The next time you are visiting Tokyo, warm up your vocal chords for an evening of team bonding at these venues:

Festa

The Roppongi District is famous for its access to karaoke boxes, and each venue offers something unique for each of its visitors. After a long day of meetings, treat your colleagues to an upscale karaoke experience at Festa. A bottle of free wine is available for parties of four or more, singers can choose from 200+ costumes to match their performance, and participants even have the opportunity to purchase a CD recording of their singing endeavor.

Fiesta International Karaoke Bar

Just down the street from Festa is a low-key option for your colleagues. At Fiesta International Karaoke Bar, 3,500Yen (approximately $42) gets you access to an inventory of over 10,000 songs, three free drinks and free karaoke until closing.

Karaoke 47

Just because you are inside for karaoke, doesn’t mean you can’t do a little site seeing as well. Located on the 47th floor of the Keio Plaza Hotel, each of Karaoke 47‘s karaoke rooms offers a panoramic view of Tokyo.

Smash Hits

For a truly international, family-friendly treat, visit Smash Hits in Hiroo (Shibuya). The karaoke box specializes in music from Sweden, Finland, Italy and Greece; offers free admission for children ages 7-18, and paying adults receive two comped drinks and free karaoke. As one of the largest karaoke boxes in Tokyo, Smash Hits is also an option for some much needed client bonding time. Look into their private party packages for more details.

Jan Ken Pon

Our final choice is not for the faint of heart. Unlike most karaoke boxes, Jan Ken Pon provides a very talented live band to compliment your vocal skills. For approximately $20, this karaoke hotspot may be one of the most affordable and memorable locations for you to sport your best Cher or Jon Bon Jovi renditions.

Which are your favorite karaoke songs?

Photo credits: Shinjuku, Attila Malarik; Koei Plaza Hotel, Kimon Berlin

1. Environmentally-friendly skies

Delta Air Lines is committed to lowering the effects of carbon emissions and was the first airline to create a carbon offset program. In partnering with The Conservation Fund, Delta is helping its customers to reduce the carbon footprint and contribute to support renewable energy, reforestation and energy efficiency.

2. Use a mobile boarding pass

Reduce your paper use by using Delta’s mobile boarding pass.

3. Choose a green hotel

Hotels across the world are increasingly their environmentally-friendly practices, but some are more active than others. When you are making your travel plans, consult a hotel rating site, like Eco Hotels of the World, and choose an eco-conscious establishment to rest your head. You may also want to ask other sustainably-minded travelers for their recommendations.

4. Change those sheets… just not as often

Do you change your bed sheets every day at home? Then chances are you won’t mind keeping the same hotel sheets during your stay. You’ll save water and energy.

5. Reuse your towels

6. Unplug your devices

Even when electronics are switched to “off”, they are still consuming energy. If you’re out of the room, you are probably not needing to use the lights, TV, or computer charger, so give the outlets a break and unplug your electronics.

7. Take public transportation

Not only will relying on public transportation lower your emissions, it will also save you (and your company) money. Amsterdam and Tokyo have advanced subway and bus systems to get you to your destinations quickly and easily. If using public transit isn’t conducive to your schedule, consider taking MAX to PDX or carpool with your co-workers.

8. Leave the unused shampoo/conditioner/lotion bottles behind

9. Eat locally

Local vendors are more likely to receive their produce from farms close by, reducing the amount of energy used to bring you your delicious meal. So sit, relax and enjoy your dinner knowing you’re supporting local economy and being more energy efficient.

10. Recycle

If recycling bins are not available in your hotel room, bring your newspaper or plastic bottles to the front desk and ask where you can recycle them. Being proactive will help you save a few trees and will make you feel pretty good too.

Photo credits: Oregon Forest, SMCDevitt; Delta Boarding Pass, courtesy of Allison Park, Amsterdam Tram, Vitaly Volkov;

I firmly believe that one of the best ways to make sure that we all prosper here is to support the companies and industries that provide good jobs.  For business travelers, time is money and a city without nonstop flights is not a viable corporate location.   The businesses which need those fast connections are overwhelmingly concentrated in what’s called the “traded sector,” and they are exactly the ones that bring new resources into our local economy.

Supporting the businesses that support the local economy is good for everybody.  Economic growth increases the tax revenue that pays for our schools, our public safety system and the services that help the most vulnerable people in our community. This air service provides an annual economic impact of more than $150 million and 2,000 jobs for our region.

Nonstop international flights provide ease and convenience to our overseas partners who need to conduct business in person.  And hopefully, once someone visits our beautiful region for business, they will return again to tour at their leisure.  The visitors spend money here and some of them decide to stay and bring more new investments to our community.  This strong and vital connection with the world enriches us culturally as well as economically.

There is a wonderful synergy between business travelers and leisure travelers.  Our combined purchasing power means that every year additional nonstop destinations are becoming available.  So whether you are flying for fun or flying for business, it’s a good deal.

Ted Wheeler
Chair
Multnomah County

Here are some personal examples of why I think this service is so significant to Portland:

First, I have helped to drive business to this region for almost 40 years. The companies we attract all require essential elements to consider this as a relocation city. Without exception, they all travel internationally and require nonstop flights to Asia and Europe. Oregon is among the most international trade-dependent states in the U.S., and conditions would be worse here without those flights.

Second, I have led Best Practices trips all over the U.S. for more than 20 years, and all the dynamic cities we have explored depend on international direct service abroad. They, too, find international air service essential to generating a robust, job-creating economy.

On a personal note, I hold a diplomatic post between the U.S. and the Republic of Lithuania, and I just can’t be delayed somewhere in the U.S. trying to connect when I have tight timetables!!

One last item: I run marathons.  And I run them all over the country. Moreover, I travel to cities which all have nonstop international flights, because without them, the cities would not attract international runners. And it’s the diverse field of runners that makes these events more fun and attractive, thus generating millions of dollars of income for these robust cities!

So again, thank you, Port of Portland …VERY MUCH!

Randy Miller

Photo credits: Courtesy of Randy Miller

One of the things most people don’t realize about nonstop service from Portland direct to Tokyo or Amsterdam is the precious cargo that is carried underneath.  Farmers in Oregon use this service to transport perishable fresh goods such as cherries and blueberries to these markets.  The nonstop service makes this possible and allows others around the world to enjoy our wonderful food as much as we do.

When visiting Amsterdam or Tokyo, the two sites I highly recommend are the Aalsmeer Flower Auction outside of Amsterdam and the world’s largest fish market, Tsukiji market in Tokyo.  Both can boast being the largest in the world, and the sights and sounds are absolutely amazing.  Yes, you do have to get up early in the morning to see these incredible auctions, but the experience is well worth it.

I would encourage any traveler planning a trip to Tokyo or Amsterdam to make sure you use the Delta nonstop service.  Maintaining this gateway in Portland is critical to all of Oregon’s economy including agriculture.

Katy Coba
Director
Oregon Department of Agriculture

Photo credits: Aalsmeer Flower Market, Jeaneeem; Tsujiki Fish Market, Gin_e; Katy Coba, Courtesy of Oregon Department of Agriculture

I play the traditional Japanese end-blown bamboo flute called shakuhachi. The shakuhachi is a simple looking flute, with only five holes, and the traditional music is very subtle, often used for meditation. But it is also possible to play jazz and other kinds of music. My compositions often feature flavors from around the world and they represent an appreciation and respect for all kinds of music gained in my ethnomusicology studies in Hawaii. I feel lucky that the shakuhachi can make so many interesting sounds!

I am connected in many ways to both Oregon and Japan. I built a dome house from Oregon Dome in the Japanese countryside about two hours outside Tokyo and have been living and working in Japan for more than 30 years. Since performing for the Japan-America Society of Oregon 25 years ago, I have had the opportunity to perform in the Portland area many times. A great city with everything … I have especially enjoyed working with fantastic jazz musicians who live there.

How did all this happen to a California surfer? I caught a big wave and rode it to Hawaii and became interested in Asian music at the university there.  Then I caught another big wave and ended up in Japan, where I still surf, but mostly I am busy performing, composing and making the shakuhachi and a new bamboo drum I invented.

My advice to those visiting Portland: Besides the great restaurants, check out some of the good quality live music, and go for a hike in the nearby Columbia River Gorge.

My advice to those visiting Tokyo: Check the English newspaper for performance listings for all kinds of music, and after you do the city thing (Akihabara Electric Town, etc.) visit a hot spring resort in the countryside or a beautiful sea village like my home town Kamogawa. You might see me surfing while playing the shakuhachi?!?

John Kaizan Neptune
Musician, Composer, Instrument Maker

Experience John Neptune’s famous music live in Portland Friday, October 30th at Japan-American Society of Oregon‘s Tea House Jazz performance.

Photo credits: Shakuhachi, Krista & Rob, John Neptune photos courtesy of John Neptune

We will be boarding the nonstop flight to Tokyo with Delta. This is both a personal preference and a sound business decision for the city of Portland. I choose to avoid transferring though multiple airports as much as possible. Quicker flights and fewer delays mean my time is spent doing what I need to do – selling Portland to the world.

This is also important for the city. In the past week, I have met with several incoming business delegations from Japan, and my first point with each of them is to emphasize our direct flights with their country. This is of critical importance in recruiting new businesses, helping our existing companies expand, and marketing Portland as an international city. I believe that PDX will soon host a wider variety of international flights, and to make this happen, it is important that we all use our existing international air service.

The Delta direct flights support important links between Portland and likeminded cities that allow for the exchange of ideas and cultures. While visiting Amsterdam and other nearby European cities, I was able to gather important innovations for our city to improve transportation and energy conservation. Similarly, on my upcoming trip to Japan, we will examine how best to prepare our city for electric vehicles. Direct flights to Asia and Europe create business opportunities across the globe, allowing us to benefit from cutting-edge trends and innovations.  They expose us to a diversity of cultures and connect us to the global community.  When Portlanders travel, they make Portland a better place.

Photo credits: Courtesy of the office of Mayor Sam Adams

If you only have a few days, or even a few hours to enjoy Amsterdam while you’re meeting with clients, here are a few suggestions to enhance your travel experience.

Good Morning, Amsterdam!

Set the proper tone to your day by treating yourself to a Dutch delicacy and artisan coffee. Stroopwafels—a traditional Dutch pastry served with cinnamon syrup—can often be found at various vendor stalls at Amsterdam’s largest and most famous outdoor market, Albert Cuyp Market. With breakfast in hand and a little time to spare, take a leisurely walk through Bloemenmarkt—the only floating flower market of its size in the world. It’s essential to remember your allergy medicine before exploring these diverse flower species as they rest comfortably on houseboats. Bloemenmarkt is open year round and boasts beautiful flowers from every genus, offering a refreshing perspective before a long day of meetings.

Drinks with the Colleagues

Impress your colleagues with your knowledge of Amsterdam’s cocktail bars and suggest a debriefing session over drinks at House of Bols Cocktail and Genever Experience–the world’s oldest distilled brand. The House of Bols offers a uniquely full sensory experience, allowing you to taste, see, touch, smell and feel Amsterdam’s cocktail and bartending culture. Try your hand at cocktail mixing or sit back, relax, and leave the creativity to the bartender professionals.

Now for the Cool Down

Still going strong after a day of meetings and client bonding? Wind down the evening and appeal to your visual and auditory senses at Rain Restaurant Bar & Club. Known for its stunning modern interior design and up and coming musical talent, Rain is the perfect destination to relax after a successful day of business. Request the bartender’s specialty and let the sounds of contemporary jazz and global music reward you for your hard work.

Congratulations, you have now successfully blended some of Amsterdam’s rich culture into your meeting schedule. Check in with us next time when we infuse Tokyo must sees into your next business trip. We’ll see you soon!

Photo credits: Bloemenmarkt, Mak mz; Stroopwafels, Sindy; House of Bols, Cyril Plapied

Portland is one of only 12 U.S. cities with nonstop service to both Europe and Asia and we are the smallest of the 12. It will take work to retain these essential connections.

That is why we recently launched this blog and initiated a Facebook page. Our goal is to begin creating a larger community dialogue about the importance of our international nonstops and to show to our airline partners that, though we are a small market, we are a feisty one, and we will do all we can to keep and grow international air service.

We hope that by logging on, entering a comment or joining us a Facebook fan that you will be part of this dialogue and of the overall effort. More importantly, I encourage anyone who is traveling to Europe or Asia to consider taking our international nonstops. Your support can mean so much in keeping these critical global connections right here—serving Portland, the state and our region.

Why should you care? Because these flights contribute to the cultural and international exchanges that enrich lives and help our economy. And, they save you valuable time.

From an economic standpoint, our international flights generate about $141 million in economic impacts–bolstering our local hotel, restaurant and entertainment industries. Estimates are that travelers to and from Europe and Asia have nearly doubled in our region since these nonstops began. Whether hosting a foreign visitor here, traveling overseas to meet with customers, see relatives or explore the world, the ability to easily get to and from foreign destinations is part of what makes our region so special.

One of the things I appreciate most when I travel on our nonstops is the time that it saves. I often use that time to acclimate myself and physically and mentally prepare for the meetings I have scheduled. This usually includes a 30-minute run and one of my favorite courses is around the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Running around the sublime and peaceful setting of the Imperial Palace juxtaposed against the steel and glass towers that now define Tokyo at 6 in the morning is just the way to start the day. If you have a favorite run or other activity you use to shake off the effects of overseas travel and take advantage of the time you’ve saved on our nonstops I’d love to hear about it as part of this new dialogue we are creating. You just may help convince some others who may not use our nonstops to join us in this important effort. Thanks for checking us out!

Bill Wyatt
Executive Director, Port of Portland
Co-Chair, International Air Service Committee

To make your business traveling experience easier (and to avoid any potentially embarrassing moments), we collected some tips on proper verbal business practices in Japan.

1. Learn a few words in Japanese (especially “please” and “thank you”) and practice pronouncing them well. The Japanese are very polite, so using “hello”, “thank you”, and “excuse me” cannot be used in excess. If you have limited time to practice multiple phases, use the word “Sumimasen” to convey greetings, thanks, and pardon.
2. Let your colleagues introduce you to their peers. It is not seen as polite to introduce yourself.
3. When you are introduced, your full name will be shared and you will most often be formally addressed. Do not insist on being called only by your first name and do not call your Japanese colleagues only by their first name.
4. The Japanese try not to say “No.” Sometimes they’ll use phases like ‘it’s inconvenient’ or ‘it’s under consideration’ in replacement of “No.” Generally try to phrase questions so that they can answer yes, for example “Do you disagree with this?”
5. Try not to dominate the conversation or interrupt other people. If you find your Japanese partners or clients are struggling with English translation, it is seen as rude to finish their sentences. Be patient and wait for them to finish what they are saying.
6. The Japanese prefer to do business based off of personal relationships. Take the time to have a non-business focused conversation before a formal meeting.
7. Sayings and idiomatic expressions do not often translate into other languages, which is no exception in Japanese. Try to avoid these phrases in conversation.
8. It is very common for multiple pauses to happen in the course of conversation with the Japanese. Nothing is wrong, and there is no need to fill the void.
9. Do not speak loudly and never shout or lose your temper while having a conversation.
10. The Japanese are often non-confrontational, so it is important to listen to what is not said and to pay attention to non-verbal communication.

While the Japanese are very familiar with Western business practices and will not expect you to speak Japanese or know all the nuances of their business etiquette, any efforts to participate in their traditional customs will be appreciated and make for a more comfortable business exchange.