Ato Hitotsu (One more) by Funky Monkey Babys

This is also my favorite song in Japan.

I translated Japanese into English,but I suppose there are many grammatical mistakes because my English knowledge is low. Please forgive me. Have fun!

PS: I found a movie with português sub but it was a short version tho...

After one more teardrop, one more word of encouragement,　
The time will come when my wish come true.
I believe in it, so you shouldn't give up either.
No matter how many times, raise your hands towards the sky.

It was a summer just like this that day.
The sand-laden wind was blowing.
The sunset above the grounds was bright,
"How long should I strive for it?" I told myself and bit hard on my lip.
That's when I met you, with the same look in your eyes

It is not that so easy, therefore, dreams would shine so bright.
So, even now I retain the words in my heart what you told me that day.

After one more teardrop, one more word of encouragement,
The time will come when my wish come true.
I believe in it, so you shouldn't give up either.
No matter how many times, raise your hands towards the sky,
Raise them into the sky.

Every time, I couldn't be honest to myself all anyhow, nor couldn't have any confidence at all,
I walked to the back of the school building, caring about someone's eyes.
I Kept away from bumping into someone in my heart.
That was because I was just afraid of showing my real self.

What thought I was the days that I had spent with you to date.
Yeah, I could express it for the first time and that is my true dream which makes me want to cry.

If I could pass one more sloping road or could pass only at night, the day we can smile again would come.
I believe in it today as well, you shouldn't give up either.
No matter how many times,  raise your hands towards the sky.

 "Getting heated is futile", I got so tired of hearing such the words even if that was true.
 If you call this irrepressible heart ”HOPE”,  who in the world would it be stopped?

By one more tear, by one word of encouragement, I've seen the moment that it will change tomorrow.
And you reminded me the light that I nearly lost.
I will never forget the scenery of that day.

After one more teardrop, one word of encouragement,　
The time will come when my wish come true.
I believe in it, so you shouldn't give up either.
No matter how many times, raise your hands towards the sky,
Raise them into the sky

Kibou no Uta (Song of Hope)

Kibou no Uta  By FUNKY MONKEY BABYS

This is my favorite J-pop song "Kibou no Uta"

With you here, being here with you

If you didn't exist in this world
Out of 100 smiles, at least 40 would disappear
If I learned that you were on the other side of the world
I'd cross the ocean to get those 40 lost smiles back
Your tears become the rain, your words becomes the wind
In this dried heart that was ready to give up, a flower called hope has bloomed
Ah, I want you to realize, I want you to see the meaning of this song
I cherish you and need you so much

With you here, being here with you, I can be this happy
Don't forget that warmth, you are not anyone else
Those tears, that smile, those tears, that smile

Among all these countless meetings, by some chance I found you
If I had never met you, I'd nave never even been able to dream
At some point your smile became my one true, unchanging place to belong
You support me from the heart, and that's why I can smile
We took the long way around at times, but the footsteps of the dream we've reached
Since long ago and unchanging even now, thank you for giving me so much courage
The years we'll see through from now on as we move forward, never looking back
All I have is my song, but I want you to watch over me always

With you here, being here with you, I can be this happy
Don't forget that warmth, you are not anyone else
The miracle that allowed me to meet the one and only you in this world
You have the power to give me courage

To the one who has always loved me
If there's something I can do for you now
That day in the future we've been searching for
I want to share it with you

With you here, being here with you, I can be this happy
Don't forget that warmth, you are not anyone else
The miracle that allowed me to meet the one and only you in this world
You have the power to give me courage

You're here, I'm here with you
You're here, I'm here with you
La La La La...

Seattle's 'Busking Bach'

  Michael Korpi Jr., He is my favorite violinist & great adventurer. The encounter with him,  it all started when I saw him on Komo News, Seattle's "Busking Bach" in last December 2012.  Surprisingly, I had been to Seattle to search for my lifesaver, Chris in Seattle and it has not passed so long ago since I went back to Japan. Although I don't know exactly when Michael had the interview,  but that place was my favorite place and I often went at there during my stay.

 

  I got sucked into his music world and I felt as if I were at there in Seattle when I watched his performance and the interview on the news. Powerful, heartwarming, nostalgic and joy.  I was really stuck by his performance.   I noticed he has a DEMO CD on the movie.  I really wanted to buy it.  Although I wanted to have a contact with him, of course I didn't know his address, no information about him.  Then I had a contact with the Newscaster who tweet it at the official twitter. 

  Fortunately, she told me that he has a twitter account and then I could have a contact with him in shortly.  I told him that I would like to buy the DEMO CD.  But he kindly replied and shared his music on the net with a direct message after I got a message.  If I were in Seattle, I would have bought it and made donations when I see him.  But I couldn't  do it because I was out of USA at the time.  I wanted to make donations for him even if it was a little bit amount of money.  Then he told me that he has managed his website and suggested me to make a donation at the site if I liked his musics which he shared.  Of course I did!!  I suppose he was also surprised at my donation as same as Chris who is my lifesaver might have felt.  At first I intended to do it just once as a Random Acts of Kindness to him.  But having read his adventure in last time on the website and Facebook, I had great sympathy for his next adventure.  I sometimes feel he is Chris.  Of course he doesn't the person, and doesn't look like Chris.  How do I say, their thinking and style of life resemble. (does it make a sense?)   I saw Chris in his mind.  I'm an emotionalist, volunteer since the day that Chris saved me. 

   Since then, I decided to make a donation which I couldn't do for Chris at that time, to Michael once a month for a while or may support until his goal.  I don't know the limit.  However, it doesn't mean that I would leach out to everyone in the world.  It is impossible.  I  just would do anything all I can do for people who touch a string in my heart.  This is also my Random Acts of Kindness and my unfinished business in my life.

  His next adventure will be started from Oct. 2013. Then, I'm planning to meet Michael before he leaves. Of course I have another reasons to go... 

Good Luck, Michael!!

MY UNFINISHED BUSINESS...

This is the reason why I went to Seattle again in Dec.

  It has been a year since the day, 11 March 2012.

I had some reasons but Searching for Chris was the highest priority for me.  He is my lifesaver in Seattle as I wrote on previous topic.  All I wanted was to find and meet him.  I didn't have any information about Chris after I went back to Japan in March 2012.  I asked some people to find him, but they didn't find him...  what all I know about Chris is his schedule, to going to Alaska, and some information.

  Although I started twitter to search for Chris, no hope, no any information since the day.  Unknown where he was and is now.  But I couldn't stop going to Seattle even though I thought he wouldn't be there.

  On 5 Dec. 2012, I went to the place where I and Chris first met at Downtown in Seattle as soon as I arrived.  Of course he was not be there.  I was so sad, I knew that situation.  But something strange had been begun around me since the day.   I went to look around searching for Chris, and went to 1st Starbucks preparing for surprise on Christmas as "Random Acts of Kindness" and have a coffee at 1st Starbucks.

  At the time, I couldn't explain what I want to do but they understood, and helped me.  After then I got a surprise gift from employee who supported me to buy gifts. (shop manager???)  It was a Mug that was written their autograph on a box!  I won't try to do for getting the Mug, nor didn't need it.  Because I just wanted to do something for strangers, in addition I don't have a right to get it.  I told them I don't need it, please give it to someone for other customer.  But they told me "This is for you, take it " and put it my shopping bag which I had already bought gifts.  I was very happy to get it but still felt obliged to apologize...

  This was a beginning of my strange encounter. Thinking about it later, it seemed it had been continuing since the unforgettable day, 11 March, 2012...  After I went back to my hotel, I noticed that my room was changed to one king suite even as I reserved a room "standard one king" on the net in Japan. I was so lucky. But to tell the truth, it was too spacious bedroom for single.  ahaha.

  I unpacked my suitcase and relaxed for a while.  Then, I opened the Mug box that I got as a gift.  When I looked it closer, I noticed it was made in Ohio.  As it says on the official WEBSITE of Starbucks, it was truly the first time product, "made in Ohio" for hiring employees in US.  Occasionally, no one care about the matter.  But in my case, it caught in my mind because my life saver, Chris is also from Ohio. 

  On the next day, I noticed that I left my wallet at my hotel when I arrived at Starbucks in front of WestLake Center.  Then, went back to my hotel, and went there again. After ordering coffee, I waited for a long time but it didn't come out because of lost ordering and delay by their mistake.  I got a free drink ticket at the store.  It made me feel sorry to receive it in such a reason. 

  At the time, Suddenly I remembered the topic of "Random Acts of Kindness".

It was also one of my purpose what to do in Seattle.  That's what is something to do for strangers and decided to give it for someone who needs help.  After then, I went to CHIHULY Garden & Glass exhibition thinking about the event on the way.  After watching his works and shopping around there, I had an sudden encounter with Mr.Jim who is a Dance Studio owner on the way to Downtown.  I didn't have an appointment nor had a class until the next day.  Yet, after the reunion, I walked to other dance studio on Capitol Hill and I met Mr.Daren who is my ZUMBA instructor on my wayl! 

  I felt it's something strange encounter.  Although I had a class with my instructor, I never believed such a situation. Maybe if I went by bus, it hadn't occurred.  Anyway, after ZUMBA class, I went back to Downtown to have a dinner.  Then, I saw a homeless guy who was standing at the same place where I met Chris in March 2012, through the view from the the bus.  I decided to give the ticket and make a donation.  As I did for Chris, I bought a coffee and muffin at Starbucks on the corner and brought them.  "Hi!" "Hi!" It was silly little greetsing.  I talked for a while and I asked him whether he knows about Chris before I gave them to him.  I thought he wouldn't know about Chris.

  But he replied surprisingly "I know the guy well, I often saw him and he sometimes helped me although he was also homeless."  He told me the place and shelters where he may be.  I was so surprised about his words.  It's a really small world!  It seemed that each event which I had and encounter had been linked toward to the miracle since the day, 11 Mar. 2012.  The homeless guy began to talk about Chris that he has a cell phone, and smart guy, comes from Ohio, and yet he answered to my questions correctly.  In addition, he told me more information which I hadn't asked him yet. 

  Unfortunately, he didn't know his e-mail address or phone number but he told me that almost homeless would change place to sleep at night.  Therefore, He didn't know where Chris had always stayed.  But the homeless told me the shelters where he had often seen Chris and gave me the information about the shelter called Roots.  It's held "FRIDAY FEAST" on every Friday for homeless. 

  I concerned strongly he still be in Seattle at that time.  I was absolutely riveted by his words.  I didn't know the place exactly where it is at the time but I soon realized it's located on near University of Washington.  That's my favorite place.  I heard from him that almost young homeless usually would go there to stay a night.  I wanted to go to the place immediately to search for Chris.  But I didn't.  Because it's not Friday on the day and he told me that the shelter can't be allowed to stay under 25.  I knew Chris was 28 or 29 years old at the time.  Now he is 29.  I decided to go to Roots on the next day.  After the conversation, I left a message to him that I'm looking for Chris and donated him some money.  He promised me to give it to Chris when he saw Chris.  I had to believe his word although I felt doubtful about it.  I thought he was the only hope to search for Chris at the time but it's also the beginning and had been linked to my strange encounter.

  On the next day, I went to the Shelter "Roots" in the morning, but I noticed that it didn't open in daytime.  Then I asked about Chris to homeless who get out the building and neighbors.  Some people knew about Chris but they didn't know where he is.  I went back to downtown, and asked many homeless whether they know or see him in downtown.  Then, one of them told me "I saw Chris at the other shelter in Downtown on the night".  It was located 10 blocks down from the place where I asked homeless.  I headed for there immediately.  It is opened but they didn't tell me the information about Chris, of course the reason why privacy policy.  I always lag behind Chris in every way.  I left a message at the Shelter for homeless and Chris again, and went back to Pacific Place Center.  I walked around on every corner, crossed near streets searching for Chris almost the day.  Then, I went back to Young Adult Shelter in University District at night. 

  Although I couldn't enter the shelter, I asked homeless and staff about Chris.  Of course staff didn't gave me any information because of their Privacy.  But one of staff kindly suggested me to come on Friday Feast.  She told me "Many homeless always come every Friday, then you may find him or get any information."   I felt everything would go well, I may find and meet him at the time.  I went back to hotel after I left a message to her in case.  I couldn't sleep at the night.

  In next day, I feverishly asked homeless guys who was on the street in the morning.  Then surprisingly, I heard that Chris was on a few blocks distance, and in couple minutes ago from one of them.  I was so glad to hear that.  He suggested me to give 10 bucks if I could made you meet Chris.  I agreed.  I thought I would give more if I could meet him. 

But Chris wasn't be there although he took me to the place immediately.  It was a bus stop...  I was so shocked.  The homeless also seems have a regretful face.  He couldn't meet me to Chris, I gave 10 bucks as a regard.  He promised me to keep looking for Chris in downtown area.  After then, every time I ask homeless people about Chris, I felt I was getting very close to Chris.  But It is a Cruel Fate...  I couldn't meet Chris on that day, too.

  Finally, I canceled every schedules to search for Chris on last 2 days in Seattle.

On the next morning, I met a homeless guy who I met yesterday and saw Chris on the shelter.  He said to me did not see Chris at the shelter last night.  Although he asked kindly some homeless whether they saw him at shelters.  But no one saw him in their shelters. 

  I heard that there are many shelters in down town and homeless has a territory to earn money, but sometimes they change or move their territory.  I think it seems Chris moved.  I often saw Chris around Pacific Place Center & Pine St. in last Mar. 2012.  Then, One of homeless told me I should go to International District because he saw Chris at there in a week ago.  I went there immediately but no ones saw him when I asked some.

  The final day before I leave for Japan, it was Friday.  I went around to search for Chris and went with a handful of hope toFriday Feast which is held by Roots Young Adult Shelter for all homeless and anyone at 5:30- 7PM. I arrived there at 6pm...  I met a staff who dealt politely with me on last visit, and let me get in the Friday Feast.  She also asked to all staff whether Chris came here or not. 

No body saw Chris, he hadn't come yet.  I waited till 7pm.  As a result Chris didn't come on the day...  I had come to very close even through I went across overseas.  I was shocked that my last hope is dashed and realized that I can't meet Chris anymore. I  suddenly felt crying.  Tears welled up in my eyes, I tried to stop tears from falling.  But I couldn't...  The staff also was with an apologetic eye because they couldn't help me by their policy.  Some homeless also cared about me and asked another people whether they know about Chris.  The answer was same as people in Downtown.  Well, I couldn't do anymore...  No place to go, no time to search for Chris, No any information...  

  It made me so exhausted and depressed.  I knew, I knew my feelings and  I had been predicted the worst scenario.  Although I did predicted, I would believe in the miracle in my mind.  Of course I knew it won't go so easy...  But their caring made me feel better.  To tell the truth, I would never think that they were so kind, exclude one of them.  he hated Japanese.  Never mind.  I thought homeless was cold, they won't afford to take care of someone because they struggle for their own existence under such harsh conditions in each day before I went to Seattle in December.  In such a situation, one of staff suggested me to post a picture with his information and a message to homeless and Chris on a message board. 

"Tell Chris having a contact to me if you saw him"

  I didn't know whether it will reach Chris but my hope is still alive in Seattle even though I don't be in Seattle. 

I felt they also saved my life here again.  Having made a donation to the shelter, I went back to my hotel.  When I arrived at my room, I suddenly felt to go to the place where is the first place I met Chris again. 

Of course he was not there.  But there was a performer who often be there and I saw him in March 2012 and during my staying in December.  I asked about Chris and showed a picture.  He remembered Chris and sometimes saw him at the place.  He said "I haven't talked with the guy but a friend mine who works at Pike Place Chowder in Pacific Place Center, may know him.  In addition, I didn't see the guy in these days, but I heard from my friend that maybe the guy may go back his home town. You should ask my friend about him"

  I said Thank you and head to the restaurant.  But he was off on the day...  I didn't have time anymore...  I returned to Japan on the next day...

 Although I couldn't find Chris during my visiting in December 2012, we might pass by each other in different street.  Downtown, Seattle, I thought it was small city but it was larger than I thought...  And then, I remembered the word "Serendipity"  It's a greatest word as same as "Thank you" for me.

 Searching for Chris slightly had been changed to something precious.  Although it is the highest priority for me, the other feeling grew up in my mind.  What I do is Helping and support people who need help.  

As a meaning of the word "Serendipity",  the accident of finding something good or useful while not specifically searching for it. 

I can't do for everyone.  But I'll do for someone in random.  I guess it will lead me to Chris in all the way someday.  I never give up to find him till I die.  I will keep searching for Chris on my web, twitter and Facebook, once, now and forever.  I believe in my Fate. 

  Of course, there are many things to do, but I have to find my goal even though I sacrificed everything. "I has Two-Face" I'm exhausted...  I wonder if how you think of me...? stupid? disesteem? avoid? abominate? care less? or cheer for me...?  I don't know how you think, Now All I can do is go forward to my goal.  I'll value my life even though once I tried to finish my life. Then, I would keep going to USA and always will be.

Our greatest weakness lies in giving up.  The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.　by Thomas Edison (He was also from Ohio)

Laugh whenever possible

1 year ago,  I went to LA to watch the Academy Awards via Seattle in late Feb 2012. I thought I would like to die.  The reason why I thought I would like to die, I write the details on my website.  Gradually weariness grew upon me... I sent and uploaded a picture with grip-and gran which I was at Kodak Theater to friend of mine.  After for a while, I got an e-mail from my friend.  I was surprised and shocked by his reply because he was worried about me and I felt he seemed to see  my thought in depth of my mind.  I was so sad when I read his message. Nevertheless, I was always face to face with shadow of death while I was in LA.  But the place, LA was not my place...  I went back to Seattle with the shadow. Seattle is my favorite place in my life.  I had decided to make a final decision when I was back to Seattle.

 Contrary to what my thinks, the weather was very clear & Mt. Rainier was amazingly beautiful when I arrived at Seattle.  It seemed to celebrate my arrival.  I was tearing.  I tried to keep thinking good, but it won't last long.  I always struggle with strange feelings for a while.

A few days later,  I went to University of Washington. It was 150th Anniversary year at the time and it also 17th Anniversary year for me.   It was so cold and cloudy day.  Having took a walk for a while in UW, "Never give up", it went through my head when I saw breaking buds of Cherry blossom in winter days..

In addition, I got a Dove Chocolate from Swedish gentleman on the bus after the Boeing Factory Tour in the next day.  It says "Laugh whenever possible" on the chocolate wrapper.  He nodded and smiled for me. I felt he also seemed to read my mind.

Chance or Necessity?

 I think it was unlikely to be coincidental incident. Everything was getting toward to something without knowing at that time.  But I didn't still have emotional leeway...

However, I had kept the wrapper in my wallet to encourage me when I was sad...

Laugh whenever possible

What a great word!

 Thanks Dove & Swedish gentleman!

I'm looking for Chris!

 

I'm looking for Chris who comes from Ohio and saved my life in Downtown, Seattle, Mar, 2012.

He was 28 years old at the time. (maybe 29 years old now)

Height approx.5.7

Hair color & length : dark blonde or black / short

Eye color : dark brown

Eyeblows : arched

Wearing Peterbilt Cap

He has a daughter in Ohio

 As I write on my website, I went to Seattle to die in Mar. 2012... 

But encounter with Chris was changed my life completely going well since the encounter.  I suppose he doesn't think saving me. But I want to meet him again and say "thank you" directly with a gift...

Have you ever seen him?  Is he your friend or friend of your friends?

I need your help.  Please ask to your friends and share, Spread in to the USA.  

If you found and made me meet him, I'll give you a rewards!

more information about Chris

http://seasons.flipdolphin.com/operation_tomodachi/all_about_chris_en_text.html

Encounter with Chris

http://seasons.flipdolphin.com/operation_tomodachi/encounter_en_text.html

My wish & way of life

 Everybody has a New Years Resolution. What's yours?

Of course I have some.  One of my New Years Resolution is to find and meet Chris who is my lifesaver. This is the most important thing for me.  And the other one is to help some people who needs help. Especially, homeless in Seattle, a person who needs a donation to do something special, like a person who bet their life on a big adventures. Although I can't do for every people, I would like to do for a person who made a strong impression on me.  Now I've been supporting a american guy who have a big project in his life.

 As I wrote in my previous topic, my life was saved by Chris who comes from Ohio and homeless in Seattle in March 2012.  His thinking changed my thinking, way of life. I don't know where he is now. I can't do anything for him now but I would like to do something for strangers instead of him
until I can be able to meet him again.  I don't want to write about him right now.  but he's also a great person as same as Chris.

 When I went to search for Chris in December, I had many experiences that Japanese tourists never do.  I went to shelters for homeless, met the people, stayed for a couple hours. I've never been to such a place, and a little bit worried about the place at night. I guess ordinaries never think nor want to go. I thought homeless people wouldn't care about me, wouldn't listen my story even though I asked about Chris. But in fact, I misunderstood. They were so kind and gave me some information about him. Of course it is difficult to ask about him to staff because of their privacy.

 Since the day, I decided to do something for homeless or people who needs a donation in Seattle. Because  that place is my  second hometown in my life.  In Japan? For Japanese? I would like to do that but my answer is "No".  I won't do for them, only for kids & Special-needs people if I would do.  It is something strange but I suppose Americans is much kinder than Japanese. I know  They tells everything directly, don't hide their feelings nor thinking like a Japanese.  I'm also Japanese but I would like to do for a person who has a thinking or way of life as same as Chris.  Of course I'll keep something special as a Random Acts of Kindness for strangers.

I believe every happening or events has a meaning and towards to my wish...
Don't you agree with that?

Miracles and One Serendipity

　I had come across many accidental surprise, found something new and a little happiness in every day, everyhere I went since the day I met Chris.　I felt it was like time began to move.　Everytime I saw him, talked and donate a few dollars to him.　The more I talk with him, I was more relaxed and be filled with peace.
((I wonder if he would have found it annoying...))

　Come to think about it later, my ambivalence which I had in days was gone, and my answer had already appeared in my mind "to live" on the day.

　I promised him to treat dinner at the day before I go back to Japan.　Because he was also busy, and I had to go to Vancouver to meet my freiend for a couple of days after the day.　I could see my friend in Vancouver on the next day, but I had a little trouble at re-entry to US on the way back to Seattle.
　I thought I might have retaliation for the wrong thinking about death or so on in Seatlle few days ago. 

Ichinichi-ichizen
it is also Japanese expression, means do one good deed in a day

　My father and granma often told me in my youth days.
"You should try to do one good deed in a day.　Then You would be get happiness or shall be helped by them.　When you have bad feeling or have something trouble, you should do good deed more than one for someone because you are not enough.　I thought it was surely true.

　When I remebered my childhood at the US border, I met a lady and talked with her for a while on the bus on my way back to Seattle.　She also helped me and changed my life later without knowing.
　She said that "You're a good man.　If you keep doing nice to people, you will have miracle!"　At that time I didn't think it would come to be true later...

　I met him again as I promised to him and went to dinner before the day I leave for Japan.　I'm a Japanese, and he is an American.　I thought I can't see him any more because I can't travel to USA so often.
　I wish I had asked him about his address and so on.　But I didn't know he had his cell phone at the time and I was so engrossed in our conversation that I forgot to ask his contact number.　I was so stupid!　After the dinner, I made a few dollars donation and gave him my messeage.　Then I aparted from him saying "Go for it" and Good bye!!

　The next day, it was the day I leave for Japan.
I foregot the day was the beginning of Summer time, I headed to the airport (Alaska Airline) in a hurry.　When I arrived at the airport terminal, surprisingly he had come to see me off.　(I told him about the day when I leave)　I was very happy and said thanks, but I didn't have much enough time to talk with him because of my flight.　Saying goodbye, I went to check in counter.

　But I could not hide my unthinkable surprise at the counter.　The flight was canceld by air plane's problem and I had to stay one more day in Seattle...

"You will have miracle!..."

The word which the lady from Canada said had come true.

　Almost all people would feel rushed when they can't leave on schedule.　But there was no need to hurry for me because I am self-employed worker.　It was not particularly affected on my work even though a coulple of days later.　And yet it would be done everything on the internet and phones. (I'm sorry I'm lavish guy...)

　When I went out to smoke after finishing the procedure, I suddenly got a call and e-mail from my hostfamily in quick succession.　I couldn't meet them on the day because of their works and schedule.　But I was very happy and suddenly tears had come out when I read it.　At the moment, various music of my favorite artist's (Misato Watanabe) came flowing in my head.　I hadn't actually heard of them in the airport, but it was like a flood of Sound?　I can't explain well.　Many music was played in my head at once.　I felt I won't go back to Japan... In addition, continuous miracle was still going on.

　After checking in at the hotel, I went back to the downtown to have my lunch at the West Lake Center.　And then I found Chris again where we first met.　He also noticed me.　He was surprised and said to me "Why are you here now !?"　I was also surprised.

　Many surprising events occured in the day, and I promised him to treat a dinner again.　We hadn't decided either the certain meeting time and place, because we had somoething to do each other in downtown and he also had to raise a donation there.　Passing by each other in Downtown, I was waiting for him.　But it was a little bit late to back to the place where he was raising money.　When I arrived at the place, he was not there.

　I was so sutpid again because I did not ask his address when we had dinner last time.　
I couldn't keep my promise and see him that last day.　I went back to Japan in the next day...

　After going back to Japan, I sent my messages to friends to ask finding him in Seattle.　But they couldn't find him.　Now I'm very regret not to keep my promise, and could not say thank you to him.

　Each event and encounter to people during my staying in Seattle may be linked toward to the miracle of the day 11 March 2012.　Every people whom I met in Seattle, especially Chris and the lady taught me the meaning of life.　I believe my father and brother from heaven let me meet him and the lady, and gave me these surprising events.

　And returned to my home in Japan, I sent my message to the lady to say thanks.　I thought I gave up to look for him, but I want to believe the miracle again as the lady returned to Japan for a while in April and I could meet her again.　I decided to look for him again!　It will be the end if I gave up!

　I know it might be impossible to find one person in the world with few information.　It's much more difficult to find him in all over the world than finding a lost pierce in a beach.　But I want to believe the miracle!
　I may lost many things or people in order to open public this message, but there is just one thing what never lose.

It is a mind of Japanese spirit of thanks.
I want to send it to him using the name of "Operation Tomodachi"


　Although I don't know how long does it takes, I wish this movie or website would go around the world, and arrive to him someday.

　Serendipity, the inspiration from accident was occoured on me.
From person to person, I wish it would get through in all over the world, like my logo's circle "Operation Tomodachi".

Encounter with Chris in Seattle

　11 Feb. 2011, It is the beginning of this story.
I lost my brother because of desese in last Feb. 2011, and Japan received a lot of damage from the earthquakes and tsunami (Touhoku, Hgashi-Nihon Daishinsai) in the following month.　I had no time to mourn the death of my brother, because these Japanese tragic disasters made me even feel much more sad.

　My sister-in-law ran away with money, I was involved in an inheritance dispute with her and her family.　I couldn't believe anyone even my reratives. They were obsessed with greed, and spread a spiteful rumor to neighborhood.　I was so exhausted and I felt sometimes hard to live against such people.　I wanted to be free, I didn't want to think anything, anymore...　I just needed rest and peace of mind.

　"After mourning period, one more time going to Seattle whrere I had homestayed in my youth for the first time in my life."
This was the only one emortional support to keep going on.

　Nobody knows about me without my host family in there, nobody blame nor hart me.　I didn't want to be here, in Japan where is in flurry of Japanese words.　That's so noizy and bothersome.　I just want to be alone for a while in Seattle.　I know I'm too selfish! But I couldn't change my mind.　

　After mourning period and everything had done, I went to Seattle where my second hometown.
At the moment I arrived at Seattle, I felt free and didn't need anything.　I had felt and thought that I needed a rest untill I arrived there.　But I didn't need it anymore.　I was filled with something.　To tell the truth, I had crossed my mind to try to finish my life in Seattle.　I wanted to die...　Now that I've given it some thought, I think it was so stupid of me to think that.　I sometimes thought where or how I would do...　Jump off? or jump into a traffic?　I had almost same feeling as a Millionaire who was acted by Matt Bomer in the the movie "IN TIME" utill I met Chris.　Nothing especially to do without ZUMBA exercise and meet my host family but just went look around, drink Starbucks Coffee.　 I decided to do everything what I want in Seattle.　And then, I would get my answer about myself, my life in the last day.

　When I went to see a movie at Pacific Place Center in such strange feelings and thinking.　I noticed that Chris was raising a donation on the other side of the corner.　It was the first encounter with Chris.

　All most all people passed by him without careing.
I had seen him twice or three times before and was same as they did untill the day.　Although I thought it was reality, I somehow could not ignore him.　His attitude was different from other people who were collecting money.　When I saw him picking money which he dropped, I felt I could not leave him.　I even thought to give everything to him as the Millionaire in the movie.　hahaha.

　It was raining, and so cold on the day, I bought and brought a cup of coffee and muffin to him with $1 donation.　After then, passing him without saying, I heard his shout on my back "WOW! It's a cup of Coffee!! Oh! Thank you!!"　I was a little bit happy but felt blash and sad because I had thought about my death.　But I still now remember his shout.

　I did not decide what to see yet, but decided to see "Chronicle" when I found a visual poster of it. Because all the location was in Seattle.

　"Chronicle" it means time line, the story of life (history), memory, and so on.
During the movie, the climax scene was resembeled my feeling in Japan and felt sad.　It was that headed down the path of destruction.　He was dead in the movie but eventually, he might be saved mentally by his friend.

　Well, I found him again after watched the movie.　He was still there waiting for me and he came to say "Thank you".　Having talked with him for a while, I felt somehow miserable or sad again. Because he was on the way to look for a job to Alaska and raised money enough to go there.　He needed a job to earn money to live and go, too.　But it was difficult to find a job for him, because he might be a migrant worker.　No place to sleep, no work.　He tried to go to a charch to find a job and place to sleep.　But he turned down by age limit.　It was under 25. and he was 28 at that time.　Therefore he had slept under a bridge every day.　Having heard his life, his dream, his promise with his little princess (doughter), I realised that I was so sutupid and going to loose my mind. 　He never gave up his life even if it seems full of pain in Ohio.　(I won't write down the details because of his privacy)
　I thought I could do something for him, but in fact he noteiced me that I was going to loose my mind and led me to the right direction and saved my life during the conversation. 　And then, I decided to help and support him in spirit of "Ichigo-ichie" during my staying in Seattle..

Ichigo-ichie
it is a Japanese spiritual expression, means once-in-a-lifetime encounter

to be continued...

The meaning of "Operation Tomodachi"

 As I wrote shortly in my previous post, I'm looking for an American guy named Chris from Ohio. He saved my life in Seattle when I traveled there from late Feb. to mid-Mar. 2012. (encounter with Chris page)  It is difficult and impossible to find him with only these information (all about Chris page).  I want to say thanks directly to him if it is possible to meet him again.  I wish to keep my promise, and hand a gift to him what I couldn't do for him.
That's all my wish.

　 Coincidentally, it was 11. Mar.  It was as same as the day of "Touhoku daishinsai" in a year ago.  The people all over the world have offered to help for Japan's tragedy since the day and prayed for Japan. I can't help anything for those people who supported us, but I want to do something for someone, for him as they did for us.

　I want to send it to him using one of the impressive Amercan strategy of their support, named "Operation Tomodachi"...　

Operation Tomodachi

　It's my pleasure if many people would visit my page and spread it to the world.  I wish this website would go around the world, and arrive to him someday. Please help to find him.  Now I'm searching for him on twitter.  If you feel something special or friendship, please follow me. And if you have any information about him, please let me know, and send me a message.  Thank you for your cooperation.

　To Chris,
Chris, How have you been?  Where are you now?
Have you already arrived at Alaska and got a job?  Or are you still in Seattle, and did you get a job at there??  I am wondering you have gone back to Ohio now.  Since the day you saved my life at Downtown in Seattle, many miracles has occured around me...
And one Serendipity・・・

from overkind, lover of starbucks coffee, Japanese friend

I've just begun to search for Chris on blogspot!

Thanks visiting my blog page. I appreciate you!

Operation Tomodachi

 I'm looking for this guy, names Chris who comes from Ohio. He saved me at downtown, Seattle Wa in March 2012.  I understand it is too difficult to find only one person in the world.  But I wanna get in touch with him.  He is now 28 or 29 years old. (He was 28 at the time)  I couldn't do anything nor sat thanks to him.  Now I've prepared a big surprise for him and you who found and made meet him.

 Does anyone know him or anyone have a friend of friends? He may be still in Seattle as a homeless or back to Ohio now.  I need your help. If you have any information about him, please let me know even though it is a little bit.  It is the most important matter in my life.  I intended to finish my life in Seattle once but my life has changed completely since I met him.  I may throw everything if it is possible to meet him again.  He is a respectful person and it is worth it what he did to me.  I suppose he doesn't think about it, but I really appreciate him.

 This is my whole story and the reason why I'm looking for him
He is a great person and as same as God for me.

http://seasons.flipdolphin.com/operation_tomodachi_en_text.html



And also I love Starbucks coffee and Seattle, Cats, too! I'll post about them and my favorite articles.

Thanks.

PS, I don't write and post in Japanese. Sorry.