Man, what a day! Seriously, I’m still reeling from it. So, I wake up in my tiny workshop on Kōen-dōri, right? The sun’s barely up, and I’m already knee-deep in wood shavings. You know, the usual violin maker grind. But today? Oh boy, today was a whole different ball game.
First off, I’m working on this gorgeous maple back for a violin. I’m talking about the kind of wood that makes you wanna weep. But then, BAM! My neighbor, old Mr. Tanaka, decides it’s the perfect time to blast his karaoke. Like, dude, it’s 8 AM! I can’t even hear my own thoughts, let alone the sweet sound of my chisels. I swear, if I hear “My Heart Will Go On” one more time, I might just lose it.
So, I grab my tools and head out to grab some coffee at that little joint on Shōwa-dōri. You know the one? The one with the weird cat statue out front? Yeah, that place. I’m standing in line, half-asleep, when this lady in front of me drops her purse. And guess what? It spills everywhere! Coins, lip gloss, and a whole sandwich. I’m like, “Lady, you’re gonna need a bigger bag!” But she just laughs it off. I mean, who laughs at a sandwich disaster? Only in Taishi, right?
Finally, I get my coffee—thank the heavens! I take a sip, and it’s like liquid gold. But then, I step outside, and it’s pouring! Like, seriously, it’s like the sky just opened up. I’m dodging puddles on Kōen-dōri, trying to keep my precious coffee safe. I’m thinking, “Great, just what I needed. A coffee swim!”
So, I’m soaked, but I push on. I head to the Taishi Cultural Center. They’re having this exhibition on traditional crafts. I’m all about that life, so I’m pumped. I walk in, and it’s packed! I mean, who knew Taishi had so many craft nerds? I’m checking out some pottery when I bump into my buddy Hiro. He’s like, “Dude, you gotta see this!” And he drags me over to this insane display of kintsugi. You know, the art of repairing pottery with gold? It’s beautiful, man. I’m standing there, just staring, and I’m like, “This is life, man. Broken but beautiful.”
But then, outta nowhere, this kid runs by and knocks over a whole display. I’m talking about a cascade of pottery flying everywhere! I’m like, “Nooooo!” But the kid just giggles and runs off. I’m standing there, trying to help clean up, and the curator is giving me the death stare. I’m like, “Hey, I didn’t break it!” But she’s not having it. I’m thinking, “Great, now I’m the clumsy violin maker.”
After that chaos, I decide to take a breather. I stroll down to the Taishi River. It’s so peaceful there, you know? I sit on a bench, watching the water flow. I’m thinking about life, my violins, and how I’m gonna pay rent this month. Then, I see this old couple feeding ducks. They’re so cute! I’m like, “Man, I want that kind of love.” But then, one of the ducks gets a little too aggressive, and the lady screams! I’m cracking up. Only in Taishi, right?
As the sun starts to set, I head back to my workshop. I’m exhausted but happy. I sit down with my violin, and it’s like magic. The wood feels alive in my hands. I start playing, and it’s like all the craziness of the day melts away. I’m lost in the music, and for a moment, nothing else matters.
So yeah, that was my day in Taishi. Full of ups and downs, laughter and chaos. Just another day in the life of a violin maker, I guess. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!