[Sangetsu]

The story of Hachiko (as told to me by by girlfriend). Hachi was owned by a man who used to take the train to work at Shibuya station every day. Hachi would meet his owner at the station every day at the same time, and then walk home with him. One day Hachi's owner died at work, and never returned. But Hachi still came to the station every day at the same time, for several years afterward. People were impressed with Hachi's loyalty, and more or less fed him and took care of him. When Hachi died, a statue was put up in his honor. The place where the statue sits is called Hachiko, and it is a popular meeting place for Japanese because everyone knows where it is.

I first became interested in Japan while in elementary school. My third grade teacher used to spend her summers in Japan, and she always brought back interesting souvenirs with her, including short films. For some reason I found all of these things very fascinating.

When I was in high school I began studying Kendo. My main interest in Japan at the time was mainly martial arts and history. I read whatever books I could find in my library about such things, and I would memorize every detail.

But real life can't be ignored, and my interest wained. I had school, work, and a social life, no extra time for dreaming about far off places that I couldn't afford to visit.

My martial arts study was interesting, and culturally educative, but in my early 20's I enlisted in the Army. Traditional martial arts study turned into a genuine martial life. The outlook I developed in Kendo changed as I learned how to use much more dangerous weapons, and learned how simple martial arts tactics were expanded into large scale tactics and strategy in real life.

After leaving the Army I went to work in an office. The pay was good, and I enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle. I lived in a nice home, and I bought a new car every 2 years. But I didn't like my job, or where I lived, and I found myself regretting some of my life's decisions up to that point.

About 3 years ago I had an opportunity to visit Japan. A friend of mine had recently transferred there on business, and I was invited to come over for a week. Rather than take some time to think about it, I simply went online and booked the trip. I didn't even have a passport yet, so it was very much an impulsive decision.

The flight from the East Coast of the US was verrry long and boring, and I arrived at Narita airport very sleepy and tired. I found that the airport offered shower facilities, so the first thing I bought in Japan was a shower for 500 yen.

My friend arrived shortly afterward, and we took the express train to Tokyo. I enjoyed the view of the scenery from the train. The area around Narita was farmland and rolling hills, and these eventually gave way to suburbs, and then city. It was while riding the train at that moment that I first began to consider what it would be like to live in Japan.

It was night by the time the train arrived at Tokyo Station, and the lights were dazzling. The train station was as packed as one could imagine it being on a early Friday evening. My friend and I found our way through the crowds to another train platform, where we would take the train which stopped near my hotel.

I didn't mind the crowded station or crowded train. I enjoyed every sight and sound. I paid attention to every thing I saw, the stores, shops, restaurants, and street vendors. I felt a little overwhelmed by the time I arrived at my hotel.

I spent the next week as most tourists do, enjoying the sights and shopping for souvenirs. My friend was impressed by my ability to eat any type of Japanese food without flinching (some items are best tasted and not discussed).

3 years later I find myself living in Japan and enjoying it.