Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a butcher in Minami-Soma is like a rollercoaster ride. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s barely up, and I’m already thinkin’ about the fresh cuts I gotta prep. I live near the coast, so I can smell the ocean. It’s kinda nice, but also makes me hungry.
First thing, I hit up the local market on Nakadori Street. You know, the one with all the fresh veggies and fish? I’m there, grabbin’ some radishes and a couple of those big, juicy tomatoes. I swear, they’re like the size of my fist! Anyway, I’m chattin’ with the old lady who runs the stand. She’s always got some gossip. “Did ya hear about the new sushi place?” she says. I’m like, “Lady, I’m a butcher, not a sushi chef!” But I laugh it off.
So, I get back to the shop, right? It’s a small place, but it’s mine. I got my knives all lined up, lookin’ sharp as ever. I’m feelin’ good. Then, bam! My buddy Kenji bursts in. He’s all outta breath, like he just ran a marathon. “Dude, you won’t believe it!” he yells. Turns out, there’s a festival at the Minami-Soma Shrine today. I’m like, “What? Why didn’t I know?”
Now, I’m torn. I got customers waitin’, but a festival? C’mon! So, I hustle through my orders. I’m slicin’ and dicing like a madman. I even cut my finger a bit. Ouch! But whatever, I slap a band-aid on it and keep goin’.
Finally, I finish up. I lock the shop and race over to the shrine. The streets are packed! I’m talkin’ about people everywhere. Kids runnin’ around, parents tryin’ to keep up. I spot the food stalls. Oh man, the smell of yakitori hits me like a freight train. I’m droolin’ just thinkin’ about it.
I grab a stick and it’s like heaven in my mouth. I’m munchin’ away, and then I see this old dude playin’ the shamisen. He’s got this wild look in his eyes, and I can’t help but laugh. I mean, who plays shamisen at a food stall? But hey, it’s Minami-Soma, anything goes, right?
Then, outta nowhere, it starts to rain. Like, seriously? I’m thinkin’, “Great, just great.” But the crowd doesn’t budge. They’re all huddled under tents, still eatin’ and laughin’. I love this town! We’re tough, man.
But then, I see a kid drop his ice cream. My heart sinks. I mean, c’mon! That’s the worst! But then, his mom buys him another one. I’m like, “Phew, crisis averted.”
As the rain lightens up, I spot a group of folks doin’ a traditional dance. I can’t help but join in. I’m a butcher, not a dancer, but who cares? We’re all just havin’ a blast. I’m twirlin’ and laughin’, and for a moment, I forget about the shop, the cuts, everything.
But then, my phone buzzes. It’s my boss. “Where are you?” he texts. I’m like, “Uh-oh.” I gotta get back. So, I say my goodbyes and head back to the shop.
When I get there, it’s a mess. I mean, I left for like an hour! Meat everywhere, customers grumblin’. I’m like, “Sorry, folks! Just had to dance!” They laugh, and I’m relieved.
By the end of the day, I’m exhausted but happy. Minami-Soma, man. It’s wild, it’s beautiful, and it’s home. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Just another crazy day in the life of a butcher.