Upon reflection, I recognized that although Japanese culture has been significantly shaped by China and the Japanese once celebrated the Lunar New Year in earlier times, following the Meiji Restoration, Japan sought to distance itself from Asia and align more with Europe. This shift led to the transition from the lunar calendar to the Gregorian calendar for the New Year.
As a result, in the eyes of the Chinese, Japan’s most significant and revered festival is actually New Year’s Day. Currently, the University of Tokyo appears to be on the eve of winter vacation, with students busily preparing for their uing exams.
While wandering around the University of Tokyo’s campus, Charlie couldn’t help but think of Nanako Ito, a student there.
It’s hard to believe that a girl who appears so delicate is not only a top schr at the University of Tokyo but also an aplished Sanda fighter.
Nanako Ito embodies a striking array of contradictions. As Charlie approached the library, he noticed a support poster for Nanako Ito on a nearby light pole.<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">
The poster features a photograph of Nanako Ito in her school uniform, her smile truly stands out. The message encourages fellow students at the University of Tokyo to support her participation in the Aurous Hill International College Sanda Competition.
She is evenbeled as “Japan’s No. 1,” “Pride of Japanese Women,” and “A Strong Contender for Olympic Gold Medals.”
Charlie shook his head as he read the poster. Suchbels reflect the high hopes her ssmates have for Nanako Ito, but they also impose a certain moral pressure on her.<fna1fa> Readplete version only at find?novel</fna1fa>
It’s as if they are constantly reminding her that she must win; otherwise, she would be letting down those strong expectations. Rather than this utilitarian approach, Charlie believes it would be more supportive to simply tell her: “Just do your best, and we will stand by you, win or lose.”
With these thoughts in mind, Charlie sighed, took out his phone, and snapped a picture of the poster as a keepsake. Noticing that it was getting quitete and dark, he made his way out of the University of Tokyo.
Once outside, he spotted a girl on the sidewalk, strumming a guitar and singing.
While many performers entertain on the streets of Japan, this girl was singing a Chinese song—Pu Shu’s “Ordinary Road.”
Her lyrics, “I have crossed the mountains and the sea, and also through the sea of people; everything I once possessed has suddenly vanished like smoke,” resonated deeply with Charlie, causing him to stop and listen.
This girl appeared to be around twenty years old—slight in build but undeniably pretty. She sang beautifully, yet many Japanese passersby seemed indifferent, likely because they did not understand her song.
The guitar case in front of her held only a small amount of Japanese yen—likely less than fifty dors in Chinese RMB.
From her pronunciation, Charlie guessed she might be Chinese. After her song concluded, he approached her and asked, “Are you Chinese?”
The girl nodded, her sweet smile brightening her face. “Yes, I’m from Sichuan Province. Are you also Chinese?”
Charlie replied, “I’m from Aurous Hill.”
Then, he inquired, “Are you working or studying in Japan?”
“I’m a student,” she said, pointing to the University of Tokyo nearby. “I study there and asionallye out to sing to earn some money for living expenses.”
Charlie nodded and, reaching into his wallet, pulled out approximately one hundred thousand yen, cing it in her guitar case.
The girl looked surprised and quickly waved her hand. “Sir, you don’t need to give me so much…”
Charlie smiled gently. “It’s a pleasure to meet a fellow countryman in a foreignnd.”
To avoid her returning the money, he turned and walked away.
At that moment, a group of young Japanese men approached the girl. One of them snatched her guitar and shouted, “Who told you to sing here? Does Bunkyo has the runaway group say hello? Why are you singing a Chinese song in Japan? Are you trying to get into trouble?!”