I first visited Myanmar in 2015. I have had many business trips to Asian countries, but I have never had a business trip to Myanmar until then. Around 2015, economic sanctions were lifted, efforts for economic development began, and democratization was promoted.
I stayed in the center of Yangon, but the number of Japanese restaurants was gradually increasing. I was able to hear from a person who publishes a newspaper for Japanese people locally. He said he wanted to spend the rest of his life in Myanmar. When I asked him why, he said that he did not feel uncomfortable with Myanmar and rather felt nostalgic. It is true that there are many temples and 90% of them are Buddhist, so I think it gives a sense of familiarity. The city was full of energy and people were busy, but I realized that it was a calming country.
(Image: Yangon, Myanmar)