The East West Hospitality Scribe

Dirty Money in China

You can tell a lot about a Country by its money and how it is used. In the USA for example, you hardly every see real money. That country is basically a cashless society with everyone paying for everything by credit card, even a latte at Starbucks. It is changing a little with the severe economic situation currently but Americans still rely on debt to pay most of the bills.  In Japan, cash is used for most basic purchases like a latte at Starbucks, a trip to the convenience store or an evening meal.  Japanese really do not like debt very much.  You do notice however, how clean the money is when you get it. Usually very crisp bills handed over to a customer at a retail store or Bank on a tray so the staff need not get their own hands dirty handling the cash.  In Japan, it is really considered downright rude to handle money by hand especially in a commercial transaction with a customer.

Berry cafe - The Perfect Balance of Beauty and Bakery

I was walking through the LaLaport Mall on my way to the Kidzania opening reception when I came across the Berry cafe.  I was blown away the first time I visited the branch in Omotesando in Tokyo.  I just stood outside for a few minutes staring at all the beautiful cakes like a young man ogling Cameron Diaz (or any age man for that matter!).  I have never seen such beauty and attention to detail.  Such craftsmanship!  The only catch is that one piece is Yen 700. 

Kidzania Koshien - How A Mexican Concept Is Thrilling Kids in Japan

Nothing better illustrates the theme of this blog than the Kidzania concept in Japan.  A children's role playing theme park which began in Mexico City has successfully crossed over the globe to Tokyo, Jakarta and now Koshien, Osaka, with plans to open this year in Madrid, Dubai and Seoul.  Further expansion is confirmed for China and India in 2010.  The brainchild of two Mexican entrepreneurs with a passion to give kids the opportunity to have a "real life" experience, Kidzania shows that creativity and innovation have no boundaries and are not the exclusive preserve of the Japanese, Americans, French or Italians.  After all we have a Spanish retailer, Zara, and a Scandinavian lifestyle store, IKEA, as great examples of big ideas from smaller countries that have proven to be successful everywhere they go.