Day 7

31 December 2005

During the day we met the Kichi family. Four children, a father and mother. Father is known in the SG around here for his business experience. He’s really awesome—made us superb tomato and basil for lunch. They have three children who are studying at Sodai here in Hachioji. They seemed to be a bit out of it—maybe it was early for them. Heh. We also went to visit the Hasegawas. The Hasegawas are family friends from Yokosuka (there’s an Airbase there). They’ve supported my brothers and I for a long time—they’re kinda like godparents to us. Japan’s New Year’s tradition is the Kohaku. It’s a super-long 5-hour TV bonanza that goes from 7PM to 11h45. From 11h45, all turns very quiet on NHK. It’s actually hilarious…they have the big send-off from Kohaku and then it’s the history of New Year’s celebrations in Shinto tradition—very serene, but hella abrupt.