Day Four

Another busy day in Tokyo. Today we met Mr. Scott Smiley at Kuehne and Nagel. We were introduced to the companie's contract logistic strategy, as well as how doing business in Japan involves a different mindset because of their high standards.I have already noticed that most things in Japan are very aesthetically pleasing and of high standard; the Japanese have good taste in things and are proud of it. Before we left for the BMW distribution center, we had lunch in a pleasant business district. Despite the very nice weather we ate inside at a food court in what I think was a mall. Unfortunately I came across my first bad meal at this food court. What looked like a cross between an omelet, a pancake, and some kind of dessert turned out to be nothing like what I expected. First off there was these flakes of a questionable substance on top that seemed to be squirming around, which was unpleasant. Second the sauce on top seemed to be a mixture of bbq sauce and frosting. So it is safe to say I won't have another one of those but am glad I'm trying new things, it is exciting. On the other hand I did buy a donut on a stick from some of the nicest sales clerks I've ever come across so it wasn't all bad. The BMW distribution center was amazingly quite and well organized for a warehouse. I also enjoyed the drive there because we got to see some of the country side of japan. The high standards of the Japanese customer were again examined at Nichifutsu. It was very interesting to see how the demand for foreign foods in Japan offers a potential for a company to make money buying these foods then selling them in Japan. A humorous bit of information that was shared with us that the Japanese will send in hundreds of complaints about food they like because they want to help the company make it better. I feel like most complaints in America come with a lot of malice instead of positive insight but I could be wrong. As for the night we all just took it easy and did some work before getting some very needed shut eye.