Burgundy / Japan

2011, my second trip to Japan…after 2003

Flight to Japan with JAL, back with Air France. The 2 companies cooperate. The check-in lady gives me a window seat, upon my request but not without looking down at me. I only understand the reason for her attitude afterwards… as the passengers are all Japanese...A quiet flight.

Takashi has given me a map. Therefore I follow his instructions to the letter (from the airport to the hotel situated right in the heart of Tokyo). The traffic is fluid. Same impression as 8 years ago: calm, lightness in the air and in people, small tunes fill in the long silences, jingles…everything is where it should be, same with people: the Zen energy flows everywhere: this makes me light headed.

My room is functional and minimalistic, computerized toilet, view over small buildings, in an area so quiet that it becomes mesmerizing; at a stone throw from Oimichi railway station…one could sleep with the window open!!But it does not open, no matter how hard I try: safety reason…

At the exhibition, the welcome is excellent. Very good synergy with the French exhibitors, the public gives its full attention, curious, respectful. Presenting our new Domain in Minervois is well received. The Japanese appreciate our open minds, which is surprising in a context where being off track is viewed as negative. (Even in France…)

A short stay in Kyoto. Wonderful, nothing seems to modify its history: Japanese culture to the millimeter: trimming the shrubs, raking the gravel, the way the roof tiles are placed, the wood work, colours in total harmony, the temples Shinto where the mind lets go through colours both in harmony and bizarre…and pure paradox, a total freedom in creativity: shapes, colours and pottery cooked where expressing problems results in expressing a perfect mastering. A ray of sunshine, at the beginning of March, stokes the many Japanese ladies in kimonos (many more than 8 years ago...a return to nationalism, or a more touristic approach? Never mind, everything in these young women implies pleasure: the clothing, the art of make-up and hair-do.

A diner in a gastronomic restaurant for 17 French people. The Japanese team panics for a while, slightly afraid of such a large group! A French service following a protocol, mixed with a technical Japanese manner to the highest standard both in presenting the food and its texture. The wine list is wide and open onto the world with some off the mark (this still does happen in France too!) The wine is not served at the right time nor with the dish it is meant to accompany (the match dish/wines needs some work…) but all in all it does work. A surprise with the dessert plate “à la Française”: precision with the sweetness, it is PERFECT. We are proud and happy of this excellent welcome.

Back to Tokyo on the Shingansen. A lesson to be learnt by the French railway!

Private tasting event in a smart hotel. I catch a cab, with my entire luggage. The best way to see Tokyo above ground before my leaving: easy traffic, a few road works, many empty areas. Those who caught the underground and left after me have already arrived…Travelling below ground level is therefore quicker…It is snowing. Japanese people do not go out much in bad weather...Weird in a country where the umbrella is king. Lovely tasting nevertheless. Good bye Japan, calm, courteous and serene country, I leave some friends, some clients behind. Something I cannot describe fills me with sadness…I am in a hurry to be reunited with my family, my job, sleep…but I leave behind a part of me.

The shock of Paris: crowd, pushing and shoving, individualism up to the non-respect of others, high blood pressure. France is a ball of energy divided between individualism and dynamism. Japan has an energy which is logical, organized and hierarchised: low blood pressure. We have a lot to learn from each other.
2 days later; I hear the news on the radio: total misunderstanding for me, no shakes beforehand...I am skeptical, and then shocked while discovering the pictures…I become worried, follow the news, and ask around. A Japanese client confirms his visit for June, 2 others are organizing their visit in May. I receive 2 new orders...nothing abnormal. But, for the last few days, through the mails I receive I sense worry, tiredness. People ask for prayers. While writing this, I am aware of their need for moral support (the financial implications will never be mentioned, but support in that department will, no doubt, be appreciated.)

Good luck, Japan.

34 prayers came together like a torch light, full of strength and respect.

Anne Gros, for “Femme et Vins de Bourgogne”