Just a little free writing. Was reading a short story by J.D. Salinger and felt a little inspired. Hope you enjoy it.

Chance. That’s all Henry could really call it; a chance encounter that resulted in a love unknown to him prior. Of course, just because it was love did not mean that it was fate or at all similar to the innocent openings of many a dime store novel. Having discovered Yukiko’s cell phone late at night, beside a sidewalk bordering a shoe store long past its golden years, Henry had brought the phone to the local police station and given his statement. Those this may seem like the typical setting for any romance fed to the popcorn fueled masses, I can assure you that this love is anything but typical.

With his address and phone number listed on the police form, and his consent to allow the owner to contact him, if they so chose, Henry was greeted by a phone call several days later. A rapid succession of Japanese from a young woman’s mouth fell onto his ear. Only able to capture key words explaining the caller’s thankfulness and want to reward him, Henry could only reply with vague agreement. Since the phone was decorated in fake diamonds and cute stickers, Henry was not surprised by the voice he heard. Youthful, sweet, and at a pitch slightly higher than average, the caller asked if she could meet him and personally give her thanks. Henry, being a young and single man, could hardly refuse such an offer and agreed to meet the caller the following day at a local café. Hanging up the phone, Henry couldn’t help to think that she should try to find more cell phones more often.

Arriving at the café, Henry checked his phone to see if he had arrived early. He had. By fifteen minutes. Now, it is safe to say that Henry enjoyed arriving early to any event, yet even he knew that his nerves had gotten the better of him and quickened his pace that morning. Sitting down at a steel table placed underneath a patio yawning, Henry waited. Though Henry did not know who he was looking for he felt certain that they would recognize him. Being one of only four foreigners in the city, it was beyond foolish to think he blended with any scene in a five hundred mile radius. Surely enough, as he was checking his messages, Henry was stirred by the soft and shy voice he had previous heard over the phone.

“Henry?”

Titling his head up slightly and peering over the rims of his sunglasses, Henry quickly evaluated the slender form which stood before him. Beginning the with torn “skinny” jeans and high heeled sneakers, his gazed continued to a vest-like, brown jacket draped over a yellow and black checkered button down, and finished with a small round face, centered around two high, protruding cheek bones and small narrow eyes resting above a thing and delicate mouth and below a curtain of slightly dyed, short hair.

“Hi. Hello. How are you?”

The woman greeted him with a quick look of confusion as she quickly attempted to recall seven years of English education that had culminated in a college entry test that made her no more prepared for a true conversation does teaching a blind man the importance of color harmony within a painting.

“Oh sorry,” Henry quickly said, quickly switching to Japanese. “It’s habit. Hard to stop answering in English when people say my name.”

“It’s ok. I’m glad you speak Japanese. I really don’t remember any English from when I was in school.”

“I hear that a lot. Please sit down. Would you like something to drink? To eat?”

“I’ll have a drink.”

“That’s good, I was about to order a cup of hot chocolate. What would you like?”

“I don’t know. Let me think about it for a while.”

“Sure. Do you mind if I order mine drink now?”

“No, not at all.”

Motion over the waiter, Henry ordered his hot chocolate. After turning around to face the new face he would be placing in his mental catalogue of acquaintances, friends, and family, Henry noticed that his companion seemed rather nervous. Holding tightly to her jeans and keeping her head low, as if reading the menu, Henry began analyzing and judging whether this girl was one of many Japanese who found themselves in a constant state of agitation around foreigners – Such being the case in any country where only four percent of the population is foreign.

“I just wanted to thank you personally for finding my phone. I was very worried about it. The strap that is on it is a was a gift from my boyfriend.”

Henry’s heart sank slightly at this revelation.

“You’re welcome. I was only doing what anyone would do in such a situation.”

“Still. Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it.” Wanting to expand the conversation beyond this pattern, Henry pushed forward and asked, “So, tell me about yourself. I am a teacher here in town and I teach younger children English. What about you?”

“Me? Well, I graduated a few years ago from college and have been working since.”

“What do you do?”

“Right now. I don’t really do anything. I don’t have a job.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude.”

“It’s alright. I am looking for a job, but it has been very difficult.”

“That’s true. If you can find a job right out of college you practically become a leper to companies who wonder how you could not have been hired earlier.”

“Yes. It has been hard.” Rising from her seat, the girl took her bag and said her thanks once more before turning to head out of the café.

Standing up to stop her from leaving so soon, Henry violently collided with the waitress beside him placing his drink upon the table. Falling to the ground Henry asked once more to have the girl wait and admitted that he didn’t even know her name.

“My name is Nami. Thank you again for your help. Have a nice day.”

Since it's fall, and I'm in a bit of a romantic mood, I thought I might throw one of my little scribbles into this post for your reading pleasure ^_^

It was beautiful. “Deriku! Hayaku!” “I’m coming, I’m coming.” Awestruck by the golden trail he journeyed upon, Derek could not help but stand still and gaze at each bare branch that hung above his head. Having given their leaves so that the ground would create a walkway worthy of any girl from Kansas, the trees now stood entirely at odds with the photographic euphoria they had created. Fixed in the ground, and as unmoved as the snowcapped mountains flanking them, the black and brown timber only served to remind each observer that their suffering was responsible for the colors they ogled. Noting each twenty-four karat leaf upon the ground, Derek’s eyes worked tirelessly to engrain the scene into his mind. A deep blue, cloudless sky accompanied by leaves that would shame any New England autumn had brought him to the realization that no photo could ever evoke the peace he felt then. Only his mind could properly capture the moment in all its glory. He would not only be able to fall back on this tranquility later on, but it would also be his alone to be lost in. No one would have this but him. No one would ever see what he saw.

Everyone saw Mio though. Enthusiastically playing under a tree that refused to give up its few final vestiges of summer, Mio had gone to kicking and tossing the product of the oak’s failed enterprise. No less innocent than a child smothering themselves in a pile of leaves, Mio continued to enjoy the crisp crunch of each leaf as well as the dry, smoky smell that overpowered her senses with each new batch she pressed to her face. Derek could not help but smile. He loved this playful innocence. For Derek, there was nothing more breathtaking and wondrous as the innocence of a child. It’s what made Mio so radiant. Though twenty-five, she often allowed herself to give in to childish whims that left Derek standing to the side with a shy smile and folded arms. Swinging his messenger bag around, Derek pulled out his camera. Digital cameras had been created to capture images just like this. Taking picture after picture, he imagined the conversation he would have with friends and family afterwards. “Takumi, check this out.” “What is it?” “It’s Mio being Mio.” “What do you mean?” “Just look.” “Ok. What is she doing? Wow, she looks like a child.” “I know. Isn’t it great? She’s just so cute.”

The truth of the matter is that I am actually in a good mood. In fact, I'm in an amazing mood. Being in Japan has does just what I hoped and more. I am quickly becoming the man I want to be and it seems that I might have just found the icing for my cake. Her name is Aya. She is not the whole cake, far from it. She is the icing which finishes and perfect this delicate pastry.

The weather is finally changing here, and I couldn't be more happy. Being greeted by a cool breeze each time I walk out the door fills me with feelings that I just can't describe. I think of Halloweens spent freezing outside people's doors. The birthday Marathon my family has in November (Father, Brother, me) and the smell of leaves swimming through the continuous currents of wind which sweep through my city from the surrounding mountain passes.

If nature can be seen as any sign for future circumstances, I think that this Autumn and Winter will be memorable, to say the least.

Seasonal Realizations

With each passing day the sun rises in a vain attempt to maintain the dominance it inherits each Summer. Yet as it once more moves West to slumber the Moon rises and brings with it the soothing winds of Autumn, removing any recollection of the day's heat from the memory of the now dry and crisp night air.

Autumn will soon takes it place as the harbinger of the snows to come.

That's all I have for you today ^_^

DJ Status Quo!

Lo and Behold! Awakens a new DJ in the Akita bar scene! DJ Status Quo!

Or at least that is what is playing inside my head. Perhaps some exposition is required for you readers to understand where this sudden burst in DJ-ness has come from.

Last night (Saturday) I went to my favorite bar, Duke Room. A dark and grungy, small 2nd floor local watering hole. Imitating the image of an old western saloon converted to a surfer hang out in California, the bar was fully stocked with liquors and beers from around the world all presented before a long, tall mirror with "Duke Room" painted using Old English characters at the top. With a majority of light coming from the small TV hanging in a corner of the room and the random assortment of Christmas lights strewn over the bar giving the entire room a dim, yet color glow to it. Covered in old band, dj, concert, and event flyers kept in place by an assortment of staples, tape, and tacks the only portions of original wall left to be seen were filled with incoherent messages and notes from past patrons. At the reflective, midnight black bar itself was a line of old faux-leather stools that had obviously seen better days, yet managed to arrange a list of stories to provide anyone willing to listen with days of entertainment.

Invited by the co-owner, Makoto, I quickly found myself in a immersed in a monthly party wh ere several DJ's come in, stand in a corner and spin. What makes this more interesting that your standard guest DJ event, all the people in the bar, including the DJ's new each other, so an atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie sedated the room with good feelings and smiling faces.

Entering on my own, since all my other friends had already made plans for other venues, I was quickly greeted by Makoto and ordered my usual (ramu koku -- Rum and Coke). Soon after I was introduced to Misao Sakuraba by Makoto and I quickly discovered that I was talking to a bit of a celebrity. Misao is actually a popular radio personality for FM Akita, a well known station here. Throughout the night I met several other radio personalities from the same station. This was my first time ever meeting this kind of person and it was so much fun to talk about music with them (well...try to talk about, they didn't speak any English, and I'm not exactly fluent yet).

About one hour into my foray I had a song sheet pushed in front of me and was asked to choose Four songs to be played on the bar's iPod. Of course, what I didn't pick up on was the fact that I WOULD BE THE NEW DJ! Given a quick tutorial on how to use the sound system and digital turn table I stepped up onto a crate and began "spinning." Soon, I was asked what my DJ name was and instinctively, as always is with any nom du plume I use, I said "Status Quo." After briefly helping them pronounce my name I turned back to my tables and began spinning like one of the greatest virgin spin jocks of all time. In other words, I sucked, but at least I didn't scratch anything. I chose to Play, Green Day's "Know your Enemy," Maroon 5's "This Love," "MC Hammers' "Can't Touch This," and some other song I don't remember right now.

After my brief attempt at being cool I returned to my seat and struck up a conversation with a man about why I was in Japan, why I didn't like how so many foreigners never really tried to understand Japan and why J-Pop girls are always cute and never sexy like K-Pop girls.

After holding several conversations (all in Japanese) with several different people, two from the radio station, and putting down three Rum and Cokes, two Screw Drivers, and one tall glass of Shochu, several people began to make their way home. I decided to stay, because I was having a lot of fun and still had several people to talk to.

Soon after the radio Disk Jockies left a women who was close friends with the bartenders brought in two small pizzas. She said these pizzas were famous in Akita, but I'd never heard of them. After being told that one of them had mayonnaise on it I was slightly hesitant, but tried the food anyway and was pleasantly surprised to find both pizzas delicious (one mayo topped, and the other with garlic, parsley, and chunks of tomato). Starting a conversation with the woman and having her offer order me a shot of spiced rum we ended up talking about what everyone all night wanted to talk about:

-How old are you? 22. Wow! So young! You look 27!

-Why did you come to Japan? (insert long explanation that mentions Waseda University) -- It should be said that even when I didn't mention Waseda, Makoto would also chime in and say that I studied Japanese at Waseda university. He was so helpful all night.

-You went to Waseda? You must be very smart! What do you think of Japanese Universities?

AND

-Do you have a girlfriend? No. Why not? You are so handsome! Do you not like Japanese girls? Do you prefer foreign girls? No, I like Japanese girls. Don't worry! You'll meet someone soon! You are so handsome and young!

Just as quickly as the woman appeared, she was gone and was replaced by a younger girl named Aya. Now it's safe to say that I was very happy to have stayed out so late because I was able to meet Aya. We didn't get a lot of time to talk, but she was cute and fun to talk to. She is an Assistant Cook, a bar waitress, and a student studying jewelry design. Our conversation really picked up when she noticed my rings and instantly wanted to take pictures of them. Exchange e-mails and pulling out my super sexy iPhone 4 for the 500th time, we exchanged e-mails and were soon told by Makoto that it was 4:00am and that we should probably get going.

So heading down the stairs together we walked toward Oodori Street (Major street in Akita) when she asked me where my apartment was. I told her and she was shocked by how far away it was and asked why I was still walking with her. Well, it didn't know what the word for gentleman was in Japanese, but luckily she knew what gentleman meant (very odd, is it a common word for Japanese to know?) Anyway, I made it clear that I was walking her to her apartment and she was thankful. After reaching her building she said goodbye and I reciprocated the courtesy. As she turned around a tripped over my words and pounding my forehead with the side of my fist, forced out:

mata aeru ka? (Can I meet you again?)

I was greeted by a kind smile and an affirmation of my request. Telling her that I would send the pictures of my rings she wanted she thanks me and said that she would reply in English and that I should send my message in Japanese. After this agreement we said good night once more and I headed home, turning on my iPod (in my iPhone 4) so that I could listen to "I've Just Seen a Face" by the Beatles.

BTW...I should probably mention that I only spent 1200 Yen last night on my drinks. Why would I pay so little for drinking so much? Because everyone loves to buy the foreign guys his drinks so that they can talk to him.

-----

So, now for just some minor updates. ROOM PHOTOS! That's right, I've finally posted them for your viewing pleasure.

Here is the entrance hallway to my apartment, with the bathroom/toilet/washing machine off to the left and the bedroom straight ahead.

Next we have my washing machine, which is momentarily housing the drying rack for my socks and underwear

Here we have the room meant just for my toilet. Please notice the handy faucet on the top of the water basin.

Shower Shower Shower! and bathroom sink

My entire kitchen space and prep area/stove

View from the doorway into my bedroom

The full length mirror beside the door and map of Akita Prefecture

My table (notice all the healthcare products) and a poster with a list of the special seasonal events here in Akita Prefecture

My Closet (With stored away TV)

My desk (Please be patient as I am still developing my manga collection here and only have 9 books to display on my shelf right now)

My med, with handy storage space beneath. If you can tell, the shelf above my bed is filled with gifts from my big sister Mu-chan

And the way leading to my door so....GET OUT!

And, as mentioned my iPhone 4 is made of awesome and had increased my sexiness quota by a good 20%!

At the Office

It is finally over. In the course of seven days, I spent five of them at the branch office for my company. Each day spending 5.5 hours sitting at a desk working hard on my manga skills. Why was I doing that? Well other than needing a heavy dose of manga cuteness from my favorite manga-ka Kou Futsuki (Ai Yori Aoshi & Umi no Misaki), I had no classes to teach. Since I go to a different classroom each week, I should have four classrooms to go to. But in this region, I only have three. Therefore, the one week that should be spent teaching little children the different between rally and lolly, was replaced by one week of sitting at a desk being extremely unproductive.

Well that's not all true. I was slightly productive for the five hours out of the 27.5 I did prepare my lesson plans for the month and even wrote down every welcome activity I will do for the next seven months.

So, why did the company have me in the office tittling my thumbs? Because they feel its' better for me to be doing nothing in the office and getting paid than be at home getting paid.

I'm not complaining. I like it. It's a nice week-long vacation that allows me to unwind and prepare for three weeks of kids.

I will also admit that it was nice getting to wear a suit. I love wearing suits...I would be perfect office worker. If only I would be able to sit still at a desk for more than two hours.

In other news. Starcraft II. I controls me. Calls to me. Even though I suck at it.

iPhone 4...You will be mine soon!

The room is pretty much clean now. I guess I'd better start posting pics, huh?

And last but not least. I'm SO BORED! I cant' play Starcraft II all day. When I'm not playing with it, there is not much to do. I go in between reading, talking to friends online, and staring at my wall. I like the staring part.

Serenity at 5,000 Feet

On Monday I took a marvelous journey to a distant mountain in Akita Prefecture known as Mt. Komagatake. Solitary and strong, this mountain, covered in greens from an abundant amount of foliage, carried me to the heavens and allowed me to glance down at the Earth in all her beauty.

Yet, before I get to that, I'd best start at the beginning.

Hopping inside a van with Iva, Jack, Wade, Ritsuko, and Go, I took part in a three hour drive from Akita City to Semboku City to the east. It was a ride filled with frustration since half the van was smokers (one of them practically a chain smoker). Forced to roll down the window and stick my head out so as to give my asthma a chance to not slowly kill me. Continue with this vehicular journey, I was also awstruck by the number of stops we made along the way. For a three hour ride, we stopped no less than four times!

Though the trip was arduous my thanks still goes out to Go who was willing to drive everyone. Go, Go, Go!

Upon arriving at the base of the mountain our van was greeted a narrow, hairpin turn laden, mountain road. Go through over forty-five different "curves," as the Japanese call them, we managed to narrow avoid a head on collision four times. Because of the dense brush and sharp narrow turns it was near impossible to see anyone coming toward you minus the poorly maintained mirrors set up at each "curve." Deciding it was best to give fair warning to cars coming towards us, Go began honking his horn at every curve so as to warn oncoming traffic that he was coming.

Finally reaching the parking lot after fifteen to twenty minutes of driving, we all quickly jumped out of the car and began taking pictures and stretching.

As we were about to being our climb, we happened across an elderly couple who told us that it would take about one hour to go all the way around. Iva was throughly surprised, but not by the time. She was astonished at the fact than an elderly couple obviously over the age of sixty has just gone hiking up a mountain.

Beginning our trek, we were quickly made aware of the handicap smokers have when it comes to hiking. With the three heaviest smokers almost always in the rear, trying to keep up, I made frequent stops since they could not maintain the pace I was setting. These stops though gave us a chance for some wonderful group pictures looking over the entire mountain range.

Continuing on we came across a small rest area that looked over a giant valley and provided us with an unobstructed view of Lake Tazawa; the largest lake in Japan. It's deep blue waters turned silver by the mist resting between us, the Lake seemed to on the appearance of a perfectly crafted sheet of polished metal. Beside this like lied a small town which basked in the light of the sun as its razed barreled through the clouds to spotlight this small village within a sea of ancient Japanese Cedar Trees.

Gazing off along the trail I was greeted by a seen sooner found in the Scottish Highlands. Mist. Ever moving, ever swirling mist, drifting over a green so rich that even a leprechaun would have to take notice.

Stepping on rusted, iron rich soil we proceeded to a small timber path meant to keep our feet above the moist, soggy, ground surrounding the peak. Only until we turned the corner of the mountain did we realize the reason for the sudden change in the earth. A pond. A secluded, still, mirror-like pond which rested right below the summit.

Reaching the pond I was amazed by the scent. The fresh breeze racing over the surface transported every wondrous scent and placed right before me. I was momentarily held captive by the beauty of the darkening sky and the deep hues of the pond.

Moving along the wooden path further we came upon the narrow path leading to the summit. Though I eagerly yearned for the chance to see the world from its peak, I had to turn back due to the ever fading light of the evening sky.

As we decided the path to go down, Ritsuko read a warning on a rock. Stating that the following trail was difficult, Ristuko faltered and gave pause. Eager to continue forward though, we pressed ahead unaware of the challenge awaiting us.

Breaking through the thick brush we came upon a cliff. On the cliff, staked into the rock was a rope. This was our "oh damn" moment. Knowing that the light was fading and the way back to long, we decided to move on, hoping this would be the only instance. We were wrong, followed up by small rock scrambles and even more steep, roped cliffs, we proceeding along one hundred feet above a small mountain stream. With each step in time with the water as it washed over the rocks, we came to a small cliff overlooking the entire range. I can honestly say that no picture can do justice to this scene as it was not only the sight, but the smell, sound, and feelings that surrounded me as I gazed over these long dormant volcanoes.

Finding our way back to the parking lot we came across and couple camping in an RV in the parking lot. Worried for us, they decided to remain until they saw us return. With the sun just falling behind the mountains, we began our long drive back down the narrow, winding road and to an onsen for a much need rest.

My first onsen since I returned to Japan. I was pleased to say the least.

After cleansing ourselves, we returned to the tobacco filled van and proceeded home where I immediately crashed upon my bed and slept peaceful slumber brought on by a day of natural beauty.