First of all, I would like to thank you for allowing me time off from work.
I would like to share my experience of returning to China for the first time in four years.
Overall, I feel it's convenient.
Just like 4 years ago, I now pay cashlessly at supermarkets, restaurants, and almost everywhere else. When you go out, all you need is your mobile phone. To prevent cell phone batteries from running out, there has been a demand for chargers, and shared charger lending machines are everywhere.
A shared charger is a portable charger that can be shared by users. Users can borrow chargers through a smartphone app or from a vending machine. Use when charging is required. When you are finished using the charger, return it to the designated location or vending machine. For example, if you rent a shared charger from Company A in Akihabara, you can return it in Shinjuku if Company A has a return machine for shared chargers in Shinjuku as well. With the advent of shared chargers, charging has become more convenient while outdoors or while traveling. Even in an emergency, you can charge your smartphone to maintain communication and convenience.
Additionally, restaurants offer online menus and online ordering, allowing you to place your order without having to speak to a staff member. Increased productivity also reduces the chance of incorrect orders in restaurants.
The biggest competitor to eating out now is delivery. I feel that delivery, which has been popular for the past four years, is developing even more now. Delivery is very convenient, delivery is fast and affordable. Many stores are open even late at night. The delivery fee for food delivery in Japan is 200-500 yen, and the delivery fee for food delivery in China is around 20-100 yen.
People use the Internet to purchase a variety of things, not just food, but daily necessities and home appliances. I used to mainly use Taobao, but now it's different. Nowadays, the number of people using PDD has increased. I also did online shopping for a lot of products on PDD this time. Even though my hometown is remote, many items ship for free.
Pinduoduo PDD (Pinduoduo) is a very popular online shopping platform in China. Users can purchase various products at discounted prices through smartphone apps and websites. Pinduoduo is characterized by the ability to obtain products at lower prices through group purchases and sharing with friends. Pinduoduo also offers many products with free shipping, making it a very attractive option for users. Easy procedures and fast delivery services are also features of Pinduoduo, which are used by many people.
The above existed before I came to Japan, and I feel that it is evolving. Things that have existed before have now evolved and brought convenience to me.
Now, let's talk about where I felt a big change.
First of all, I used to use agency services to purchase Japanese cosmetics and daily necessities, but now you can get most products at physical stores, and the prices are almost the same as in Japan. .
Next, let's talk about waste separation, which started a few years ago and has brought about a big change. Previously, we simply threw away our trash all at once, but now we have to separate it into different categories such as paper, plastic, glass, food scraps, etc. This initiative promotes recycling and reduces waste. Rules and initiatives may differ from region to region, but in the region where I live, awareness of waste separation is increasing, and efforts toward environmental protection are progressing throughout the region.
Lastly, I have heard from friends that it is difficult to feel naive, but I personally never felt naive while on vacation.
Naiwa refers to a phenomenon in which intense competition in a certain area or group causes individuals to work excessively in pursuit of success and a sense of superiority, resulting in overwork. Inner depression is often accompanied by problems such as work stress, overwork, and intense competition, which can have a negative impact on an individual's physical and mental health.
I would like to introduce you to the dish I ate the most during my last trip back to Japan: Xinjiang fried rice flour.
Xinjiang Fried Rice Flour (Xinjiang Chao Meifeng) is a traditional dish from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. This dish is prepared by stir-frying rice flour and adding other ingredients. Common ingredients include beef, lamb, celery, and spices. Xinjiang fried rice flour has a unique flavor and spicy seasoning, and when you eat it, the spiciness and umami spread in your mouth. In addition, rice flour has a chewy texture and is satisfying to eat. Xinjiang fried rice flour is a representative dish of the food culture of the Xinjiang region and is popular with locals and tourists.
Finally, I would like to thank you again for allowing me time off from work.