Excellent … gentle learning to teach us to be better visitors when we come to Japan, and a fabulous insight to the character of Hachiro Sasaki and the life of a ramen restaurateur. Lovely to have your quality writing in my ‘in box’. Fabulous work, Bill.
This is too funny because I just saw my granddaughter’s Christmas list and one of those is on it. Then I see a headline in today's morning Brew about one. Now your story. Weird, right? Or a resurgence?
A game with an evil spell, clever. Your stories just roll along and then wham and everything changes. I found it interesting that ramen preparation is considered an art in Japan. I worked with a Japanese friend one summer during college. He took me to his apartment one day and prepared a ramen with cabbage. It was simple but delicious. He reused everything. Nothing was ever wasted.
I actually learned about ramen before moving to Japan through the movie Ramen Girl, which is a delightful film that takes place in Japan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8UjJLwluTs
This beautiful piece reminded me of "Tofu, Thank You" on Medium. The way it weaves an older Japanese man's traditional upbringing and values into an encounter with a gaijin, except Tofu tells it from both perspectives.
I came upon the expression researching Tofu for that story. I think I googled "sayings about tofu" (in Japanese)
I'll check out Ramen Girl.
My story on the subject is How to Eat Ramen, which you may have read. Like almost all my stuff, both of those food stories are based on personal experience.
Also spent a few formative years in NYC. Cultural shock can happen anywhere, any time!
A cautionary tale:
One day, my commuting mom finished her daily ritual (of putting on her warpaint on the LIRR) and was shocked by a fellow traveler who opened his briefcase, pulled out a badger brush, a cup and shaving cream. With great flourish he set a mirror upon the case, swirled the foam onto his face and began shaving. When he finished, wiping the edges of his neck, chin and ears with a cloth, the train car erupted in thunderous applause.
He stood and bowed to her first, then waved to the other passengers.
My mom was a wild woman, an editor of 3 newspapers in NYC and Long Island. Dad was an editor for Time. It was the early 70's, so i read & heard some crazy tales.
I love a good short story, so thank you. And the kitties. 😸
Sometimes lessons need to be experienced, because sometimes people just won't listen.
Sadly, that's true. Fortunately, there's magic to fix those people.
That was very Japanese 🍙. Very much enjoyed it. (＾ 〰 ＾)
Thank you Sara. The ramen restaurant is real (though I changed the name.) The rest of the story, I hope, is not real.
I wished Hachiro Sasaki was a real character. He would've been an interesting Boss then. ;)
It should be named Tama-gotcha! 🤣 Thanks for the warning.
I think you're right!
Excellent … gentle learning to teach us to be better visitors when we come to Japan, and a fabulous insight to the character of Hachiro Sasaki and the life of a ramen restaurateur. Lovely to have your quality writing in my ‘in box’. Fabulous work, Bill.
Thank you so very much Barrie. I'm smiling.
So pleased to hear that, Bill.
"The American did not stop singing. Worse, he sounded like a rusty door hinge."
Oh, those ugly Americans....
I never sing while I'm out of the US. It's hard not to in the elevator, but I've trained myself now. :)
A Japanese fairy tale… I love it.
Thank you, Martine.
This is too funny because I just saw my granddaughter’s Christmas list and one of those is on it. Then I see a headline in today's morning Brew about one. Now your story. Weird, right? Or a resurgence?
Thank you, Kim. I had a Tamagotchi once. They're fun, as long as they're not infused with magic.
That is a strange coincidence.
A game with an evil spell, clever. Your stories just roll along and then wham and everything changes. I found it interesting that ramen preparation is considered an art in Japan. I worked with a Japanese friend one summer during college. He took me to his apartment one day and prepared a ramen with cabbage. It was simple but delicious. He reused everything. Nothing was ever wasted.
Thanks K.C. I'm happy you enjoyed this.
I actually learned about ramen before moving to Japan through the movie Ramen Girl, which is a delightful film that takes place in Japan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8UjJLwluTs
Thanks for the link, Bill.
Clever!
Thank you, Mark.
Wonderful story! The American is learning responsibility and Zawa Ramen is quiet once more.
The world is in balance once again.
There are so many things I love about this. As a total weeb and a great love for Japan. I love this.
As a kid who loved tamagotchis, I love this.
That damn typical annoying American in Japan. Very accurate lmao.
Annnnd the lesson being taught here. Love it.
Last but not least. I always love your twists
Thank you, Kathy. I’m glad you enjoyed this twisty tale of Japan.
I wish that was real now to use on annoying tourists hahaha
Right? I want magic.
Wow! What a story. I could not think of a more perfect ending, Bill. Nothing like a little poetic justice!
Thank you very much, Sharron.
Ouch, I had one of them, they were more demanding than real pets!
I had one, too. I have a cat now; the cat is easier to take care of.
This beautiful piece reminded me of "Tofu, Thank You" on Medium. The way it weaves an older Japanese man's traditional upbringing and values into an encounter with a gaijin, except Tofu tells it from both perspectives.
Thank you. I just read "Tofu, Thank You,” a wonderful story.
I had never heard the expression, Don’t let tofu travel – 豆腐に旅はさせるな.
One of my favorite movies about food traditions in Japan is Ramen Girl.
I came upon the expression researching Tofu for that story. I think I googled "sayings about tofu" (in Japanese)
I'll check out Ramen Girl.
My story on the subject is How to Eat Ramen, which you may have read. Like almost all my stuff, both of those food stories are based on personal experience.
Nice one, sir!
Maybe your "ugly" gaijin's karma would be gentled if he were a Mets fan ;)
Thank you!
I grew up in New York City and am and will always be a Mets fan.
Also spent a few formative years in NYC. Cultural shock can happen anywhere, any time!
A cautionary tale:
One day, my commuting mom finished her daily ritual (of putting on her warpaint on the LIRR) and was shocked by a fellow traveler who opened his briefcase, pulled out a badger brush, a cup and shaving cream. With great flourish he set a mirror upon the case, swirled the foam onto his face and began shaving. When he finished, wiping the edges of his neck, chin and ears with a cloth, the train car erupted in thunderous applause.
He stood and bowed to her first, then waved to the other passengers.
Grooming in public is never pretty.
That’s a wild story.
My mom was a wild woman, an editor of 3 newspapers in NYC and Long Island. Dad was an editor for Time. It was the early 70's, so i read & heard some crazy tales.
I love a good short story, so thank you. And the kitties. 😸
A bit like Dorian Grey’s painting
Thank you. I think so, too.