Asakusa Diary - The Staff Blog

When I saw this movie I had no firsthand knowledge of Japan, but I remember it had themes of being alone in a strange place and finding friendship and a renewed sense of self. I can relate to Bob from the movie in this way--Tokyo was certainly strange in many ways to me, as I'm from a rural area in another country--but many people in Japan were nice to me and I have good memories. By the end of our trips, both Bob and I were sad to leave Japan and had a better understanding of the country. (I remember how when Bob first came he desperately wanted to return home, but near the end he told his wife he wanted to eat more Japanese food.)

Tokyo can be a lonely place, though, when you don't speak the language well or know anyone there, and I felt out of place like Bob did very often. But these are concepts not unique to Tokyo. Anyone can feel "Lost" in another country. If only in this way, I think the film was very much like the Tokyo I saw for myself.

Hi, John.
Because I was born and raised in Tokyo, I don't know how strange it is but I do feel strange when I'm in the other country.
Especially when I was in Sri Lanka. I did not understand what people were talking about but it was fun! We should enjoy the "strange" world, instead of feeling lonely;)

That's my lovely movie! I can watch it every month and it doesn't annoy. You can laught or you can cry watching it, it depends on your mood. Don't you think so?

Hi, Sally.
I always laugh because some scenes are funny for me:) Still good, though.

One of the best movies for me like densha otoko, also shows somethings of Japan.
When I saw the movie Lost in Translation I wanted to go ot Japan to see how wonderful it is, last year I went and I wasnt able to experience all that Bob did but I love that country, people are so helpful with foreigners or at least untill I tell them my nationality, the city is so clean, all in order, good manners, great place. I only stay at Japan 4 days and two in one music festival so not the same as the movie, but I like it and still enjoying that wonderful moment at shibuya or the moment I et lost trying to find the way to the airport hehe.

And if you really want to experience the loneliness and culture crash you should come to Guangzhou China, you would like to go back to your country since you get off the plane, also during your stay here and when you leave will be so happy hehe, in CHina eventhough you speak the language you can feel lonely, strange, annoy by people looking at you, taxi drivers taking the longest way, fake money, stinky streets, children peeing in the streets, wow.

Is not that I dont like CHina is just that all the palces I've been, the thinking that China is really really differnet from the rest of the world get stronger :)

As I've never been to China, I can't say anything but I'd like to go there someday in near future.
Though there would be many many differences, everything will be a great experience to me.

I'm happy to know you had a great time here in Japan:) Are you coming back, right??

Thanks for your reply, I totally agree with you, is a really a big experience and so good I can live them and enjoy some moments, and if you come you are welcome here in guangzhou, in south china.
I love Japan and for sure I want to go back, just need to read more about your country, so I can enjoy more things and need find some free time in my job, hopefuly soon can be.
enjoy life and have a nice day.