For me, being in Japan was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But ever since I was there, for the 2002 World Championship in Mahjong, I wanted to go back. To see all the sights I did not see at the time. To see back all the Japanese friends I made then, and later on via the internet. To play in a riichi mahjong parlor again, or in a large tournament perhaps. To see the Japanese flowering cherry and Mount Fuji. To walk down the streets in Tokyo again.
When I close my eyes, I see the busy sidewalks, the pedestrian crossings, the crowded subways.

I close my eyes now and I see Tokyo as it probably is today. People are scared. There are less of them in the streets. They are hurrying as ever, but they are hurrying to get home, to close doors and windows. The mahjong parlors probably will be empty and most likely there will be no chit-chat and happy faces in the restaurants.

I think of my friends. Even when they are well, I know they are worried very much, and scared for their folks and family.

How I long to see them back, to hugh them again and see their happy faces again. How I would like to see Japan smile again.
Japan, my thoughts are with you. All the time. Till the next, happy time.