To a certain special Japanese cuisine:

I tried. I really tried.

I knew you were coming. I heard whispers of your name in the hallways. You were to make yourself known in the daytime, in all of your glory.

I recognized your fragrance when I entered the room. You sat apart from the crowd in your own little box. From the faces of others in the room, I could already tell you were having an effect, as would be expected from a name of this caliber.

As you made your way towards me, I was filled with an anxious optimism. I knew that within the confines of your white wrappings, you held the prestige and culture of an entire nation - distinction that can only come with time.

As the appropriate niceities were spoken, I slowly unravelled that which was inside the box. And there you laid, naked before me, and I trembled as two of my senses were arrested by your form and aroma. Hesistating ever so slightly, I allowed two more senses to fall to you as I delved into your container and stole part of your substance. With a sensation that only you can bestow, I was innervated in a way that I had only experienced once before.

But alas, I quickly grew less fond of you as you lingered within me. You became caustic and bitter. I tried to recitfy your nature by modifying your appearance with spices, dressings, and grains, but that, too, was a fruitless effort. There were no means possible to conceal your fierce, acute personality. And although I am now through with our initial encounter, I know other parts of me still are burdened with finishing this affair.

And so, I must apologize to you, natto, for leading you to believe that we might have had a meaningful relationship. My once hopeful optimism has turned into the realization that I cannot allow you to exist inside of me again. I was naive.

So farewell, natto! Know that I will think earnestly about our meeting, but in no way do I desire to meet again. If our paths cross are to cross again, be not offended by my apathy. I wish to move on, and I think our separation will be the most effect means to that end. You have a country of adoring fans who will appreciate you much more than I will.

And so I leave you, natto, not with a bang, but with an upset stomach.

Good day.

Some things

Tonight I drank with the teachers at my new school for the first time. I would stay another year if the situation were different.

The moon is only good when full or new.

The rest of the world needs 代行.

I will marry a Japanese woman, because she will look the same at 45 as she does at 25.

The word "desultory" if fitting for many occasions.

No more shochu, please.

~コッチ