Man, what a day! Seriously, I’m still reeling from it. So, I’m a watchmaker, right? Yawata, Japan, is my turf. It’s a small city, but it’s got its quirks. Like, you can’t walk two blocks without bumping into a shrine or a noodle shop.
So, I wake up, and it’s raining. Great start, huh? I’m like, “Ugh, not today!” But I gotta get to my shop on Kameoka Street. I swear, the rain makes everything feel like a sad movie. I grab my umbrella, which is basically a sad excuse for one. It’s got holes, and I’m pretty sure it’s older than me.
I get to the shop, and guess what? My first customer is this old dude. He’s got a watch that looks like it’s been through a war. I mean, c’mon! It’s a miracle it still ticks. He’s all like, “Can you fix this?” I’m thinking, “Dude, I’m a watchmaker, not a magician!” But I smile and say, “Sure, let’s see what we can do.”
While I’m working on it, I hear this loud commotion outside. I peek out, and there’s a bunch of kids playing soccer in the rain. Like, seriously? Who plays soccer in a downpour? But they’re having the time of their lives. I can’t help but smile. Kids are wild, man.
Then, outta nowhere, my buddy Kenji shows up. He’s got this huge grin, and I’m like, “What’s up?” He tells me about this new ramen place on Takeda Street. I’m like, “Ramen? Count me in!” But first, I gotta finish this old dude’s watch.
Finally, I fix the watch, and the old guy is stoked. He’s like, “You’re a genius!” I’m blushing, but inside, I’m like, “Nah, just a dude with tools.” He pays me, and I’m feeling good.
So, I lock up the shop and head to that ramen place. It’s called “Noodle Nirvana” or something cheesy like that. The smell hits me like a freight train. I order the spicy miso ramen. I’m drooling just thinking about it.
While I’m slurping away, I overhear this couple arguing. They’re sitting right next to me, and it’s getting heated. I’m trying to enjoy my ramen, but they’re like a soap opera. The guy’s all, “You never listen!” and the girl’s like, “Well, you never talk!” I’m just here, trying not to laugh.
After I finish, I step outside, and the rain’s stopped. The streets of Yawata are glistening. I walk down to the Yawata River, and it’s beautiful. The cherry blossoms are starting to bloom, and I’m like, “Wow, this place is kinda magical.”
But then, I see this guy trying to fish. He’s got a tiny rod and looks super serious. I’m thinking, “Dude, you’re not catching anything here!” But he’s all focused, and I can’t help but admire his dedication.
As I’m walking back, I pass by the Yawata City Hall. It’s this big, old building, and I remember when I had to go there for some paperwork. What a nightmare! I swear, I aged ten years in that place.
Finally, I get home, and I’m exhausted. I flop onto my couch, and my cat, Mochi, jumps on me. She’s purring, and I’m like, “You’re the best, Mochi.” I think about my day—how it was a rollercoaster of emotions.
From fixing that watch to the ramen and the couple’s drama, it was wild. Yawata, you never cease to surprise me. I love this city, even when it drives me nuts. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!