It’s all trickery. How a year stretches into a lifetime, marked by growth, connection, and departure, is a mystery to me. Time has flown. I run to catch up, but I will never catch my breath. I know there is a time-before-Japan, but it almost feels unreal. Can the person I was then really be related to who I am now? He didn’t live the life I’ve lived, never saw the places I visited, and most importantly, never met who I met. My friends. I speak to you from far away now. 

Even before arrival Ethan guided me along my path to Tokyo. He offered to send a car to the airport, so I wouldn’t have to deal with public transport after a long and tiring flight. And when we met in person, all that professionalism never left, but it was quickly overshadowed by his warmth, his genuine intention to make the best of his day, and therefore of mine as well. Always the most stylish in the room, and that’s not easy in Japan. Nonetheless you shook with laughter, never stiff, always up for more. Thank you Ethan, from me and from Father, we hope to see you soon, this side of the globe.

Three days after we landed in Japan, Indi and I moved into our claustrophobic, five square metre room. Home for a year, and it wouldn’t have been possible without our neighbour Matt. He not only made the boxy room livable, he made it enjoyable. Of course, getting to know a person isn’t done in a day. You shake hands, share your dinner, play a whole lot of boardgames, and somewhere along the line, you’ve found yourself a tight-knit friend. Or should I say ‘Mate’, as my Aussie friend does? Matt, it’s been a blast. You showed me China, where I encountered new parts of myself. Soon, I will show you Europe, for more encounters and more adventures. As always, Dad says hi. In the meantime, I will miss you, Mate. 

New places can often feel intimidating. Imagine a campus in the heart of Shibuya, filled with aspiring young Japanese students, and only a single foreign student in their midst. I had come prepared, studied well on what to say and how to behave. But I almost felt foolish when my formal entrance was met with such curiosity and hospitality that I started to feel like Family. In the beginning of our classes, boxes of cookies went around, starting every class with a bit of sweetness. My classmate Yuta showed me around Tokyo, helped me tag along to karaoke or dinner with the whole group, and, in the end, came all the way to Ueno Station, to wave me goodbye, as I departed Tokyo for the final time. Will you visit Europe too, as you promised?

I cannot in good conscience forget to mention Professor Kaminaga, who taught me everything he knew, always happy to answer my questions. We discussed Japanese festivals, the climate, the currents that bring tuna and salmon, the different dialects of Tokyo, the different idioms used by his grandparents, and the best mountains to climb in Japan. Naturally we discussed my thesis weekly as well, and to all of my questions, Professor Kaminaga, you browsed through your wall of books, picked the correct one, opened the right chapter, to show me the answer. My whole family awaits you in Belgium, adamant to welcome you with the same energy. Thank you.

When Indi departed Japan in the summer, ready to start her Master program back in Europe, I decided to spend a week on cold and far-flung Rebun Island. But instead of moping around on the beach, I bumped into one of the warmest, most joyful and kind people I’ve ever met. Yuna helped me hitch-hike around the small island, telling me about her home in Akita, a place of snow, rice, and legend. I couldn’t have been happier to accept your invitation, with Dad tagging along as well. You showed us the magical snowy mountains of Northern Japan, and the Spirits that live in the forests of Oga. But most of all, you showed us bubbling happiness, unconditional love for life and nature, and an unforgettable smile. Best of luck this spring, I hope the harvest is bountiful. 

And there we are. Ethan, Matt, Yuta, Kaminaga, and Yuna. Friends given to me by time, not to be lost. Time may march on, but you’ll stay with me.