Okura-san（Research Work）
2023 /Photograph
2023 /写真
My encounter with Mrs. Okura was quite fortuitous. You see, the very night I finished moving into this town, I lost my smartphone. I didn't realize I didn't have my phone until I woke up in my new place for the first time. Unfortunately, I had a very important appointment that morning. Panicking, I knew I had to contact the other party immediately to explain the situation and say I'd be late. I dashed down the apartment stairs and ran down unfamiliar streets. Without looking around, I approached the first person I saw and said, “Please lend me your phone.” The person who kindly agreed, not only lending me a phone but inviting me into their home, letting me use their PC under Wi-Fi, and offering tea and snacks, was “Mrs. Okura.” Since then, meaning even now, six months after my move, we've remained close friends. We call each other regularly, and sometimes we go together to a snack bar very close to both my place and Mrs. Okura's, where we sing and dance.
大蔵さんとの出会いは数奇なものだった。というのも、私はこの町に引っ越しを終えた夜、スマートフォンを失くした。携帯がないと気づいたのは、初めて新居で目を覚ましてからのことである。運悪く、その日は朝からとても大切な予定があった。とにかくこの状況を先方に伝え、遅れる旨を言わなければと焦る。アパートを駆け降りて見慣れぬ道路を走った。脇目も振らず視界に入った一人に「携帯を貸してください」と言う。快く引き受けてくれて、電話はおろか、家に招待してWi-F環境下でPC操作タイム・お茶・お菓子の提供をしてくれたのが、「大蔵さん」だったのだ。それ以降、つまり私が引っ越してから半年になる今もずっと親交がある。定期的に電話をし、時には私と大蔵さんの家にすぐ近いスナックに一緒に行って歌や踊りをする。