Visiting Takako

origamiunicorn ♦ July 26, 2018 ♦ Leave a comment

Takako was kind enough to invite me over to her house. She told me she wanted to cook for me. Her daughter, Kanako, who lives in Tokyo and rarely visits, came to meet me at the train station with her boyfriend. We walked together to her parents’ house. We spoke in Japanese the whole walk and had a lovely conversation. It felt almost natural!

I explained to Kanako that my friendship with her mother started as a language exchange over Skype once a week. She was surprised that her mother could speak English. Kanako was also surprised to find out that her mother had met me at the art museum. Her surprised reaction was very sweet and explained a lot about their relationship.

At Takako’s house we sat down at the table to eat and continue the conversation. The first course was “potato gratin” which was like a vegetarian shepherd’s pie topped with cheesy mashed potatoes. I didn’t realize it was just the first course and it was so delicious, I ate a large piece. After the gratin, we had vegetarian sushi rolls with omelet and Inari sushi. Takako complimented me on my use of soy sauce saying that I used just the right amount (thank you Anthony Bourdain!). After that came miso soup, then coffee and fudge brownies with whipped cream. Then a small cup of matcha tea.

We talked about martial arts, places we’ve visited, places we’d like to visit, pets, food, drinking stories, tattoos, sports, surfing, family and work. Most of the conversation was in Japanese but Takako or Kanako helped me with some translations when things went too fast for me to follow. Kanako’s boyfriend practiced some English with me. Takako’s husband, who I gather is usually very quiet and withdrawn, joined the conversation at times, smiling and joking. The afternoon flew by. Kanako and her boyfriend left with Tupperware full of leftovers and shortly after Takako walked me to the train station.

I paid more attention to the neighborhood on the walk back. Lots of hilly winding narrow streets, small houses and apartments, and tiny gardens. Very few people were out walking and I saw only a handful of cars. The sound of cicadas was the only real noise until we go to the small town area and the train station. Saying goodbye felt sad after such a delightful afternoon. I’m so thankful for Takako’s friendship and invitation. It was a great way to end the Yokohama part of my trip.