The above photo was taken in Roppongi. Uploaded as always, at work (Shinagawa).

In Roppongi there is an area called Midtown. The name suits it, as Roppongi is reminiscent of Midtown Manhattan. All the big buildings. The bustle. The men in suits. The loud noises. So much loud noise.

I exit the subway onto the ground level and immediately, have zero clue where I am. I’m lost. Just like in New York, Midtown Tokyo is foreign. In Tokyo however, foreign is literal as Roppongi is known as an area foreigners fancy. Sometimes, I forget I am in Tokyo — that’s how many people from all over the world are collectively in one small area.

I tend to avoid Roppongi. Like I avoided Midtown Manhattan.

On the rare occasions I do end up there, I can’t help but feel nostalgic for New York, since it’s foreign yet familiar. Makes my heart smile and ache.

I will probably continue avoiding Roppongi. Perhaps because it makes me miss New York. And I don’t want to miss New York. Not just yet.

See? Midtown Tokyo looks like Midtown, Manhattan.