Japan: Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow
This May, I visited Japan, and it was for something special — Red Dot Foundation was presenting at the Women’s Pavilion at the Osaka World Expo. I had never been to an expo before, so the anticipation was high. Adding to the excitement, my friend Prathima Manohar, who organises an Urban Leaders retreat for Indian architects and real estate developers, chose Tokyo for her next study trip.
The trip unfolded in two parts. In the first week, my friend Smita Chadha and my board member Sally Munemitsu joined me for a mini holiday in Osaka and Nara alongside the Expo. Smita and I then explored Kyoto and Hakone before heading to Tokyo, where we joined Prathima and her group.
First Impressions That Last
These days, not many things have a genuine “wow” factor for me. Japan does. It manages the rare feat of embracing its ancient history and civilisation while simultaneously leaning into the modern and futuristic. One moment you are admiring centuries-old temples; the next, you are being served by a robot waiter or paying at an automated kiosk. Everything works seamlessly, making life feel convenient and almost hassle-free.
Every coin has a purpose, and nothing goes to waste. For your extra coins, you can top up your railway ticket or even buy a cute stuffed toy from a vending machine. There are no public dustbins in sight, yet not a scrap of litter anywhere. It’s also the land of kawaii — cuteness is everywhere, and everything is beautiful. People take pride in their work. Even the most straightforward task, like making coffee, is done with precision and care. Presentation matters — colours are chosen thoughtfully, and food arrives in small portions designed to be savoured rather than hurried through. In Japan, wasting food feels almost disrespectful.
Unexpected Discoveries
Japan shatters some conventional business wisdom. For example, “location, location, location” may be a mantra for restaurants elsewhere, but in Nara, we found a delightful café on the fifth floor of an unassuming building. I’m still dreaming about that coffee and the pastries that were every bit as delicious as they looked.
Even though my schedule was hectic, I never felt drained. The quiet, calm energy of people going about their routines carried me along. The Japanese are intentional in everything they do, from their muted clothing choices to their participation in events.
At the Expo, those who registered for our noon-to-2 p.m. session arrived by 11:30 a.m. and stayed until the very end, fully engaged. In many other places, people might drift out early or treat attendance as a formality. Not in Japan. To leave before the end would be considered disrespectful.
Moving With Ease
Transportation is another marvel. There’s a train for every budget and preference, and all systems are integrated so transfers are smooth and stress-free. They have invested in universal signage — using colours, numbers, and alphabets so that anybody, regardless of language, can understand and navigate with ease.
Infrastructure, too, reflects deep intentionality. Private buildings are required to provide public spaces, and these are not token efforts. They are beautifully maintained, thoughtfully designed, and elegantly simple. Japan shows that elegance does not have to be expensive or loud.
Pride and Preservation
The Japanese take pride in their heritage and language. Many places displayed signs that read “We speak only Japanese,” yet there was no hostility, just a quiet assertion of identity. For visitors, translation apps make navigating easy enough.
A Lasting Lesson
Japan taught me that beauty lies in intentionality. Whether it is the perfect pour of a latte, the seamless integration of public transport, or the discipline to stay present for an entire event, there is a quiet dignity in doing things well for their own sake.
I left with a deep respect for a culture that balances the ancient and the ultra-modern so gracefully. Japan doesn’t just impress — it inspires.
