Master the Tip, Master the Journey?

In the segment with the first guest, Mariko Hayashi, the topic of tipping while traveling came up. The two revealed a connection forged when Hayashi undertook a location shoot in Oman for the book adaptation of her essay series in "anan" magazine.

Kazuyuki Murai (hereinafter, Murai)“Whenever, Mariko-oneesama would say, ‘Hey, Kazuko (Editor’s note: Murai’s nickname). How much should I tip?’ ‘Don’t you want to show appreciation for all the effort they’re putting in?’”

Travel is about leveraging the efforts of many people to make it a rich experience. I find that attitude of not forgetting gratitude to be wonderful.

Mariko Hayashi (hereinafter, Hayashi)“When I go on location shoots abroad with people from the publishing house, I always tell them, ‘I’ll cover any expenses that don’t require a receipt.’”

Last time, I left everything to the arrangements, but they didn’t pay any tips at all, and eventually, no one would carry our luggage. We had to load equipment every time, but not a single porter would show up.

Murai“Oh, really? But I can imagine.”

The two strongly emphasize that while travel memories are priceless, it is important to show gratitude to those who have worked diligently behind the scenes.

When in New York, Attend a Party

The next guest was actor Kazuki Enari. For Enari, who has surprisingly little international travel experience, what kind of trip does Murai recommend?

Murai“The 40s and 50s are the most luxurious seasons of life. How you spend your 30s is important for preparing for that. I hope Kazuki, who has turned 30, will travel a lot and accumulate good experiences and inspiration. For that, I recommend a solo trip to New York.”

Kazuki Enari (hereinafter, Enari)“Here we go! I’m incredibly drawn to it. In the drama 'Sex and the City,' there was always a party happening somewhere.”

Murai“Parties are a chance to know someone's true character. In New York, various status parties are held daily, so the world you see will differ depending on which one you immerse yourself in.”

Enari“Starting with a solo trip, how long will it take to be able to attend parties?”

Murai“First, just go and see how much inspiration you can get on your own intuition. That also leads to motivation. ‘I want to become better at English,’ ‘I want to become an adult who behaves well.’ It starts there.”

A Fashion Discussion for Enjoying Travel

Now, for the third guest: Akira Ohno, editor-in-chief of "MEN'S EX," a men's magazine that proposes a discerning lifestyle. Murai has also contributed to travel features in "MEN'S EX."

Ohno“Just recently, a keyword Murai provided really struck me: ‘Travel is about charging and discharging.’”

Murai“There are still many tours that treat famous sites like a stamp rally, but travel is an act of stimulating oneself, so I want people to cherish it more.”

This can involve prior study, or in some cases, saving money to acquire items appropriate for the destination. Sometimes, it’s even necessary to hire a stylist to put together an outfit before departing.

This isn't limited to the affluent. Even honeymooners, if they have appropriate attire captured in photos, will want to look back on them countless times.

That, in itself, is a treasure in life.

Ohno“Fashion is truly important. Adjusting one’s appearance according to the place is something that Japanese people still lack. ”

Polished shoes, a sharply ironed shirt. Just those alone can change how you are treated.

Murai“Indeed, simply staying in a good hotel doesn’t mean you’re buying status. There are evaluation criteria that money can’t buy.”

Appearance is very important as an entry point to that, isn’t it?

In places like Africa, people go with the mindset that it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so I want them to fully immerse themselves in the mood, not just focus on clothes.

In that sense, choosing luggage is also important.

The program, a mere hour, flew by. Murai Kazuyuki, who excitedly planned a trip to the Basque Country in Spain with Mariko Hayashi, recommended a solo trip to New York for Kazuki Enari, and wished for an increase in fashionable Japanese travelers with Akira Ohno, the editor-in-chief of "MEN'S EX."

At the end of the program, Murai concluded by saying, "I hope you will utilize travel as a tool to enrich your lives."



—Does Mariko Hayashi pay attention to her travel luggage?

Hayashi“Of course, if I’m staying at a nice hotel, a commonplace suitcase would be difficult. Because they’ll be judging me. A cheap suitcase at a luxury hotel is a bit…”

—It has to be appropriate for the situation.

Hayashi“Exactly. A friend insisted, ‘Jeans are fine even at a Paris hotel, right?’ So I told her, ‘At least let’s dress properly for check-in and check-out.’”

—So, we shouldn't blindly imitate the casual style of celebrities?

Hayashi“That’s right. We are not them. Therefore, proper attire is important.”

—You probably travel with friends often. What are the secrets to enjoying travel together?

—I see, not one person carrying the other.

Hayashi“Exactly. Because if we’re splitting the bill and I also have to handle the translation, even with close friends, I’d get annoyed (laughs). Also, unless we’re extremely close, I’d prefer separate rooms.”

—Why does travel polish us?

Hayashi“While traveling, challenges arise one after another. You might be persistently solicited while shopping, or have to wait for an extremely long time. You have to face each of these situations with your own strength. In that sense, traveling might make you stronger.

Moreover, in a situation where no one knows you, how will your true self be evaluated? Whether you’re shown to a good seat or not is judged at a glance. When you think about that, you really push yourself.”

—So, you experience tense moments quite different from your daily life?

Hayashi“Especially when you go to places like New York. I used to go alone and push myself. But now I rely on others. The fact that my desire to act independently, even with my poor English, has weakened is something I feel is a bit regrettable.”

—Having finished the recording. What do you think are the reasons for travel, once again?

Murai“Travel is the optimal place to cultivate positive imagination.”

In life, nothing is born except from encounters with people. No matter how much you study or how advanced your skills become, if you don’t use them for someone else, it all becomes meaningless. Travel is the best place to foster those encounters with people.

In my travel information dissemination, I emphasize the perspective of travel.Article on Rovos Rail (Luxury Sleeper Train in South Africa) posted on December 3, 2014I included the perspective of touching upon the life of the founder Rohan Vos, who created the train journey.

Regarding Rovos Rail, the luxury is often the main topic, but in reality, that doesn't matter much. To be blunt, no matter how much effort is put in, it's still a train, and it's not necessarily more comfortable than being on the ground.

Instead, what were the thoughts of Rohan Vos, who runs the train with dreams loaded onto it? Only when you can touch upon that state of mind does that journey begin to influence your own life.

—Information that is easy to photograph or put into words tends to spread.

Murai“Exactly. In that sense, things like how to tip are not easily turned into magazine articles. But through this radio program, I was able to talk about it. I want to continue to share perspectives that tend to be overlooked.”

Travel is about the evaluation of others. Therefore, without personal strength, you cannot have a good trip. We are already losing to China in terms of economic evaluation alone. For this reason, if Japanese people are to survive in Asia, they must gain evaluation based on their personal maturity.

—During the bid for the Olympics, the Japanese word "omotenashi" (hospitality) also garnered attention.

Murai“That is etiquette. Conversely, even if Japan adopted a tipping culture, you couldn’t earn tips just from that. Heartfelt service is far more important than polite language.

When trouble occurs, the ability to be there for someone is crucial. There will be times of bad moods, and unexpected things will happen. Facing and resolving those troubles without running away is what matters. That earns gratitude. That exchange is what service is all about.

When trouble arises, I believe people who can find a way to resolve it themselves are of a higher caliber than those who simply blame others.