Japanese translator Miruka Adachi, who was raised in Hong Kong and calls the city her second home, rediscovers the enduring connection between the two regions.

Miruka Adachi, JAPAN Forward

On October 11, Japan finally reopened its borders to all inbound tourists. Despite expensive airfares, eager Hong Kong travelers rushed to secure tickets, causing the website of Hong Kong Express to crash. HK Express is Cathay Pacific Airways' low-cost airline, and Japan is its biggest market by the number of seats.

I leapt at the chance to visit my second home for the first time in three years. Until the pandemic brought the world to a halt, I had visited Hong Kong annually to see old friends and soak up the invigorating buzz of "the city that never sleeps."

During my ten-day stay, I rediscovered signs of the enduring bond between my two homes.

The Food Connection – Dining Out

This will be nothing new to locals, but I was astounded by the sheer number of Japanese restaurants. They already had an established presence 10 years ago when I lived there, but nowhere to this extent.

From high-end eateries like Tominokoji Yamagishi (Hong Kong being the kaiseki restaurant's first overseas outpost), less intimidating kushiyaki restaurants like Keyaki, to fast food chains like Sukiya and onigiri takeaways shops like Omusubi, I was reminded of Japan at every corner.

(...)