Life Sentence

 

 

When I was in my forties, a friend of mine who had been nice to me in our twenties passed away. I was shocked I had lost a friend who was the same age.

I planned a farewell party with the people who were my good friends twenty years ago, but I found it difficult to gather all those old friends. Basically, our forties were busy. Furthermore, some people insisted on this idea: “If he comes, I can’t participate.” I don’t know what their problem was, but it was almost twenty years ago!

I told this story to an old lady who was eighty years old. I expected a mature adult laugh at the story, but she answered seriously, “The same things are happening among us.”

The problems that arise in a person’s twenties could be a lifetime sentence. I myself also have some old acquaintances I don’t want to meet, though we were good friends in our twenties.

Our twenties can be the most difficult time in our life.

Picture by KEN-KEN

Proofreading by ProofreadingServices.com

Superstar

 

 

A few years ago, I passed out at home. My wife called an ambulance, and I was admitted to a hospital. I was in the intensive care unit. I was completely unconscious for a week. Sometime the next week, I regained consciousness. I had a narrow escape.

The doctors and nurses had called me. I had heard them calling my name in my dim consciousness. People really paid attention to me. When I was young, I had been a part-time actor and a part-time teacher. I had never been given attention by audiences and students like that. It was as if I was a superstar.

I gradually recovered. I became able to sit up; I became able to stand up. Everyone cheered me on. But when I recovered and I could walk around, I felt kind of lonesome. No one cheered me on. No one paid attention to me anymore. I was not a superstar anymore.

When I was a child, I wanted to become a superstar. At least, I can think my dream came true in a way. Even real superstars are treated as superstars for only a short period. A superstar might feel as lonesome as I did when they are no longer a superstar.

Dear friends, be healthy. Don’t become a superstar like me.

Picture by DrawShop

Proofreading by ProofreadingServices.com

 

Full Metal Condor Heroes

 

 In 2017, I met a student from Hong Kong at a theatrical event.

 There was a magical topic whenever we talked with Chinese people: the novelist Jing Yong. His masterpiece The Legend of the Condor Heroes was very popular. There are many films based on it. It is said that all Chinese people know about it. I have read the Japanese version and watched the films.

I assumed I could talk to her about it, but she said, “Oh! I have heard the title. But I haven’t read the book and haven’t seen the films.”

I was shocked.

She said, “My favorite product is Japanese Full Metal Alchemist. Let’s talk about it.”

I was even more shocked. I have actually heard the title, but I haven’t read the comics and haven’t seen the animations. I assumed that it might be for younger generations.

 Then I read the comics. It was very interesting. A masterpiece is attractive for any generation.

 When I was a student, my professor told me, “If you want to work for an international project, first of all, you need to know your own country.”

 He was right.

 I will study new Japanese manga, games, and animations for international projects.

 It will be fun!

Picture by drawlab19

Proofreading by ProofreadingServices.com