I lived in Niigata for a few years and there are emotive sounds I can still conjure in my imagination: the sound of the pedestrian crosswalk signal; the postman’s motorcycle stopping and starting (his arrival heralding the arrival of cherished letters); the ‘ireshaimasei’ welcoming me to every shop and restaurant; the elevator going up and down in the shaft next to my apartment - and of course the cicadas of the summer!
I lived in Niigata for a few years and there are emotive sounds I can still conjure in my imagination: the sound of the pedestrian crosswalk signal; the postman’s motorcycle stopping and starting (his arrival heralding the arrival of cherished letters); the ‘ireshaimasei’ welcoming me to every shop and restaurant; the elevator going up and down in the shaft next to my apartment - and of course the cicadas of the summer!
Great story, Kana. You have inspired me to do just the same.
Wonderful thoughts on which you closed the article, Kana. It was a good read.