14

Epilogue

About ten years after writing this, I’m happy to say that I was sent back to Japan! Multiple times, actually, while working in sales for a global company. I experienced Japan in a whole new capacity—the business world. It was interesting, and thrilling, and I hoofed it to various business meetings all over the Tokyo-Yokohama metropolitan area—my old stomping ground! A good friend and colleague helped with all the logistics—he set up all the meetings and so forth, and accompanied me to those meetings, and when I gave presentations, he translated. I worked with local resellers, ones already established or new ones that I’d signed, and I grew our business in Japan. Working hours generally spilled into happy hours and dinners with various colleagues, where there was laughter and good food and drink and all these things I loved about spending time in Japan. Although this time I was in a shirt and tie and business was happening. Look at me, adulting.

Of course, I also took some time off while I was there, to go to some of my favorite places, and see some of my old friends—including Julian, who is absolutely still there. When we’re all together, back in some of our old favorite places, it’s just like old times.

I took this photo on the front page during one of my business trips back to Japan, and it is definitely a favorite photo of mine. It was at the end of a busy day, and I sat at the bar at the top of the Shinagawa Prince Hotel, where I was staying. Winding down, with a nice whiskey drink, with a massive, gorgeous, sphere of ice inside of it. It was incredible, and probably way too expensive, but that’s quite alright.

I gave a toast to Japan, took a sip, and smiled. It was great to be back.