Hello from Daiki san , well , you would have noticed by my name I am Japanese , and the honorific , san , tells you I am a male , just a few things on how words work in Japan . Velentines Day in my country of birth , is for BOYS ! yes that's right girls , you give US chocolates , even for male friends , as it is also a sign of friendship , as well as for the one you love , or secretly love , but all is not lost girls ! March 14th is your day , it is called White Day , and WE return the compliment to everyone we received chocolate from , and even a few secret admirers that we have . So there you have it people , it sort of levels the playing field but can get a little expensive , but it does not mean you have to go all out with the gift as a small token chocolate is enough , it's the thought that counts and that you were thinking of them on this day , as the gift comes from the heart , even for the friends and office colleague gifts . Trying to keep this short was a little difficult , so if you want to know the full story you could always Google it . I put a small one on my neighbour across the road last night on her doorstep with a little unsigned card , she is 90 something , and is now using a walker , but she loves my new companion dog , and comes out when we wait to cross the road and head past her unit for her daily walk to give her a pat ( bless her ) I know it is an effort but she does it almost every day . So she will never guess where it came from , but it will give her a smile . My dog's name is Mayu , which means , " Youthful Gentleness "and she is a Japanese Akita , just like Hachi . For a good read , google him or Hachiko in full , and get the real movie ( not the American copy ) through You Tube , but get the tissues ready before watching it , This is a true story and he lived for a little over 12 years . I'm not saying anthing about the body of the story as I do not want to spoil it for those who watch it but it is well worth a look , the colour version is english dubbed , so you do not have to be a fast reader but it will give you an insight into a wonderful breed of dog , their spirit and dedication to their owner . Please enjoy Valentine's Day and girls - you never know , you may receive something on March 14th from someone .
BTW , I just received a small box from a little Lieutenant I was teaching Japanese language to , and me her touring guide in preparation for her visit to Japan whilst on leave . I served the both the Royal , and Australian Navies , about the Falklands time , and that's how I came to see some of Australia , and eventually came to live in the beautiful " south island " of Australia when I finished my tours .
Sincerly ,
Ishikawa Daiki
( we have to put our Family name first , " it's the law " in Japan )