> So, I said I was going to try and write, and I've made a start. Please give this a read and let me know what you think. This is a work in progress, and is just a draft.
“Japanese only”
My heart sank when reading the bold lettered sticker on the door of the Ryoken I had booked into. Taking a moment to steel myself I went inside, and like a polite Englishman, gently rang the bell on the desk and waited to be seen.
Soon a middle aged, balding man came from a back room.
“Hello, My name is John Richardson, I made a reservation about a month ago? I'd like to check in please.” I said in my best Japanese
The man paused, he clearly wasn't accustomed to foreigners – much less ones that spoke Japanese.
“I'm sorry sir, but due to recent events, we can no longer admit foreigners, it's bad for business.” he replied as politely as he could
“I see.” I said evenly “And there's no way I might convince you to make an exception?”
“I'm terribly sorry sir, but no.”
“I see, thank you anyway.” I said, turning to leave
Only to find myself very close to bumping into a small old man in monks robes, with a walking stick in one hand, and a shopping bag in the other.
“My my, what a polite young man – even in the face of adversity!” he said mirthfully
“Ah! Abe-sama, I didn't expect you to be down so soon!” the innkeeper exclaimed
“Oh yes, your mother is feeling much better today.” came the cheery response
“Thank you as always, Abe-sama, You're the only one that can sooth mothers joints.”
“Think nothing of it, it is my pleasure to help the people of this village. Now, what to do with you, my young fellow?” he said, turning to me
“Er-” I began
“Since Ta-kun is adamant about his new-found “no foreigners” policy, why don't you come stay at my temple? I have a spare room, and we have our own hot pool.”
“Are you sure? I'd hate to impose.” I said hesitantly
“Nonsense, it's no trouble at all! Now, follow me, I'll not take no for an answer.”
Something about his genial nature made me unable to resist, so I found myself walking down the road with him.
“So, I noticed that innkeeper addressed you as “Sama” are you like, the local priest?” I asked, eager to break the silence
“Oho! As if you didn't know! Yes my boy, I am the keeper of a small shrine on the mountain overlooking this village, as was my father, and his father all the way back as far as memory goes.”
“Wow, that's a long time! And your son, will he take over after you?” I asked, eager to learn more
His expression became melancholy, “He would have, but he and his wife died in a car accident seven years ago.”
“I am so, so very sorry! I didn't mean to bring up painful memories.” I said with a bow
“It's quite all right lad, I know you were only curious.”
“Well, I may not be able to pay you back for your hospitality, but I can at least keep you company.” I said
“Keep me company?” he said laughing
“Who said I was alone?”
“But I thought…”
“You thought I was some lonely old man? Desperate for some company?” he said, before cackling again
“I'm sorry, I just… I didn't mean to offend.” I spurted out, mentally kicking myself
“It's fine my boy, I was teasing. No, I'm not alone, I have my granddaughters to keep me busy.”
“Granddaughters?” My mind filled with images of all the cute Japanese girls I'd seen on the internet. And then to certain manga I had as well.
“Yep, all three of them, but you'll see them soon enough.”
And so for the rest of the journey (the longest portion of witch was climbing the steps leading to the shrine) we talked of what brought me to Japan, and this rural village.