Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being an auctioneer in Takizawa is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
First off, I’m hustling down the streets of Takizawa, and lemme tell ya, these streets are a maze. I mean, I’m dodging cars on Kōen-dōri like I’m in some kinda video game. I almost got hit by a bike. Seriously, dude was flying! I’m like, “Hey, I’m not ready to meet my maker yet!”
So, I finally get to the auction house, and it’s packed. I mean, people everywhere. Old folks, young bucks, even a couple of kids running around. I’m thinking, “Great, just what I need—more distractions.” But then, I see this old lady, Mrs. Tanaka. She’s like a legend around here. Always has the best stuff. She’s got this glint in her eye, and I’m like, “What’s she up to?”
Turns out, she’s got this ancient vase. I mean, ancient. Like, “I was made before your grandma was born” kinda ancient. I’m pumped! I start the bidding, and it’s going wild. People are throwing their hands up like they’re at a rock concert. I’m yelling, “Do I hear 10,000 yen?” and the crowd’s going nuts.
But then, outta nowhere, this dude in the back starts shouting. I can’t even see him, but he’s loud. “I’ll give you 15,000!” I’m like, “Who even are you, bro?” Turns out, it’s some rich guy from Sendai. He’s got money to burn. I’m thinking, “Great, just what I need—competition.”
So, I’m trying to keep my cool, but inside, I’m like a pressure cooker. I’m sweating bullets. I mean, it’s Takizawa, not the Sahara! I’m trying to keep the vibe up, cracking jokes, but my brain’s like, “Focus, man!”
Finally, the vase goes for 25,000 yen! I’m pumped! But then, the rich guy storms out. I’m like, “Dude, chill! It’s just a vase!” But he’s fuming. I swear, I thought he was gonna throw a fit.
After that, I need a breather. I step outside, and it’s a whole different world. The cherry blossoms on Takizawa’s streets are in full bloom. I mean, it’s like a postcard. I take a deep breath, and for a sec, I forget about the chaos. But then, I hear this commotion.
Some kids are playing soccer on the street, and one of ‘em kicks the ball right into a food stall. The guy running it, Mr. Sato, is not happy. He’s yelling, “Watch where you kick that thing!” I’m cracking up. Kids are running, and I’m just standing there, laughing like a maniac.
Then, I head back inside, and it’s time for the next item. A vintage guitar. I’m thinking, “This is gonna be easy.” But nope! The same rich guy is back, and he’s got his eyes on it. I’m like, “Not again!”
Bidding starts, and it’s intense. I’m sweating again. I’m trying to keep it light, but my heart’s racing. Finally, it goes for 30,000 yen! I’m ecstatic! But the rich guy looks like he’s about to explode. I’m half-expecting him to throw a tantrum.
After the auction, I’m wiped out. I grab some ramen from a little shop on Takizawa’s main street. Best decision ever. I’m slurping away, and I can’t help but think about the day. It was a rollercoaster, for sure.
So, I’m walking home, and I see the sunset over the mountains. Takizawa is beautiful, man. I’m feeling grateful, even after the craziness. I think to myself, “Tomorrow’s another day.”
And who knows? Maybe I’ll find another ancient vase. Or maybe I’ll just dodge more bikes. Either way, I’m ready for it!