Healing Time

I usually don’t think back on the negatives, but this past 2 months have been something else. Getting sick three times in a row with the last time being tonsillitis. And then having the school year start while sick, all while trying to get my life squared away to leave in a few months, yeah… things have been a little stressful to say the least. The fact I leave Japan in 2 ½ months still hasn’t hit me, despite knowing that this chapter in my life is coming to a close. More than anything, I think my heart has been in a state of limbo, running through the motions every week, numbing myself to the reasons why I fell in love with my little piece of the countryside in the first place. But thanks to a special friend, I’m slowly relearning to appreciate the small things in life.

This past week, I was blessed to be able to spend time with a good friend from Korea, whom now that I think about, has visited Matsuyama every year since I’ve been here. I find it amazing that she really likes this place, probably more than me, and that she loves life’s simple pleasures. From meandering the back streets of Dogo, to walking around the ruralness of Hojo, I can’t remember a time I enjoyed taking in the beauty of nature at such a calm and relaxed pace. I’ll never forget being able to talk about anything and everything while slowly pacing around and enjoying the company of a good friend, and a beautiful sunset. Actually, now I can’t stop staring at sunsets haha.

I have a new appreciation for Hojo and Matsuyama city. I’m challenging my self to walk around more and experience life at its simple best, something I really haven’t done since I first arrived here.

So to this special friend, if by chance you read this, thank you for helping to “heal” my heart when I didn’t know I needed it. I now look forward to closing out this chapter of my life and experiencing something new in a few months. I hope to follow you on your adventures, too. And one day I hope to pay back the favor.

Till next time

Hojo-Kine Grindz

I used to watch this show on Hawaii-Japanese television (KIKU TV) called “Soko ga Shiritai” (which translates to “I want to know over there”), where the cast would travel to famous and not so famous places all over the country, all while sharing interesting things about the places, people, and foods of Japan. The visiting reporters seemed like everyday people, easily relatable and shared curiosities that I had as well. I guess I can say that this show was one of the reasons why I wanted to live and experience Japan and told myself that if I ever had the chance, I would try to live the “soko ga shiritai” life.

Flash to the present and I can say that exploring my little town and getting to know the people and local restaurants has been like a dream come true. I’m a regular at a few mom and pop restaurants (who know me by name) and have become good friends with several families in my neighborhood. I love my life here and wouldn’t trade Hojo for anywhere else in Japan.

Ever since “Soko ga Shiritai,” I’ve always wanted to be a regular at a restaurant. It really is an awesome feeling when the owners recognize you and they know your order by heart. Hojo is really unique because of the small community, where the other regulars are very friendly and talkative and will start a conversation with you about anything. Okay so it might just be the alcohol that enables conversations to start, but nevertheless, I have had some fun experiences talking about how good my English is and how people thought I was a professional rugby player.

Anyway, on most nights I’m not cooking, you can find me at “お父さん” (otosan), where his legendary karaage chicken teishoku is delicious as is cheap. For 500 yen, you can get the best karaage in Hojo, which is a favorite of the locals and college students. The karaage is so amazing that it actually de-vegetarianized my partner ALT in Hojo. But it’s not just their kaaraage that makes them a favorite, all their food is downright amazing and delicious. Their menu is simple but pleasing, changing with the seasons as the local produce comes in and out of season. Many times have I been to gatherings there, and even hosted one. All my friends I introduce to there love it, and always want to go back for more. It truly is a special place and I will continue to go there until I leave.

The other place I frequent is an okonomiyaki shop, named “Cosmos.” It’s a true family business where three generations help run the small restaurant. Of all the okonomiyaki restaurants in Hojo (and there are a lot surprisingly), this one is my favorite for their portion size, deliciousness, and friendliness. There truly must be something different in the water, as Hojo culture is so friendly comparatively to the rest of Matsuyama. The owner of Cosmos, who the locals call “master”, is so kind, and is always giving me free food and alcohol. I must have tried at least 30 types of sake from all over japan thanks to Master-san, and have eaten at least 5 different dishes not on the menu. What is even more amazing is that we both LOVE tennis, and that his oldest granddaughter and my former star tennis student are now on the same high school team. Anyway, I digress.

 Hojo truly is a special place. Despite it being rural and quite out of the way, because of the culture and people, Hojo will always have a special place in my heart.

Till next time