WHEN THE MAGIC BEGINS

Finding calm in the storm

Over the past 14 years, David Myers has been a regular in Tokyo. He loves immersing himself in the city’s dynamic culture, from whetting his appetite in hole-in-the-wall eateries and bars to exploring craft shops.

One of his favorite neighborhoods is Shibuya, a popular shopping and entertainment enclave that is famed for its bustling pedestrian scramble crossing and labyrinth of izakaya eateries and bars. He says: “Coming to Shibuya is like taking an elixir of youth as it has such an intense buzz with the shops and music.”

Amidst the frenzy, Myers also relishes the juxtaposition of pockets of serenity in shrines and parks that are nestled among the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. He says: “I always love to go out running to find these tranquil spots. It is like finding calm in the storm. You hear the rustling of the leaves and take in the moment to breathe.” Outside Tokyo, he counts the bamboo forest in Kamakura as one of his favourite nature spots.

Running a global empire of restaurants can be stressful and strenuous. Besides directing operations, Myers is constantly on the look-out for new food approaches and business opportunities, and anticipating what lies ahead. He says that reflecting during contemplative moments has been “absolutely critical to my success and creativity”. One way that he does it is through meditation — sitting very still and calmly anywhere, be it on a stone bench or in a shrine.

He shares: “Meditation has helped me to become more resilient and focused by taking the noise away. The best thing in life is once that you have found that moment of clarity, you are unstoppable and inspired. That’s when the magic begins.”