Thanks, Ben. I'm happy you liked The Window Person. I knew of a real one in Japan: He was a mid-level manager, closing in on retirement, and read magazines all day long. Nobody cared, or if they cared, they didn't say anything to him.
Retirement is a breeze. Per-retirement...not so much. I'm in a good place now. (I'm just waiting for the wife's vacation to end so I can get back to my normal routine!)
This is wonderful! I can understand that it's a huge change, I had a cultural shock when I went to Tokyo even though I was learning Japanese tea ceremony for several years already and I knew fairly much about the culture. It felt like nothing prepared me for the reality of it. It will be better next time.
I see a volcano outside my bedroom window -- so amazing and different from seeing the apartment building across the street in New York City, where I grew up or the neighbor's lawn in Washington, DC, where I lived before moving to Japan.
I like Japanese culture. It's quieter here than in the US, more respectful, and traditions are more meaningful.
**searches indeed for madogiwazoku in Los Angeles
Finds nothing 😔
Move to Japan. ;-) It's a good company position...if it's available.
Man, what a story. You and Starlin, Starlin and you. Knocking the rocks into outer space.
Thank you, Johnny. Your words make me smile.
Aren’t we all window persons? Excellent read, Bill!
There's a little window person in all of us. Or a lot of window person.
I'm glad you enjoyed the story, Alexander.
Anyone who can deflect asteroids with magic paper cranes deserves the window job. 👏
My feeling exactly.
Oh dude, that was so good. I'd never heard of a "window person" before, but making an origami crane to...? No, I won't spoil it. Brilliant!
Thanks, Ben. I'm happy you liked The Window Person. I knew of a real one in Japan: He was a mid-level manager, closing in on retirement, and read magazines all day long. Nobody cared, or if they cared, they didn't say anything to him.
Sounds like a great pre-retirement job. I had a different sort of pre- re job. I was on Workers' Comp for a year, and just retired this January.
Not working can be a delightful place to be. I hope you're enjoying your retirement.
Retirement is a breeze. Per-retirement...not so much. I'm in a good place now. (I'm just waiting for the wife's vacation to end so I can get back to my normal routine!)
The triumph of the imagination.
Just so! We often don't know how powerful our small gestures can be.
I agree 100 percent.
Thank you, David!
What a curious and fascinating story this week. I had no idea about the window person.
Thanks, Ben. I had fun writing The Window Person. The idea of a story about this had been percolating in my head for a long time.
Thanks for the story.
Do you know how companies justify a window person on a payroll to shareholder/investors?
You're welcome.
I've wondered that, too. I think that older companies just let that person ride because of tradition.
You made Rod Serling proud.
Thank you, Denise. That's the highest compliment. I love the Twilight Zone.
Seriously as I was reading it, I was “seeing” a B&W TZ show in my mind.
Loved this 😊
Thank you. I'm happy you enjoyed this little tale.
Thanks so much for this. Loved the ending. Just brilliant! I’m off to read more! Cheers!
Thanks, Brenda and you're welcome. I'm happy you enjoyed The Window Person.
I loved this story. That's all.
Thank you very much, Miriam.
It looks like the window person had a great skill. Loved the story.
The window person is my kind of superhero.
I'm glad you enjoyed The Window Person, Claudia.
I did and also learned that something like a window person exists. It’s so interesting! How long have you been living in Japan?
Japan often surprises me, and learning about window people was one of those surprises.
I've been living here for about eight years. Japan is a huge change from the US.
This is wonderful! I can understand that it's a huge change, I had a cultural shock when I went to Tokyo even though I was learning Japanese tea ceremony for several years already and I knew fairly much about the culture. It felt like nothing prepared me for the reality of it. It will be better next time.
I see a volcano outside my bedroom window -- so amazing and different from seeing the apartment building across the street in New York City, where I grew up or the neighbor's lawn in Washington, DC, where I lived before moving to Japan.
I like Japanese culture. It's quieter here than in the US, more respectful, and traditions are more meaningful.
It’s a beautiful way of living. I’m hoping to learn more about Japan through your newsletter. Especially how you experience it as an expat.
That last paragraph just took my breath away! Such a beautiful metaphor.
Thank you, Sharron. Hearing that makes me smile.
A paper crane ... how amazing!!
Paper cranes can be magical.
I'd love this gig - getting paid for reading! Great story!
It's not a bad job at all. ;-)
I'm glad you enjoyed The Window Person.