My trip to Japan was from the start a fun but stressful experience. With not speaking the language to not knowing anything about the culture here, I found myself quickly wrapped in the Japanese society. I had met up with a few good people here and started to get involved immediately in the music culture. A year later I had found many things disappointing and felt letdown by the Japanese society. I did not speak the language well enough or understand the culture well enough to truly feel at home. That passed after time too but only thanks to a few important people. One of whom, I am sad to say, has recently passed on. Hide was a true and great friend to me. From the smiles and pleasant greetings to the long conversations when we were both just too tired to dance anymore, Hide was always there. He is one of the only people who went out of his way to really connect with me, even picking up some English and studying to be able to carry more meaningful conversation with me. Hide was one of the true reasons I continue to love Japan today. With a year plus in passing he never changed who he was to me, a true and loving friend. He will be truly missed.




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