The Star-Studded UNMC Nite, 2015

(click below for photos)
Star-Studded UNMC Nite, 2015

Farewell Lunch with my colleagues at IDE-JETRO!

Many thanks Atsuko-san for organizing this event and Abu, Kenmei, Kang, Kazushi, Tomohiro, Sulaiman, Keola, Yuya and Manda-san for joining - hope to see you all again soon in the future!

The group

Could not escape the farewell speech - thanks guys for everything!

 

Samba Festival in Tokyo - A slice of Brazil in Japan

Unforgettable Kyoto!

Visited again recently, this city arguably offers the best slice of Japan - from exquisite cuisine, Zen, numerous UNESCO sites to catching a glimpse of Geisha at a tea ceremony! Here are some pictures from Tokyo Imperial Palace and Fushimi Inari Shrine. It was good to see Christie, a good friend and co-researcher, after a long time.

Seminar at the Institute of Economic Research (IER), Hitotsubashi University

Recently gave a seminar at the Hitotsubashi University. Established in 1875, one of the prestigious institutions in Japan to study social sciences. 

The Great Buddha @ Kamakura

The Great Buddha @ Kotoku-in Temple, Kamakura

Monks @ Hasedara Temple, Kamakura   

   

Oishi !!        

An amazing blend of cuteness and efficiency !

Within 2 hours of my arrival at Narita, Tokyo, I

(1) managed to open a bank account with Tintin and Snowy on it

(2) got my train / bus pass (and guess what with a penguin on it)

and (3) went to the local municipal office to register my arrival!