Archives for November 2022

A brilliant entrepreneur’s business idea helps customers hit their project deadlines.

21st Nov 2022 5 min read

I was in Japan recently and nearing the end of the trip, I was concerned about what to write for my opening address.

Then, I remembered that at a stop called Koenji in Tokyo, an entrepreneur has started The Manuscript Writing Cafe.

It is not a cafe that serves coffee though you may buy one. It is a place where once you have checked in, you have to finish writing your article, assignment or project before you are allowed to leave and they charge per half hour.

This themed cafe that helps one target deadlines have caught on with office workers, writers, and students.

I decided to sign in to see if I could write my opening address. My inner clock started ticking and I was aware of my yen being burned by the minute.

Speech, speech, I told myself. Suddenly, the idea occurred to me — l shall write about what I have learned in Japan.

Well, I decided to write about my trip to Kiyotsu gorge also known as the Tunnel of Light. Kiyotsu gorge is one of the three great gorges in the Northern part of Japan.

This is what I wrote; The trip to Kiyotsu Gorge

“ It was quite a challenge as I needed to match the bus schedule times and be able to catch the last bus back. The complex bus network map and its long names did not help. I asked around and realized that not all Japanese know about their famous sites. Finally, we located the right platform to board the bus.

On the bus, I suddenly had the intuition as if guided by some divine power that we needed to get off midway and not at the final stop. Fortunately, I quickly asked a lady in my limited Japanese with her friend. She was going to the gorge with her friend.

We got off at the right stop where we followed the stream of people, apparently heading for Kiyotsu gorge. It was cool in autumn and the walk was brisk and pleasant though the road was winding and narrow, with an upsloping gradient, and was next to the road where large vehicles sometimes rumbled past.

The scenery was spectacular.

The mountain rose ahead of us and burst into autumn colors. The stream flowed over the rocks and the air was crisp. We took in the scenery and bathed in the glory of autumn splendor.

It was a 1 km walk.

Finally, we reached the opening of the tunnel where we paid 1000Y each which is about S$10. The sign said “ 750m walk to the gorge.

So there was another 750m to scale through the tunnel.

This tunnel has been cut 750m deep into the mountain. While walking in the tunnel, there were lights and exhibits at intervals and illusionary displays to break the monotony.

We walked assiduously on and finally, lo and behold — an opening appeared before us and we were dumbfounded by the illusion.

The tunnel has a large puddle of shallow water shimmering in the natural light. As people inched forward to look at the gorge, their reflections could be seen in the puddle. It was like moving art on water.

There were many iPhone and Samsung moments. We were refreshed by the walk and thrilled by the sight. We spent much time just gazing at this human endeavor to create a wonderful illusion.

Kiyotsu gorge is characterized by V-shaped steep gigantic stone cliffs that straddle a river. Used to be, the river rushes down the rocky roads but climate change has affected it somewhat. Nevertheless, it is still magnificent!

After many picture taking, we made our way back to the hotel, pleased with our successful attempt to locate this scenic beauty and natural monument.

What I have learned;

1 Human beings are endowed with a lot of intelligence, talent, and creativity. The building of this tunnel attests to this.

2 We must believe in our accomplishments when we see that man can create a machine that cuts 750m into a mountain. With military precision.

Most of our daily aims should be easily achievable.

3 We must not lose the passion to explore and be awed by things around us. Let us be inspired always.

4 Human beings will always be innovative like the owner of this manuscript writing cafe who has a brilliant idea and turn it into a business to benefit both parties.

A business that makes people coerce themselves to hit their deadlines by targeting their pockets. I discover that a hurt pocket does move one’s ambition.

While writing furiously, I was aware of my yen diminishing but manage to finish in under 15 minutes which cost me Y250. Even though it is only $2.50 I discovered that I work well under pressure especially if the time taken costs money.

Many valuable lessons were learned from this trip and that’s what keeps me traveling in this inspiring world.