Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a shearer in Fukushima is a wild ride. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s barely up, and I’m already feelin’ the buzz. I grab my gear and head out. The streets of Fukushima are alive, man! I’m talkin’ about the smell of fresh sushi from the corner shop on Kōriyama Street. Like, who needs coffee when you got that?
So, I’m walkin’ down the street, and I see this old dude, right? He’s tryin’ to sell some weird-looking fish. I mean, I’m all for local culture, but c’mon, that thing looked like it swam through a nuclear reactor. I’m like, “Nah, man, I’ll pass.” But he just laughs, like he knows something I don’t. Maybe he does.
Anyway, I finally get to the shearing site. It’s a bit of a trek, but the view of the mountains is sick. I mean, you can see the peaks of the Abukuma Mountains in the distance. Gorgeous, right? But then, bam! I trip over a rock. Classic me. I’m like, “Great, just what I needed.”
So, I start shearing, and let me tell ya, it’s not just about the sheep. It’s like a whole vibe. The wool flies everywhere, and I’m sweatin’ like a sinner in church. But then, outta nowhere, this kid runs up to me. He’s got this huge smile, and he’s like, “Mister, can I help?” I’m thinkin’, “Sure, kid, but you ever sheared a sheep?” He just nods, all serious. I’m like, “Alright, let’s see what ya got.”
Turns out, he’s a natural! We’re laughin’, and I’m showin’ him the ropes. It’s moments like these that make the grind worth it. But then, just as we’re gettin’ into it, the sky goes dark. I’m like, “What the heck?” And then, boom! A freakin’ downpour. I mean, it’s like the heavens opened up just to mess with us.
We scramble for cover, and I’m soaked. I’m standin’ there, shiverin’, and I can’t help but laugh. Like, really? This is how my day’s gonna go? But then, I see the kid again, and he’s just gigglin’ away. Kids, man. They find joy in the weirdest stuff.
After the rain, the sun comes out, and everything’s all shiny and new. I’m feelin’ good again. We finish up the shearing, and I’m covered in wool. I look like a sheep myself! I head back to the city, and I’m cruisin’ down the streets, feelin’ like a champ.
I stop by a little izakaya on Shintō Street. Best place ever! I order some sake and grilled fish. The owner, this sweet old lady, gives me a wink. She knows I’ve had a day. I’m chattin’ with her, and she tells me about the local festivals. I’m like, “I gotta check that out!”
But then, I overhear some folks talkin’ about the nuclear plant. It’s a touchy subject, ya know? Fukushima’s been through a lot. I can feel the tension in the air. It’s like, we’re tryin’ to move on, but the past is always lurkin’. Makes me mad, honestly.
So, I finish my meal, and I’m walkin’ home, thinkin’ about the day. It was a rollercoaster, for sure. From the fish guy to the kid helpin’ me shear, to the rainstorm and the izakaya. I’m grateful, though. This city, with all its quirks and history, it’s got a vibe that sticks with ya.
I get home, plop on the couch, and just laugh. What a day, right? I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Fukushima, you crazy, beautiful place. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!