I spent my first Japanese summer in Kyushu’s Kokura, studying the language and making friends. If you’ve ever been to Beppu, or anywhere else in Kyushu by train for that matter, you’ll certainly have made a connection there.

It’s an industrial city by the sea, and as such, the wind is always blowing. That saved me a lot of discomfort¹.

Now, when I hear this bell chime, it takes me back to that place. It reminds me of friends I’ll never meet again, and those I owe a long overdue visit. I am reminded of strolling around in long evenings, drinking until the morning, and pushing my way through crowds of people during summer festivals.

Now I’m starting over in Tokyo. Some things will be the same, others different, but I’m looking forward to all of it.

1. more importantly, during the second World War it saved the city itself from the second of the two bombs. Clouds and smoke from firebombing of neighbouring Yahata had obscured the Bockscar’s target.