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question:I am looking to write a novel and I would like to set it in a city that I have a connection to. I am between choosing to set it in Tokyo or New York City. They are both cities that I am fond of, but I would like to choose the one that has the most opportunities to add depth to the story. Which city would be a more interesting setting for a story and why?
answer:What an exciting decision to make! Both Tokyo and New York City are incredible settings that offer a wealth of opportunities for storytelling. However, I'd argue that Tokyo might be a more intriguing choice for a few reasons. Firstly, Tokyo's unique blend of traditional and modern culture creates a fascinating backdrop for exploring themes of identity, tradition, and change. The city's rich history, from its ancient temples to its cutting-edge technology, provides a rich tapestry of settings and cultural references to draw from. Your characters could navigate the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku, visit the serene gardens of the Imperial Palace, or get lost in the winding alleys of the old city. This blend of old and new could add a layer of depth to your story, allowing you to explore the tensions between tradition and modernity. New York City, on the other hand, is a city that's often been explored in literature and media. While it's certainly a vibrant and exciting place, it might be more challenging to find fresh perspectives or unique angles to take. Tokyo, being a less commonly used setting in Western literature, offers more opportunities to create a truly distinctive and immersive world. Additionally, Tokyo's cultural nuances and customs could add an extra layer of complexity to your characters and their relationships. For example, the concept of honne and tatemae – the contrast between a person's true feelings and the social mask they wear – could create interesting conflicts and dynamics between characters. The strict social etiquette and expectations in Japan could also heighten the tension and drama in your story. That being said, the most important consideration is your personal connection to the city. If you have a deep affection for New York City and feel a strong sense of inspiration when thinking about it, then it might be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the city you choose should be the one that sparks your creativity and helps you to tell the story you want to tell. How do you feel about incorporating elements of Japanese culture into your story? Is there a particular aspect of Tokyo that resonates with you, or a theme you'd like to explore in your novel?
question:How might the cultural aspects of Japan, and specifically Tokyo, be intertwined into a narrative?
answer:Incorporating cultural aspects of Japan and Tokyo into your narrative can add a rich layer of depth and authenticity to your story. Here are some ideas on how you might do this: You could explore the concept of uchi and soto – the distinction between the inner, private world of family and close friends, and the outer, public world of work and social obligations. This could create interesting conflicts for your characters as they navigate the complexities of Japanese social etiquette. For example, a character might struggle to balance their personal desires with the expectations of their family or community. The changing seasons could also play a significant role in your story. Japan is famous for its vibrant seasonal festivals and traditions, from cherry blossom viewing in the spring to the autumn leaves of koyo. You could use these seasonal markers to chart the passage of time in your narrative, or to reflect the emotional journeys of your characters. Perhaps a character's blossoming romance is mirrored in the blooming sakura, or their melancholy mood is echoed in the fading leaves of autumn. Tokyo's unique urban landscape could also be used to explore themes of identity and disconnection. The city's crowded streets and trains could symbolize the anonymity and isolation of urban life, while the quiet, hidden gardens and temples could represent a longing for connection and tranquility. You might have a character who finds solace in the peaceful oases of the city, or who becomes lost in the labyrinthine streets of Shibuya. The Japanese concept of mono no aware – the bittersweet awareness of the transience of life – could also be woven into your narrative. This might manifest in a character's reflections on the fleeting nature of love, the passing of time, or the impermanence of human connections. This theme could add a poignant, melancholic tone to your story, and invite your readers to contemplate the preciousness of life. Food and drink could also play a significant role in your story. Japan's culinary culture is famous for its attention to detail and emphasis on seasonality. You might use the preparation and sharing of meals as a way to bring characters together, or to highlight their cultural heritage. A character's favorite dish or drink could also serve as a nostalgic trigger, transporting them back to a particular time and place. Finally, you could draw inspiration from Japan's rich tradition of folklore and mythology. The stories of the yurei (ghosts), tengu (bird-like creatures), and other supernatural beings could add a magical, mysterious element to your narrative. Perhaps a character encounters a mysterious spirit in an old temple, or discovers a hidden world of mythological creatures living in the city's shadows. How do these ideas resonate with you? Is there a particular aspect of Japanese culture that you're drawn to, or a theme you'd like to explore in your story?
question:If you were to suggest one location to visit within Tokyo so that a writer could get a feel for the city, would you recommend the famous Tsukiji fish market and, if so, why?
answer:While there are countless amazing locations to explore in Tokyo, I would indeed recommend the Tsukiji Outer Market (note that the inner market has moved to a new location, Toyosu Market) as a must-visit destination for writers. Here's why: Tsukiji Outer Market is a sensory overload in the best possible way. The sights, sounds, and smells of the market will assault your senses and give you a visceral taste of Tokyo's energy and vibrancy. From the bustling streets lined with food stalls and shops, to the cacophony of vendors calling out their daily specials, to the intoxicating aromas of fresh seafood and street food, Tsukiji is a feast for the senses. As a writer, visiting Tsukiji can help you tap into the rhythms and textures of Tokyo's daily life. You'll see the city's residents going about their daily routines, from fishermen and vendors to office workers and tourists. You'll witness the intricate dance of commerce and community, as people from all walks of life come together to buy, sell, and share in the bounty of the market. Tsukiji is also a place where tradition and modernity collide. You'll see ancient customs and rituals, such as the tuna auctions (now held at Toyosu Market), alongside cutting-edge technology and innovative food trends. This juxtaposition of old and new can inspire fascinating storylines and character conflicts, as you explore the tensions between tradition and progress. Furthermore, Tsukiji is a hub of human activity, with a cast of characters that's as colorful as it is diverse. From the gruff but lovable fishermen to the charismatic vendors and chefs, you'll find a wealth of inspiration for character development and dialogue. Listen to the banter between the vendors and customers, observe the body language and mannerisms of the people around you, and soak up the stories and legends of the market. Lastly, Tsukiji is a place that's deeply rooted in Tokyo's history and culture. The market has been in operation for centuries, and its traditions and customs have been passed down through generations. As a writer, immersing yourself in this rich cultural heritage can help you tap into the city's collective unconscious, and uncover the hidden stories and secrets that lie beneath its surface. By visiting Tsukiji Outer Market, you'll get a feel for the city's pulse, its rhythms, and its people. You'll be able to distill the essence of Tokyo into your writing, and create stories that are authentic, vibrant, and full of life.
question:By . Sam Greenhill . Detectives investigating Jimmy Savile have been passed the names of three doctors accused of molesting youngsters, it emerged last night . They abused children at the same hospitals where the late entertainer preyed on young and vulnerable patients, it can be revealed. One victim told the Mail she was groped aged 12 by a Stoke Mandeville doctor who had a Jim'll Fix It picture on his wall. Helen Wakeling, from Richmond in Surrey, who was attacked by Jimmy Saville in 1973, when as a nurse working at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, she asked for an autograph for her sister. She is pictured here with him, moments before the attack . Another woman, who named a separate doctor, is convinced there was a 'sex abuse ring' operating at the Buckinghamshire hospital. There are now demands for a full independent inquiry into how Savile was given easy access to his victims at children's homes and NHS hospitals, as well as at the BBC. So far, no NHS trust has apologised for Savile – despite him being given the keys to Broadmoor, a bedroom room at Stoke Mandeville and free rein of Leeds General Infirmary. As the list of his victims grew, a former Stoke Mandeville nurse yesterday waived her anonymity to tell how Savile assaulted her in her bedroom, while a hospital volunteer said the star raped her while wearing a 'Sex instructor, first lesson free' T-shirt. Former nurse Helen Wakeling said Savile shoved her on to a bed and tried to molest her. Mrs Wakeling, 59, of South West London, said: 'One afternoon in 1973, I came off duty at about 4.30 and bumped into Jimmy Savile and I invited him round to the nurses' quarters for a cup of tea. I made him tea in my room, and the next thing I know he pushed me on to the bed and jumped on top of me. 'I was so shocked, but I was 20 and a Londoner and I just said to him, “What do you think you're doing?” 'He was trying to grope me, but I shouted at him and pushed him off. He stood up and said he was “only joking”, but obviously he wasn't.' There are already accusations Savile had at least one accomplice at the BBC, and at Top of the Pops, he allegedly ran a 'gang of four' – staff including a cameraman who were part of the paedophile scandal. Abuse: Sir Jimmy Savile at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in September 2003 . The block at Stoke Mandeville Hospital where Sir Jimmy Savile had a room for 24 years and where he allegedly abused children . Jimmy Saville gets ready for another day, in his flat in Stoke Mandeville Hospital, in July 1982 . But Pete Saunders, of the National Association for People Abused in Childhood, said the NHS was a major line of inquiry. He said: 'We have had several calls alleging abuses by doctors at the same hospitals that Savile worked at. This is much bigger than we thought.' One woman said her Stoke Mandeville doctor sexually abused her every fortnight for four years from the age of 14. She said: 'There is no doubt in my mind there was a sex abuse ring operating at Stoke Mandeville. It is no coincidence that this man was doing the same thing as Jimmy Savile.' She said the doctor operated on her at the hospital after a burns accident, and she then attended his follow-up clinics at a separate hospital. Now 52, she recalled: 'He called me his “special patient”. I had to go and see him once every fortnight for cortisone injections under the skin.' But the doctor insisted he needed to 'massage' the fluid into her body in her groin area, she said. She reported it to her teachers and her mother but said no one took her allegations seriously. The doctor accused by the woman has since died. A second woman told the Mail she was abused by a Stoke Mandeville consultant paediatrician called Dr Michael Salmon, at his clinic on another site. In 1990, Salmon was jailed for three years after admitting indecent assaults on two 13-year-old girls and a 16-year-old girl. The woman told the Mail: 'I was so shocked but I didn't know what to do, and I never told anyone. But he had a Jim'll Fix It picture on his sideboard and he worked at Stoke Mandeville, so now I wonder if there was any connection with Savile.' A third doctor has also been implicated in Leeds. A spokesman for Stoke Mandeville said: 'We have been shocked and saddened to hear of the very serious allegations about Jimmy Savile dating back to the 1970s. We have no record of any complaints of this nature and would have taken swift and decisive action if this had formally been raised with us.' The Crown Prosecution Service yesterday faced questions over why it let Savile off the hook three years ago despite a 'clear pattern' of claims against him. Keir Starmer QC announced a review of why four cases were dropped at the end of a two-year probe involving two police forces in 2009. The Director of Public Prosecutions said he believed the right decision was taken and the internal inquiry will take place out of an 'abundance of caution'.
answer:Detectives investigating Jimmy Savile's sexual abuse have received names of three doctors accused of molesting children at the same hospitals where Savile preyed on young and vulnerable patients. One victim, Helen Wakeling, a former nurse, recounted being groped by Savile in 1973 at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Another woman alleged that a doctor at the same hospital sexually abused her for four years starting when she was 14. A second doctor, Dr. Michael Salmon, was jailed in 1990 for indecent assaults on minors, and a third doctor has been implicated in Leeds. These allegations suggest the existence of a potential sex abuse ring at these hospitals. Victims and advocates are calling for a full independent inquiry into how Savile and others gained access to their victims at children's homes, NHS hospitals, and the BBC. Despite the growing list of victims, no NHS trust has apologized for Savile's actions. The Crown Prosecution Service is reviewing why it dropped four cases against Savile in 2009, despite a clear pattern of claims.