately start after we finish our evening visit...
That among the things always make us strong to go as many places among tourists attraction in Tokyo...
After National Diet Library, the group disperse into 2...
The ladies decide to go to Shinjuku while the guys wanted to visit Doraemon museum...
In the famous young city: Shinjuku (as what Atuk Yasumura-san always said) we're spend our time in Uniqlo...
Then we take few pictures in various spot before heading to Shibuya...
In Shibuya we're eager to cross the Shibuya Crossing but due to huge crowd we decide not to...
We just taking pictures from Starbucks Cafe facing glamorous Shibuya Crossing...
While strolling around Shibuya we decide to have our dinner at Malay Asian Cuisine...
This restaurant is belong to Malaysian entrepreneur hail from Kajang...
I choose to eat Nasi Goreng Kampung and Banana Fritters with Yam Ice-Cream...
It really satisfy most of our craving for Malaysian foods...
Later on, Azue-san mention about Tokyo Tower...
It wasn't far from Shibuya but we do need to take few trains before we reach the tower...
Some of the ladies already felt tired and decide not to go for Tokyo Tower mission...
After short discussion, we''re split into 2 groups...
Mazani-san lead the group that wanted to return to MyStays while Azue-san lead Tokyo Tower Mission...
Together with Azue-san were me, Ida-chan, Nisya-chan, KP-san and Kila-san while Bushra-san and Yana-san were with Mazani-san...
Once we're going out from the station, our eyes immidetilay spot the enchanting Tokyo Tower...
We can't stop taking pictures and smile brightly even the fact that we're not even pack our luggage for tomorrow flight to Okinawa...
Alhamdullilah, all places covers in one night....


To be continued

P/s: Courtesy pictures to all my YLP-ICT batchmate. Arigatou! (Will update soon)

October 5, 2016

[YLP ICT: Part 10] Pay Visit to Our Main Sponsor, Knowing Koban, Japanese Cotton and Tokyo HRC

Fujitsu Technology Hall


Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you'll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you'll find that you have more of it.
Ralph Marston

A visit to Fujitsu Technology Hall was an awesome visit...
As a main sponsor to our programme, the visit to our parent company is a session that most of us look forward...
Witnessing the technologies exists in the hall just a wonderful experience and we had a chance to experience most of the technology...
We had our lunch with most of the senior management from Fujitsu and the foods were all from the convenient shop inside the building...

Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department


Later in the evening we continued our visit to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department...
We're lucky to be able to see how command control works...
The command control that being equipped with many gadgets that used to help the police officer to get the reports before handover to the nearest Koban...

Cotton Hunting @ Nippori and Hard Rock Café Tokyo


I always be a fan of Japanese Cotton...
Since of my colleague happen to had his chance to go for JICA course in Tokyo, he do promote me to go to Nippori...
The moments we touch down in Haneda, I did told some of my friends that if possible I want to go to Nippori that always known as Textile Town...
Since we finish our visit at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department quite early, there's still ample time to make a way to Nippori...
In fact Yasumura-san and Sajima-san personally asking me why I wanted to go there...
When I explained that I want to buy few pieces of Japanese cotton, they're quite surprise since as Japanese itself, they didn't know much about Nippori...
To cut it short, 14 of us (minus Amin-san) made our way to Nippori after Sajima-san explained the train lines...
Amin-san doesn't not following us after the Fujitsu visit due to fever...
In here, I would like to personally thanks to the guys for leading the way...
Upon arrival Nippori, I took the lead...
Nizam-san keep saying to me that I'll definitely can sleep well after being able to bought few pieces for myself and my family...
After finish cotton hunting at Nippori, we split into 2 groups...
The first one decide to go to HRC Tokyo...
While another one (Nisya-san and Mazani-san) decide to have a taste on halal ramen near Asakusa...
While the rest proceed to HRC...
As usual, the ¥ keep decreasing...
We made our way back to MyStays around 2230...

To be continued

P/s: Courtesy pictures to all my YLP-ICT batchmate. Arigatou! (Will update soon)

October 4, 2016

[YLP ICT: Part 9] Free Self-Study @ Tokyo


It's called a self-study day...
Indirectly it means a free time for us here in Tokyo...
Since one of us really hooked to see Mount Fuji from a premium outlet named Gotemba (thanks to Azrin-san who never fails to promote it), so here we are...
We made it even language was a huge barrier....
The sign mostly were in Japanese and mostly we do rely on mobile apps plus with Ninja mobile internet connection...
Since we're divided by the group back in Okinawa, we're moving in groups...
However Mizi-san doesn't follow us since he's having problem with his mobile...
So all 14 of us head to Gotemba via train...
Gotemba quite outskirts from Tokyo..
It took us nearly 3 hours since we do take a wrong train but above all it a lesson for us...
By 1230 (if not mistaken) we reach the famous Gotemba Premium Outlet...
In Gotemba, it does have a memorable incident that craft a bittersweet memories...
But I do thanks Him for all the incident in order to see how much you can accept people and in return try to reflect upon yourself...
Besides, I do have an opportunity to experience a ride on a bullet train which people known as Shinkasen...
That's a blessing in disguise...



To close the day trip, we went back to Asakusa to continue a journey hunting for varies souvenirs and the price is cheapest as compared to other place...
Yeah we go to Asakusa once again since the day before we haven't bought much omiyage for our loves ones who are in Malaysia...
In Asakusa we meet Mizi-san and later all of us decide to dine with Turkish Kebab located in Akihabara...
What a day but I do enjoy it to the fullest, alhamdullilah...

To be continued

P/s: Courtesy pictures to all my YLP-ICT batchmate. Arigatou! (Will update soon)

October 3, 2016

[YLP ICT: Part 8] Tokyo, Here I Come…

Flight to Tokyo (OKA – HND)


Our flight to Haneda Airport (HND) depart at 0800 and expected to arrive on 1020…
For this flight it was quite relax since there’s no large group except for us…
This field trip to Japan, Atuk Yasumura-san is present to accompany us…
His face were quite serious as we know what his fear was…
All this time, we often gave him headache and that wasn’t good for him…
So all of us decide to ease his burden by being a good “cucu’s” to him…
Alhamdullilah we managed to be on board and safely landed HND…

Luggage + Stairs = Good Friends



No wonder why all Japanese people mostly are slim and slender…
I guess most people need to be agree with me…
All of us need to drag our luggage from Haneda to Ochanomizu despite many stations…
Don’t mentioned on stairs case and escalator what not…
There’re certain stations doesn’t have escalator at all…
But that doesn’t kill our excitement of being able to be in the heart of Tokyo…
We managed to keep our bag at My Stays Ochanomizu before proceed to Hamamatsucho…
Hamamatsucho, one stop centre and it’s the place for us to meet our tourist guide, Uran-san…
In Hamamatsucho, we the ladies do create a scene when we picnic by the corridor and then the police politely asked us to leave and show us possible sittings for us to have our lunch…
As usual we do grab our lunch at Family Mart…
Arigatou gozaimas Atuk Yasumura-san for your patient translating almost everything to us…

Tokyo Evening Tour


Alhamdullilah we managed to enjoy our side seeing around Tokyo…
It’s definitely a dreams comes true…
We start the tour by Uran-san by visiting Seaside Top Tower…
On Seaside Top Tower, we’re able to look a lot of sky crappers in Tokyo…
It’s such amazing feelings to be up there…
Then we’re taken to stroll along Imperial Palace Garden…
Seeing the Imperial Palace in front of us just can’t make us stop smiling…
Enough on the garden, we went to Asakusa…
In Asakusa there’s a shrine and a good place to shop for “omiyage”
Around Asakusa there’s lots of halal eating place such as ramen and others…
We end our evening with Tokyo Cruise along Sumida River…

Check-In My Stays Ochanomizu


We arrived My Stays Ochanomizu at 1815…
What a day…
We do felt tired but at the same time we can’t deny how happy and blessed we’re able to be here in Tokyo…
Our hotel situated near Akihabara…
Therefore, it’s like a heaven for us too…
Akihabara were also known as Akihabara Electric Town…


To be continued

P/s: Courtesy pictures to all my YLP-ICT batchmate. Arigatou! (Will update soon)

October 2, 2016

[YLP ICT: Part 7] Morning as a Traffic Officer, Evening as Water Specialists

Okinawa Prefectural Police: Traffic Control Centre


Observation made to Okinawa Prefectural Police is focusing on traffic system around Okinawa mainly in Naha City…
In this visit, we get an opportunity to experience a simulation on crossing a road…
The simulator normally being used in their awareness program and it shows that a simulation on crossing a road will be helpful in educating citizens on the road safety…
By using the simulator, they (the Police) can analyse the right way in crossing the road safely…
We’re given an opportunity to try on the simulator…
2 of our friends have a try on it. One is barely success to cross the road while another one is died on the spot…

Ishikawa Water Treatment Plan


Our final visit in Okinawa, the Ishikawa Water Treatment Plant…
During the briefing by the engineer, we’re surprised that there has been no water disruption in Okinawa since 1994…
While in water treatment we continue to be amazed on how it treat the water besides the fact we can directly drink the water directly from the tap…
To be continued

Studying Train Lines in Tokyo


During our first briefing earlier with Yasumura-san, he did inform us on how to read the various train lines in Tokyo…
In fact he did draw a Yamanote line and really explained about it as he quite worry if we do get lost in the middle of Tokyo…
He did foresee our interest in taking pictures and that why he kept reminding us not to be careless about it…
By seeing this and the fact that we’re only in Tokyo for 5 days including travelling period, we decide to list and discuss which place to go…
The best part is the place where we do our discussion is along the corridor…
Earlier on the evening we already send our luggage to OIC since we need to be handy while we’re in Tokyo…
Hence Yasumura-san did warn up to take along a small bag with us once he saw how big our luggage that need to kept at the OIC…
Overall, few places have been shortlisted and we just pray and hope that all the places can be visited with a little amount of time…



To be continued

P/s: Courtesy pictures to all my YLP-ICT batchmate. Arigatou! (Will update soon)

October 1, 2016

[YLP ICT: Part 6] A Day as Librarian and College Student

Urasoe City Library


Urasoe City Library is located nearby OIC…
By looking at it exterior, it’s indeed an old library and it have served various group of people…
The visit this library was indeed a realisation to us on the important of knowledge and how to inculcate reading habits from the earlier age…
From the observation made in the library, it is occupied with a numbers of users at the morning…
It shows how people in Urasoe is deeply connected with library besides it promoting a good reading habit…

Okinawa Polytechnic College


From the visit to Okinawa Polytechnic College I get to know that their polytechnic it just not for a high school leaver...
It can be entered by the workers who seeking for a job or new skills. It has 2 types of the program that are:
1) Specialised Technical Program
2) Professional Technical College

Moreover, I do notice that the polytechnic is focusing more on the technical part...
The institution were also focusing on technical is crucial since by mastering the technical part, the students are marketable to join the workforce…


To be continued

P/s: Courtesy pictures to all my YLP-ICT batchmate. Arigatou! (Will update soon)

September 30, 2016

[YLP ICT: Part 5] Opening Ceremony, Visit, Train and Shop...

Opening Ceremony

I’m out of words now…
Workings with machine seem to make you runs out of vocabulary…
However I still would try my best wrote something on my trip…
Besides it been a year…
During the opening ceremony, there were representative from OIC itself besides our main sponsor Fujitsu Media Limited Okinawa as well as local representative from Okinawa…
The ceremony start with the speech from all the various organisations and end with all the young leaders start to introduce ourselves…

Okinawa Meteorological Observatory


Our first official visit was in Okinawa Meteorological Observatory…
During the visit we’re accompany by Yasumura-san, Sajima-san and Otsubo-san…
In here we’re given opportunity to learn the basic things of weather forecasting and observations using various tools such as balloons, wind and rain measurement equipment…
It not stop on the forecast and observation only but we did learned on how to make use of technology goodness in order to be able escalate warning to the citizens on natural disaster like earthquake or typhoon…

Taking Allowance, Train Training Session & Ashibinaa




After finish the visit at Okinawa Meteorological Observatory, straight away we're taken back to OIC...
The reason is because we need to withdraw our allowances...
The ATM machines instructions in Japanese and our Atuk Yasumura-san need to assist all of us...
Seeing the fact that we'll be going to Tokyo on 3rd Oct, we'll need to familiarise with Japan train system...
Although there's train service in OKA, but the scale very much different as compared to Tokyo...
However taken a piece of advice from Atuk Yasumura-san, we come into agreement to try on the OKA train service...
We depart from Omoromachi to Naha Kuko...
From Naha Kuko a.k.a airport we took a bus to go to Ashibinaa...
Ashibinaa is a place like premium outlet and offered quite numbers of brand...
Since we're not even a week here, most of us just make a little survey and window shopping while we're there....


To be continued

P/s: Courtesy pictures to all my YLP-ICT batchmate. Arigatou! (Will update soon)

September 29, 2016

[YLP ICT: Part 4] Introduction Class and A Visit to Shuri-Jo

Learn About Japan and Okinawa


During introductory classes we had a chance to learn on the Outline of Japan conducted by Prof. Isao Nishihira and Introduction to Okinawa by Hiroshi Uramoto…
Honestly the Outline of Japan was really like a normal class and I can help to be sleepy…
However, unlike the previous one, Intro to Okinawa which presented by Uramoto-san was extremely hilarious…
Each of the session we’re proudly presented our humble omiyage and as predicted they would definitely ask what mean by the Cufi writing…

Shuri-Jo, the History 
Shuri Castle (首里城 Shuri-jō?, Okinawan: Sui Gushiku) is a Ryūkyūan gusuku in Shuri, Okinawa. It was the palace of the Ryūkyū Kingdom. In 1945, during the Battle of Okinawa, it was almost completely destroyed. Beginning in 1992, it was reconstructed on the original site based on photographs, historical records, and memory.
The date of construction is uncertain, but it was clearly in use as a castle during the Sanzan period (1322–1429). It is thought that it was probably built during the Gusuku period, like many other castles of Okinawa. When King Shō Hashi unified the three principalities of Okinawa and established the Ryūkyū Kingdom, he used Shuri Castle as a residence. At the same time, Shuri flourished as the capital and continued to do so during the Second Shō Dynasty.
For 450 years from 1429, it was the royal court and administrative center of the Ryūkyū Kingdom. It was the focal point of foreign trade, as well as the political, economic, and cultural heart of the Ryūkyūs. According to records, Shuri Castle was burned down several times, but rebuilt each time. It was captured by the armies of Satsuma during the 1609 Invasion of Ryukyu, during the reign of Shō Nei. After the Kingdom was annexed by Japan in 1879, the King was removed and the castle was used as a barracks by the Japanese army.
Before World War II, it was designated a national treasure. However, during the war, the Japanese military set up its headquarters in the castle underground, and, beginning on May 25, 1945, the American battleship USS Mississippi (BB-41) shelled it for three days. On May 27, it burned. After the battle, a Confederate battle flag (which personally belonged to the company commander) was hoisted above the castle by the "Rebel Company" A of the 5th Marine Regiment. It was visible for over two miles and stayed above the castle for three days until it was removed by General Simon B. Buckner, Jr. (son of Confederate General Simon Bolivar Buckner, Sr.), who stated that Americans from all parts of America helped to win the battle.
After the war, the University of the Ryūkyūs moved to the castle site, where it remained until 1975. In 1958, the Shureimon gate was reconstructed and, in 1992, the main building of the castle was reconstructed. At present, the entire area around the castle has been established as Shuri Castle Park. In 2000, along with other gusuku and related sites, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

(Cited from Wikipedia.com)


As for me in Shuri-Jo I do had a chance to look all over Okinawa from its highest peak…
Being able to be there with 14 others friends made the journey more memorable…
Indeed to have a bunch of people who also love photography session make it more interesting…
However as usual, Yasumura-san start to know our colours…
He already started to lecture us…
Since that day I personally called her “Atuk” and of course without his acknowledgement…



Grouping for Tokyo Trip



Since there were 15 of us, we need to divide ourself into 3 groups that make up from 5 of us in each group...
Therefore we decide to select using numbers that we tossed together...
It end up well and each of the group consists variety of people and this also part of ice-breaking session...
This grouping somehow bring our Atuk Yasumura-san into a relief state too...


To be continued

P/s: Courtesy pictures to all my YLP-ICT batchmate. Arigatou! (Will update soon)

September 28, 2016

[YLP ICT: Part 3] Intro to OIC, Naha Main Place and Omiyage Session...

Briefing and Lunch in OIC


Second day in Japan, specifically Okinawa...
According to the schedule we'll be waiting for JICA rep to pick us before going to Okinawa International Centre (OIC)…
OIC is one of JICA centre across all over Japan…
As per discussed via WA, we decide to wait at the lobby…
When we reach the lobby, we do spotted one old man that we can consider here as our “Atuk” was waiting for us…
That “Atuk” is actually our Programme coordinator, Yasumura-san…
After being simply greet by Amin-san (if not mistaken), he immediately start to translate our names to Japanese character which being known as Hiragana and Katakana…
After all the names are being translated after view times of rehearsing our own name in order to avoid mistakes, all set to go to OIC…
The main briefing on the course was held in OIC and it took us around half an hour to get there…
Upon arrival at the OIC, I personally can’t stop smiling as I do know that part of my wish already became true and it do mark our journey for the course…
We’re then usher by another JICA rep to respected discussion room where we’re being brief on the course itself besides with some domestic rules and regulations, do and don’ts as well as our allowance which had managed to keep our eyes awake…


During lunch hour we pay our visit to OIC café…
Alhamdullilah they do serve halal foods so we might get starve while we’re in Okinawa…
We do know about OIC café as our senior for this course, Huda-san (from the 1st batch) do wrote few entries in her blog and it among a good guide for us…
Arigatou Huda-san (you can simply visit her blog at http://hnr318.blogspot.my/)

A Visit to Naha Main Place


Since in the evening there’s no session for us, we decide to return back to Hokke and plan to visit Naha Main Place (shopping complex) that just opposite Hokke besides some close spots nearby…
The guys already visit Naha Main Place on the day we arrived Hokke and a lot of reviews being made…
So here we, the ladies took the empty time by visiting the shopping complex…
We just stroll along the shops and finally do some shopping at the supermarket for some foods…
For myself, I do bought some instant rice together with the seaweed…
I was planning (actually challenge myself) to do either sushi or onigiri… (thanks to Ida-san for the idea)
Over and over again, I do admired their supermarket settings…
All the items were nicely arranged and the most eye catch on their cash register counter…
They were efficient and effortlessly will greet you with their sweet smile…

Omiyage Session


When coming to Japan, it were quite rude if you don’t bring any souvenirs or often call as omiyage…
Since the omiyage were not properly arranged due to many reasons, Bushra-san as Omiyage Leader plan to collect and start listing out each one of it to our various visit sessions at the lobby…
While all the omiyage that we got from various sources, we can’t keep ourselves to give remarks on it…
The best part when we do asked the guys to wrap some of the omiyage as they tend to disturb us the ladies while we’re busy assigning and wrapping the omiyage…
Indeed this omiyage session are among our ice-breakers session back then in Okinawa…


To be continued

P/s: Courtesy pictures to all my YLP-ICT batchmate. Arigatou! (Will update soon)