It’s been a week since my return from a three week production all over Japan. Having traveled to so many amazing places, I figured my first visit to Japan would be just another foreign country with a language I couldn’t understand and whole lot of jet lag. I was completely wrong, except for the jet lag.

We were tasked with profiling nine high-level corporate figures, as they went about their daily lives, doing the things they loved outside of work. This was not the usual corporate video…more of a documentary/promotion approach. There were two of us shooting on Canon 5D packages and our wonderful/patient guide and interpreter, Kiko. Without Kiko, we would still be in our first location, on the streets of Osaka, trying to figure out what to eat for lunch!!! She saved us and kept us going throughout the ambitious air travel and car driving days.

We began in Osaka for several profiles, visited Kyoto and flew to Hiroshima. Jumped on several more planes bound for Toyama, Nigata and Tokyo. We never wasted a chance to wander the streets or walk through the old temples and castles. The people of Japan are so proud of their heritage and history. The relics and edifices are scattered throughout every city, town and village. All are kept to perfection and respected by all. Even the modern cities, the streets, the buildings, the restaurants and bathrooms are wonderfully clean and organized. I couldn’t help but notice how Tokyo, one of the busiest cities in the world, operates so smoothly and quietly. I’m used to honking horns, rumbling belching engines and disrespectful people yelling obscenities, as I wander the streets of most large metropolitan locations. Not in Japan. What a wonderful change. We could all learn something from these kind courteous people.

A particular day in Nagoya was spent profiling a man that likes to fly helicopters around his beloved Mt. Fuji. I’ve spent some time with volcanoes and helicopters, but this was different. Mt. Fuji holds such prestige in the volcano world, as an icon of Japan and Asia. The perfect volcano shape, snowcapped and simply large. What an opportunity to fly close by this beautiful mountain.

There were so many great places, amazing people and wonderful moments, but I have to take the time to mention the food. This trip was a culinary extravaganza. Japanese people revere their food and food presentation. Every meal, even a simple snack, requires correct presentation. So much care and concern. I loved it. The variety of food types was astounding. At least once a day, I was eating something I had never heard of before or something I would never have tried back home, from sea cucumber to eel extract juice, it was incredible. Our hosts were always seeking out the best food experiences for each town we visited…thank you Kiko!

Looking at my schedule, I may end up in Japan again, possibly in May. I say, Japan anytime!!!