Doing the machiawase... or, Meet me in Tokyo!Arranging a meeting place (machiawase) is a relationship ritual in Tokyo.
Because people live at least an hour by train from each other in this constantly buzzing metropolis, the accepted practice for getting together is to set up a meeting place at a readily identifiable spot in the city. And an important part of the ritual is choosing a place that harmonises with your personality and the degree of intimacy in the relationship.
In general, regardless of the nature of the meeting, men are quite likely to suggest a rendezvous at a bookstore (honya). Tokyo has plenty that are easy to find: the Hourindou in Ikebukuro, the ABC in Roppongi, and the Kinokuniya in Shinjuku are several popular ones. Those who choose the honya meeting place are often intellectual types who will even specify the section of the shop that you should meet in. And they like to arrive early to browse a bit before you get there.
By contrast, when women go out with their girlfriends, they prefer to meet at the department store (depato). Since they know the store well, they will specify a meeting spot like the foot of a particular escalator, or a favourite department. And should one arrive early, she will simply while away her time ... well, shopping!
The popular meeting spot for those heading for Aoyama is in front of Mizuho Bank, along the famous 246 strip. It must be said that those who suggest meeting here are somewhat snobbish: careful not to stand too close to anyone else who is waiting, and practiced at striking poses of casual aloofness.
Other popular machiawase spots are: Sutaba (Starbucks) on the first floor of the Tsutaya Building, which is trendy if not a bit loud (the music is up full volume); the cafe on the first floor of the Spiral Building, which is pricey but you might well see a celebrity or two while you're waiting; and idiosyncratic places like one's favourite karaoke room or game centre with all the latest video games.
Perhaps the best-known meeting place in Tokyo is Hachiko (the statue of the dog that stands outside the station). At all times of the day, you can see people standing at this very recognisable spot, obviously waiting and looking out for the person they are to meet. This statue is also very popular with youngsters on their first date: the ritual is that the young man will suggest meeting at Hachiko, and then the young woman will ask "at the head or the tail?"
Heads or tails, arranging a meeting at a special machiawase is a very enjoyable part of the encounter. |
