Man, what a day! I woke up in Iwakuni, and let me tell ya, it was a rollercoaster. First off, I’m a potter, right? So, I’m all about that clay life. But today? Today was wild.
So, I’m chillin’ at my studio on Kintai Bridge Street, right? That bridge is iconic, like, you can’t miss it. I mean, it’s got those five arches, and it’s just beautiful. But I’m not here for sightseeing. I’m here to make some killer pots.
I get to my studio, and guess what? My kiln’s acting up. Ugh! I’m like, “Seriously? Today of all days?” I’m sweating bullets, thinking about all the pieces I’ve got in there. I’m pacing around, cursing under my breath. I mean, I’ve got a deadline, people!
Then, outta nowhere, my buddy Kenji shows up. He’s like, “Yo, let’s grab some lunch!” I’m like, “Dude, I can’t! My kiln’s about to blow!” But he’s persistent. So, I’m like, “Fine, but we’re going to that little ramen shop on Nishikigawa Street.” Best ramen ever, by the way.
We get there, and I’m trying to eat, but I can’t stop thinking about my kiln. I’m slurping noodles like a maniac. Kenji’s cracking jokes, and I’m just nodding, but my mind’s racing. Then, he says something that makes me laugh so hard, I almost choke on my noodles. Classic Kenji!
After lunch, I rush back to my studio. And guess what? The kiln’s fine! I mean, what the heck? I was ready to throw it out the window. I’m so relieved, I could’ve danced. But then, I realize I forgot to glaze half my pieces. Ugh!
So, I’m scrambling, trying to glaze everything before the sun sets. I’m covered in clay, looking like a hot mess. I’m laughing at myself, thinking, “This is what I get for being a potter in Iwakuni.”
Then, I hear this commotion outside. I peek out, and there’s a festival happening on the street! I’m like, “Are you kidding me?” I can’t believe I almost missed it. I grab my stuff and head out.
The streets are packed! People are dancing, eating, and just having a blast. I’m feeling the vibe, you know? I see this old lady selling these cute little pottery pieces. I’m like, “Hey, I make pots too!” She just smiles and hands me a piece. It’s a tiny cup, and I’m like, “Aww, this is adorable!”
I’m wandering around, soaking it all in. The smell of yakitori fills the air, and I’m drooling. I grab a skewer and just devour it. Best food ever! I’m thinking, “Why don’t I do this every day?”
But then, I spot a group of kids playing by the river. They’re throwing stones, laughing, and just being kids. I can’t help but smile. It reminds me of my childhood. I used to do the same thing by the Nishiki River.
As the sun sets, the sky turns this beautiful orange. I’m standing there, feeling grateful. Iwakuni is magical, man. The people, the culture, the food—everything just clicks.
Finally, I head back to my studio, exhausted but happy. I’m thinking about all the pots I’ll make tomorrow. I can’t wait to get back to it. Iwakuni, you’ve got my heart. What a day, right?