On the morning of March 27, 2025, we went to catch a train, but it was so crowded that we had to wait for the next one, hoping to finally get on. We ended up waiting three or four times while others managed to squeeze in. Eventually, we managed to board, though it was a struggle! The next train was also packed, but not as bad. In total, it took five trains and three attempts before the whole group was able to get on!
Our first stop was TeamLab Borderless, an incredible digital art exhibit filled with vibrant colors and interactive rooms to explore. We wanted to visit the digital Tea House, but unfortunately, it was sold out. The entire experience was mesmerizing, featuring glowing butterflies, immersive artwork, and crystal-like displays.
Last week, we visited the original TeamLab in Tokyo, which was more hands-on and sensory-focused, in addition to its visual exhibitions. In contrast, TeamLab Borderless was more about visual entertainment, making it a unique experience in its own way.
Next, we headed to Shibuya Crossing, where Claire and Kimora gave a presentation about the HachikÅ statue. The statue honors a loyal dog who continued waiting at the train station for his owner, even after the owner's passing. His devotion touched many people, leading to the creation of the statue in his honor. Afterward, we explored the area, enjoying the many shops and restaurants. It was nice to walk around freely and take in the energy of the city. This crossing is also famous for multiple crossing paths. There are six crossings that happen at the same time. We also saw Godzilla in this area before we went to the Ninjia show. See the photo below.
For lunch, we ate at a restaurant called Mom’s Touch, and it was delicious! I even tried some of my friends’ sandwiches, and theirs were just as tasty.
Later, we went to the Ninja Show, which was really entertaining. The performers didn’t speak but told a story through movement and dance. We also watched some traditional dancing and performance as well. After the show, we learned about ninja hand signs, which were used for communication—cool but a bit confusing! Then, we got to throw shuriken (ninja stars) to compete for a prize. Everyone participated, but only Santiago advanced to the finals, where he placed third.
By then, we were exhausted, so we had dinner at a ramen restaurant. The food was great—we ordered ramen, dumplings, and more! After a long but exciting day, we headed back to the hotel for the night.
-Isac
