Japan

Japan is a constant source of inspiration and curiosity, where stereotypes are so obvious they are impossible to ignore.

It is a country of convention, politeness and respect for the old social rules. Tokyo is crowded, clean and exuberant, and its ultra-dynamic energy captivates everyone. The unique spirit of these places is complemented by the unexpected transition in the urban spectacle from 80-storey towers to incredible Japanese-style gardens, Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines. The orderly chaos of Tokyo is a surprising mix, where forests of cables line streets that are 2-3 levels, sometimes four, where there are 10-storey buildings next to 100-storey ones, next to two-storey ones and so on, where it's not the streets that are crowded, but the 274 or so subway stations, with all its 13 lines, of course, extremely efficient. Where kimono-clad women walk naturally on the street alongside women in six-inch heels. Where skin-whitening cosmetics are as common as sushi. A crime-free country with a high standard of living, where prices are fair, ATMs don't accept foreign cards, and buses, taxis and trains are from the 80s. Japan can be compared to a factory where work is done systematically, hard, on time and very well organized.