About TokyoTopia
About TokyoTopia will hopefully give those of you who are interested a little insight into the motivation and background to this labour of love.
It's funny, never did I imagine a few years ago that I'd be writing about how I developed my own website! Then again, before I made the decision to move to Tokyo, it never entered my head that I'd be living long term outside the UK.
This city has been my home since 2001 with one year out in Singapore and a couple of months in the UK. I've travelled to some great places in Asia and seen some fantastic sights. I intend to see many more! Travel is in my blood I guess. The culture, the colors, the smell, the people, just everything really that you get a chance to experience when you visit new countries.
At the end of the day though, I always come home... to Tokyo. Everyone seeks their own utopia and, so far at least, the big T is the closest thing for me. The result? Tokyotopia was born.
The Story Of Moving To Tokyo
March 5 2001. A date etched on my brain.
Driving to Manchester airport with my brother as I got ready to say good-bye to the UK. I was setting off on what I thought would be a 1 year adventure. My engagement had finished, I'd quit my job and this was my kick start back to life at 29 years of age. I felt like I was about 12!
So there I was. Feeling sick, nervous, scared, excited and just plain terrified (as I don't like flying) all at the same time. Walking through the airport with so many thoughts in my head. What am I doing? How am I going to manage? I should have planned more! What on earth made me think I could do this? Gaaahhhhh.... a definite Bridget Jones moment.
Time to check in. Heart pounding. My brother turned and said "Well. Time for me to go. See you little sis." He gave me a hug and a kiss, then he turned his back and walked away. He never turned round - not once. I know because I was so close to bottling it but he never gave me the out. Thank you, thank you big bro for that! Actually, he's a great big bro all round : )
In the 3 months leading up to my departure, there were many cries of 'What on earth are you doing?' and, 'What about your career?' There were also definitely moments when I nearly cancelled my tickets to settle for my life that was. I'm so glad I didn't!
Well, here I am now. Still in Tokyo apart from one year out in Singapore. I've been living here since that feted day when I first left the UK. My life has changed completely. I'm doing a job I love, I live in a place that has a buzz like no other, and I feel free! Add to that I'm growing my website, little by little, with the help and guidance of some wonderful people. I'm heading in a direction I like. Life is good.
Why Build TokyoTopia?
So why build a site about TokyoTopia? The answer to that one is simple. I love Tokyo, and yet I talk to many people who worry about visiting or staying in Tokyo. Frequent concerns that are raised include, is it ok to use English, how are we going to get around, where should we stay, and just what are we going to eat!
Other people express worries that it will be too difficult, too expensive, or too busy. There's usually a 'too' in there somewhere!
All I can say is, if you don't come because of these initial impressions, you're missing out on so much. My 'about TokyoTopia' reason for developing the site, is to show the big T in all her glory, and hopefully change some of these common misconceptions.
What's Special in Tokyo?
It's a city of contrasts, perhaps the strongest of which is the mix of old and new, traditional and modern. Tokyo is without doubt one of the epicenters for commerce in the world, but it also has a local feel. More so than the area I grew up in the UK. To really 'get' Tokyo you have to experience the big T and take in what's going on around you. Take time to stop and absorb the power, pace and pulse of the big T. Of course it's not all roses and light. Nothing ever is. Still, if you want a city stay with a difference, Tokyo has it for me.
There is great sightseeing, excellent shopping, and many different Tokyo tours to name a few! One of the best recommendations I can make, is to plan your visit to coincide with one of the many Japanese festivals that take place. These occasions are when you have the chance to soak up a little bit of local life, at the same time as having a lot of fun.
Yes, I'm biased. I know that. Stick with me though, have a look around the site, and maybe you'll feel the same way. Maybe you already do!
Me Build A Website?
Like I said at the top of the page, I still have to double take sometimes that here I am, a normal, regular, down to earth Northern English lass... with a website I've built myself! Where did that come from?
When I first arrived in Tokyo I was so busy with adjusting and getting used to my new way of life that, for a while at least, I forgot about my so called 'career path'. After all I was only here for one year. Time enough to think about all that when I returned to the UK.
When I left the UK, I was working with the unemployed and studying for my NVQ in counselling. I have always been involved in education of one kind or another and one of my strongest personal ambitions is to help other people achieve what they are capable of. I see too many people, able and talented people, get left by the wayside in this increasingly competitive world.
My first year in Tokyo went by in a flash. I couldn't believe it! It was a truly fantastic time for me and I felt my life was at a critical pivotal point. Until now, I was on the standard route that most people take when they come to Japan, teaching English in a conversation school. At the end of that year it was time for a decision. Stay in Tokyo or return to the UK?
What To Do?
Living away from my family, it's natural that I miss them. This was one of the key reasons for wanting to return to the UK... but when I thought about returning to my old 'career path' and 'settling down' I had that horrible sinking feeling I used to get every Monday morning.
Teaching in a conversation school was definitely not a permanent answer, but it had given me a taste of a different kind of life that I wasn't prepared to give up. If you've ever felt the same way, you'll understand what a difficult decision this was to make.
In a long and painful conversation with my mum, I told her I wouldn't be coming back as originally planned. My mum, being the amazing lady she is, said she never doubted that I would make the most of my opportunity. Thanks mum : )
Cutting Loose From The Day Job
Back to what to do?
I love traveling and exploring different parts of Asia, and I love living in Tokyo. I really enjoy my job, but it ties me down. I have to take my holidays when it suits the business and I have to hear my alarm clock at 6am every morning. Don't you just hate that!
For the first time I started really considering how to break the cycle. If you share with me any of the feelings I've described, why not take some time out for yourself and think about how you can set yourself free too? I'm now well on my way to achieving this goal. It takes time and effort, but crikey, I'm more than happy to do that to achieve the life I want. Aren't you?
I have a favorite quotation that I come back to whenever I have the inevitable moments of self doubt on this. It's very simple, but it's oh so true. It's also a good kick up the butt when I need it! If you're a movie buff I'm sure you know it. I can still hear Morgan Freeman saying these famous words...
Get busy living, or get busy dying.
The Shawshank Redemption - Movie
My Solution
TokyoTopia is my first website, but it isn't going to be my last. I was lucky enough to find Site Build It, SBI for short, and that's how I got started. I love how my own effort, my own hardwork, are reaping benefits for me. It's not easy, and for now I have to stick with the day job, but the end is in site - sorry, couldn't resist the spelling error : )
(If you want to know more about my experience with SBI, I've written a personal review of what they offer here)
That's my story. How about yours?
If you are sitting there nodding your head at my story so far, know that I am no more capable than you. I really knew nothing about website building when I started on this journey.
As I said earlier, one of my personal motivators in life is trying to help other people achieve their goals. Actually, for a long time I forgot to focus on myself as I was so busy thinking about other people! Thankfully I've rectified that, and now have a good balance between the two.
If you want to kick the 9 - 5 into touch and create the lifestyle that you want, you can make this happen. You don't need a 'job' that someone else is generous enough to give you to do this. You can carve your own financial freedom in whichever direction you want to take. What 'job' can offer you that?
You may already have your own action plan to build the future you want. I hope you do and I wish you every success. If you're the one in control, that's all that matters.
Thanks for reading and let me know if you're heading out to Tokyo anytime!
Final Thoughts
If you're sat there right now wondering if this website idea is something that might work for you, you're in the same place I was not too long ago. If you'd like to read more about my experience with SBI and see how other people are using it to set themselves free, just follow the link.
There is no use trying said Alice; one can't believe impossible things.
I dare say you haven't had much practice, said the Queen. When I was your
age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed
as many as six impossible things before breakfast.
From Alice In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
