We are in the midst of the rainy season and Friday was a real typhoon.

We started out the day with a family Zoom for Nick’s birthday, spanning four time zones and 16 hours.

Nick’s been worried about how his birthday go, so soon after college starting, but it seems like he had a great day! He received many packages, his friends took him out to dinner, and they planned a surprise party (which he had figured out). We sent a cake, which he didn’t even eat yet!

Because it was raining buckets, we spent the morning wandering through a nearby shopping center. Japanese shops and food halls are fascinating!

We met up with Kay and headed to Roppongi to the Team Lab Borderless, “an immersive digital art museum where visitors wander through a labyrinth of interactive installations that blend art, technology, and nature. Instead of fixed exhibits, the artworks move freely across rooms, shifting and evolving as people interact with them, creating a fluid, ever-changing environment. Light, sound, and motion come together to form a borderless world that blurs the line between the viewer and the art, inviting exploration and play. It is designed to spark wonder and connection, making each visit a unique and personal experience.”

It’s hard to explain exactly what the experience is like (sights, sounds, smells, and motion), but perhaps these photos and videos will give you a glimpse.

The experience was magical and a bit overwhelming! I asked Kay if she liked it, and she said “yes and no!” Mike and I really enjoyed it.

After the museum we went for a scrumptious tempura meal…made fresh on the spot and gradually delivered to our table.

We then went back to the hotel and crashed. Jet lag is really kicking my butt. I’m just not sleeping very well. Usually when we go to Europe Mike has a harder time. We are 16 hours ahead, and I remember that it takes you as many days as the time difference is in hours to get used to the time zone. Fortunately Australia is only one hour ahead, even though it will take us 10+ hours to get there!

Here’s today’s “what has changed”:

I remember the Japanese as being huge readers! They used to read everywhere, like me! Now most people are glued to their phones. It’s possible they’re reading on their phones, but probably not…

According to a 2023 survey, reading books has significantly declined…more than 60% Japanese people do not read a single book in a month, the highest ever recorded. And 69% of Japanese people report they read less than they used to.

Meanwhile in the USA, a new study shows a 40% drop in reading between 2000 and 2023. Given that reading seemed even more popular here than the U.S. to begin with, it’s a sad state of affairs.

Only one more full day in Tokyo before we’re off to Australia!