
Tokyo at Night
Had two cameramen, sound, producer and a US Olympic medalist visiting downtown Tokyo from the vehicle as they are still in quarantine. Thanks to the Japanese guide first time l had no wrong turn in Tokyo! Amazing shots, great views and fun along the way.

Quarantine is over
Two weeks have passed quickly so although you have to wear a mask in public with NO exceptions (no exemptions here) quarantine is over and you can visit the shops, restaurants etc. The crew were away filming for a few hours so when the cooling mist turns on you know it’s hot l managed an hour at the beach. Late start tomorrow so heading to the shops ….. beach towel top of the list

Cost of Living
Renting an apartment like the one in the photograph is approx £2k a month, to buy is approx £600-700k. Food and drink is the equivalent to the UK the average wage in Tokyo is approx £50k. Like London this is substantially more than outside major cities like London and Tokyo.

7 Hours
The process for coming through Tokyo Airport is thorough. The passengers l collected last night took 7 hours to come through the screening process add that to the 13 hour flying time and it’s a long day. Full credit to them they are all out on the road first thing this morning no time to rest. Parked up loading camera gear that will be used to broadcast pictures all around the world. I get a day off on the first day of the games heading for the beach a reminder of the magnifi

Observations
Having been here two weeks now l have a few observations. The kindest politest people they run to try and assist you happy to help always a smile. Drivers let you pass, rarely speed, only heard one horn blasted the whole trip and they invite you to join at junctions. Litter is non existent the fact l took a photo of a discarded plastic bottle says it all. Unemployment must be zero one job like cutting grass takes a dozen people health and safety is everything batons, flags an

Love the Architecture
If l was building in the UK l would employ a Japanese architect. Just look at the wonderful V&A building in Dundee designed by Kengo Kuma. if it is residential, commercial or sporting the quality and vastness of the structures is striking and no two buildings are the same. Tunnels, bridges and roads all fit the same criteria. The Olympic Stadium is magestic, the building with the ball is Fuji Television it’s 1970s but it works and the Saitama Stadium was built in 2002 but was

Shibuya Crossing
Drove through the busiest crossing in the world which is only fitting for the biggest and safest city in the world. I was in the International Broadcasting Centre and someone left their mobile phone on the table to hold their table we were told this also happens in mainstream restaurants like McDonalds. Two of the busiest train stations in the world converge onto the crossing with 3,000 people crossing over at one time. You will see plenty of this during The Olympics looking

Swimming venue
i have to say the Tokyo Aquatics Olympic swimming pool is one of the most impressive buildings on both the inside and the outside. Sad the venue will be empty of spectators as will the Equestrian Park which has vast seating in a stunning arena.

4 seasons in one day
They say you get 4 seasons in one day in Scotland but today we had the same in Tokyo. Breakfast started with bright sunshine then a thunder and lightning storm brought flooding then the day ended with the Olympic Rings silhouetted against the Rainbow Bridge.

So Respectful
At lights when a customer drove out from a Honda garage the employee bowed as the car disappeared into the distance and stood looking until the car was almost gone. International Broadcasting Centre in the background difficult wearing masks all day in 35c temps. Gymnastics stadium looks great all set