Loud pop music blared in Kentaro Udon Shop, masking the cries of the toddler waiting for seats with her doting parents. All around me, efficiency had cast its spell on everyone. Diners of all ages and fashion styles slurped their noodles noisily, engrossed in savouring the delicacy before them. This was definitely not the place to be catching up with your lunch buddy or your social media feed. The chefs hustled in the kitchen to fulfill their customers’ orders. Through the bustling, the head waitress ruled over the crowd like a hybrid creature of a nurturing mother hen and an alert eagle. Her actions were swift, sharp, sincere; she answered our needs before we even knew them - just like all other consummate professionals in Japan.

After 10 minutes (just like how the head waitress had assured us), our orders arrived. I fed my camera and we hurriedly dug in.