I learned to like cappucino in a little cafe just a few steps from Shibuya Gai. Not at a Tully’s or
the Starbucks. I can’t remember what it was called, but I could take you there. I have the impression
it was sort of French, and its windows looked out on the sidewalk. Cappucino in a China cup with
a saucer. Very nice. Another first in Tokyo.
RLTCB and me convened there to chat again before I left for California. A little dessert and some
coffee.Then we were off again, down the street and up another to a restaurant upstairs for lunch
and a bigger table to lounge around. No idea what we ordered, because I was much more interested
in talking and listening. All about music, food, and just stuff. We were talking about jazz when
I mentioned Diana Kraal...only I couldn’t remember her name! Anyway, I described her: blonde,
reserved, really pretty, a pianist and vocalist. We were stuck. No one could remember her name.
Jiro jumps up and races off behind me, towards where I had found the bathroom earlier.
We kept talking. Satoshi started taking a movie with one of his cameras. I was sitting beside Rieko,
so we played to the camera. I hid the top of my head to cut down on the glare. She taught me to say
something like “we really should be going now.” My many attempts are recorded. I have no idea
what I’m saying.
A phone rings. It’s Jiro! He ran out of the restaurant and across the street
to Tower and was now searching through the CDs. “Diana Kraal?”
Yes, a winner!
I’ve been carrying a bag with me, and I finally start handing
out gifts. I’d made a bunch of tapes for everyone, and there
were some books and CDs. My friends gave me a manieki
neko for luck and money, a CD with rare MP3s by Sakamoto
Ryuichi, and a sheet of stickers with my name in katakana.
But it’s late afternoon and time to go. Down the sidewalk
we amble, back towards the station. Rieko starts singing
a Beatles song. Of course, I know the lyrics. We ALL
know the lyrics and join in. One old American and
four younger Japanese, singing a Beatle song
together on the crowded streets of Shibuya.
A nice moment.