Man, lemme tell ya about my day in Hino. I’m a ratcatcher, right? So, I’m used to the usual chaos. But today? Whooo boy, it was a wild ride.
First off, I woke up late. Alarm didn’t go off. Classic. I scrambled outta bed, threw on my rat-catching gear—y’know, the gloves, the traps, the whole shebang. I live near the Hino River, so I could hear the water flowin’. Kinda peaceful, but not when you’re late for work.
I dashed outta my apartment on Kōen-dōri, tryna make it to the station. Hino’s streets are a maze, man. I swear, I took a wrong turn on Hino-shi and ended up at some random ramen shop. Smelled amazing, but I had no time. Ramen can wait, right?
Finally made it to the station, and guess what? Train’s delayed. Ugh! I’m standing there, fuming. I mean, c’mon, it’s not like I’m catching rats for fun. I got bills to pay!
So, I hop on the train, and it’s packed. Like, sardines in a can packed. I’m squished between this old dude and a kid with a giant backpack. The kid’s backpack? It’s like a black hole. I swear, I saw a whole pizza in there. How does that even happen?
Anyway, I finally get to my first job on Takamatsu Street. This lady calls me, says she’s got a rat problem. I knock on her door, and she opens it, looking all frantic. “They’re in my kitchen!” she yells. I’m like, “Chill, lady, I got this.”
So I go in, and wow, it’s a mess. Food everywhere. I mean, I love a good snack, but this is next level. I set up my traps, and while I’m waiting, I notice a rat just chillin’ on the counter. Like, dude, you’re not even scared? I’m here to catch you!
I finally catch a couple of ‘em, and the lady’s all relieved. She offers me some tea, but I’m like, “Nah, I’m good.” I’m not tryna get cozy with the rat lady.
Next, I head over to Hino Park. It’s a nice spot, but I’m not there for the scenery. I’m there for a call about some rats in the park. I get there, and there’s a whole group of kids playing. They see me and start yelling, “Look, it’s the rat guy!” Great, now I’m a local celebrity.
I set up my traps again, and while I’m working, one of the kids runs up to me. “Can I help?” he asks. I’m like, “Sure, kid. Just don’t touch the traps.” He’s all excited, but then he trips and falls right into a bush. I can’t help but laugh. Poor kid.
After that, I head to my last job on Hino’s main street. This guy’s got a restaurant, and he’s freaking out about rats in the kitchen. I get there, and it’s chaos. Cooks running around, food flying everywhere. I’m just trying to do my job, but it’s like a scene from a movie.
I set my traps, and while I’m waiting, I overhear the cooks arguing about some dish. One’s like, “It’s not supposed to be spicy!” and the other’s like, “Well, it is now!” I’m just standing there, thinking, “Dude, focus on the rats!”
Finally, I catch a couple more, and the restaurant owner is all grateful. He offers me a free meal, and I’m like, “Okay, now we’re talking!” I scarf down some of the best sushi I’ve ever had. Hino’s got some good eats, man.
By the end of the day, I’m exhausted. I head back home, thinking about all the craziness. Hino’s a wild place, but it’s my wild place. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
So yeah, that was my day. Just another day in the life of a ratcatcher in Hino. Crazy, right?