Man, today was a wild ride in Tokoname. Like, seriously, I thought I was just gonna chill, maybe grab some sushi, but nah, life had other plans.
So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be a good day.” I’m a potter, you know? Dangerous stuff, clay flying everywhere. But I love it. Tokoname’s famous for its pottery, so I’m in the right place. I live near the old pottery street, Yaki-cho. It’s got this vibe, man. Old school, but alive.
I head out to the studio, and boom! I trip over a stray cat. Like, seriously? I’m just trying to get to work! This little furball just looks at me like, “What’s your problem, dude?” I laugh it off, but I’m already late.
So, I’m hustling down the narrow streets, dodging tourists. They’re everywhere! I mean, Tokoname’s got this cool mix of old and new. You got the ancient kilns, and then there’s the new cafes popping up. I pass by the Tokoname City Hall, and it’s all modern and shiny. Makes me feel like I’m in some sci-fi movie.
Finally, I get to my studio, and it’s chaos. Clay everywhere, tools scattered like a tornado hit. My buddy Kenji’s there, looking frazzled. “Dude, we gotta finish these pots for the festival!” he yells. I’m like, “Chill, man! We got this.” But inside, I’m freaking out. The Tokoname Pottery Festival is tomorrow, and we’re behind.
We start working, and I’m throwing clay like a madman. It’s therapeutic, you know? But then, outta nowhere, the power goes out. I’m standing there, hands covered in mud, and I’m like, “Are you kidding me?” Kenji’s cursing up a storm. I mean, come on!
So, we grab some flashlights and keep going. It’s kinda funny, working in the dark, but also super stressful. I’m sweating bullets, thinking about all the tourists who’ll be disappointed if we don’t have our stuff ready.
After what feels like forever, the lights flicker back on. Thank you, Tokoname gods! We finish up just in time. I’m feeling pumped, like we actually pulled it off.
But then, I step outside, and it’s pouring rain. Like, seriously? I just wanna celebrate! I run to the nearest izakaya on Nishikiyama Street. I’m soaked, but I don’t care. I order a cold beer and some yakitori. The food here is bomb, man.
As I’m munching, I overhear some tourists talking about the Tokoname Ceramic Museum. They’re raving about the exhibits. I’m like, “Yeah, you guys should check it out!” It’s cool to see people appreciating the art.
But then, I see this guy outside, looking lost. He’s holding a map upside down. I can’t help it; I start laughing. I mean, come on! I go out and help him. Turns out, he’s from Canada. We chat about pottery, and he’s super into it. Makes me feel good, you know?
After a while, I head back to my place, exhausted but happy. I think about how Tokoname’s got this energy. It’s chaotic, but it’s home. I love the streets, the people, the art.
So yeah, today was a rollercoaster. From tripping over cats to almost losing my mind in the studio, it was intense. But that’s life, right? Just gotta roll with it. Tokoname, you crazy, but I wouldn’t trade you for anything.