This lovely couple gratiously friended me while I was having a beer at a place on the Kitikami river. Their English was far better than the three or four Japanese words I know but often forget in the stress of the moment.
They were in Morioka for his team’s rugby matches with the Morioka team. In spite of a sore back, incurred during the scrums, skirmishes, and general mayhem, his team won, of course.
In Japan I am a minority, a situation I don’t often experience. The Japanese people are invariably kind and patient. That helps a great deal but the limitations and difficulties of communication are always evident.
Thus, it was wonderful to have this couple reach across the vast divide of our tables and begin a conversation, leading them to eventually invite me to come one table closer.
If only world and national diplomacy could be characterized by such willingness to engage in friendly and mutually beneficial dialog, in spite of differences, what a world it might be!
Kanpai, Saori and Masahiro!
Autumn In Japan 
This is one of my favorite things about traveling. People are always so much more open, curious, and generous than news & media would have you believe. But that requires you to make yourself vulnerable to receive it, and that is what you’re doing Tom! So glad you’re having this experience!
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Looking like a Japanese guru with white beard! I can tell you are mixing well with objectifying insights and inner awareness…. Continue the progress/process!
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