A/N: I didn't know I didn't post this yet - it should have been posted on New Year's Eve. I do have one more chapter ready to post, which I'll do later today after I take care of some errands. After chapter 51 is posted, I am going to try to get at least one chapter a week posted. I was hoping to get the draft version of this story completed by year end, but I still have a bit more to go. Once it's complete, posting might go up to twice a week, depending on my real life schedule and Milady Dragon's (I don't want to cut into her own writing and posting schedule after all). :)
明けましておめでとうございます! (Happy New Year's everyone! )
CHAPTER FIFTY
November 15, 2006
L-M Imperial Excellence Hotel
Hakata, Fukouka
Japan
Monday morning found Dee and Ryo having a talk with the managers after breakfast, which ended with the general manager profusely apologizing for his slight. Instead of making a bigger deal out of it, they accepted the manager's apologies and gave them a warning before joining the Bikky, Carol and Sakura, who waited in the lobby with Darin and Ryoko. They finished loading the van and headed to Hiroshima.
They checked into the hotel around 2 pm. Shortly after, they went over to Hiroshima Castle, which was a couple of blocks from the hotel's main entrance. Instead of going out for dinner, they went to the restaurant on the top floor of the hotel. It was a beautiful, upscale restaurant that had a wonderful view of the city below. Their suite was a couple of floors down from the restaurant and also had a nice view of the city. Dee had remarked that he was glad their suite faced Hiroshima Castle and not the other direction, and Ryo had to agree. Yes, they had come to Hiroshima mostly for some history for Bikky and Carol, not only Japan's, but America's as well and that included a visit to the Peace Memorial Museum and viewing the Atomic Dome, but that didn't mean Ryo wanted to see the Atomic Dome every time he looked out the windows. After dinner, they relaxed in the room, enjoying the time with Dee's grandmother. Near time for bed, Dee and Ryo decided to use the hotel's onsen while Sakura got ready for bed. Carol decided to also go to bed early, while surprisingly, Bikky asked if he could also go to the onsen. After making sure Bikky understood what that meant and agreed, they went off to the men's onsen with Bikky.
The next day they went to the Memorial Peace Museum after breakfast and walked around the surrounding park. They found a place that served Hiroshima style okonomiyaki before leaving Hiroshima. Being that they had already checked out of the hotel and loaded the van before going to the Memorial Peace Museum, they headed for Fukouka when they were done with the museum and its park. During the ride, Dee, Ryo and Sakura discussed with Bikky and Carol what they saw in the museum, especially the one section that recreated the night when the atomic bomb was dropped on the city. They encouraged Bikky and Carol to ask questions. The one thing about the museum was it was not all about pointing fingers at the U.S. The story was told from both sides, showing all faults in the war. The museum was there not only to honor those who died, but to promote peace worldwide. There were facts there that was not in the history books in America. Bikky and Carol decided that if there came an assignment that they could use their visit to Hiroshima, they were definitely going to pick it as their topic, using all the facts they had learned that day, along with photos and video. While in the park for the museum, Carol and Bikky did a very solemn video for Carol's channel.
Along the way to Fukouka, they made a stop at Iwakuni. Ryo drove the van over a bridge and then followed the road a short way to the parking area. Along the road to the parking, they were already passing some old-style buildings that had places to eat and to buy omiyage. After parking, they walked around the buildings closest to the parking area, before Ryo took them to a building where they caught a cable car to the top of the hill the village was at the base of. Ryo purchased tickets for the ropeway, the castle entrance and to go on the Kintai bridge later.
The ride up on the Iwakuni ropeway took almost 10 minutes, but it was a beautiful ride. The cable car that fit about 20 people took about 9 minutes to the top. Each car had four benches, with the rest standing room. For tourists, it was preferable to stand, especially if you had a spot near the windows and enjoy the view. Even Sakura chose to stand, even if there was a seat offered to her by a young man. She politely turned down the offer because she wanted to experience it all, especially since they were able to board first and get the front of the car. It was easy to get the entire ride from start to finish on video, and Ryo was not the only one taking video from their group. At the top of the hill they walked to Iwakuni Castle and the small surrounding park. Pictures were taken of the gorgeous panoramic views of the Nishiki River and the town, the Kintai Bridge and the town below and beyond. They also took time with the cameras away and just appreciate the beauty of the vast scene before them. Bikky tried to find the van because they were able to see part of a moat and a long park that Bikky remembered was by the ropeway station at the bottom of the hill.
The trail from the hilltop ropeway station to the castle was mostly unpaved until a wooden walkway on the final approach to the castle area. Ryo was glad Carol was in travelling clothes, which included wearing sneakers, because she never would have navigated the dirt and rocky path in the shoes she wore when dressed up. When they got off the ropeway at the top of the hill, Ryo set Bikky up to carry Darin in his sling. Having been there before, Ryo remembered the trail was not paved and on a bit of a slant going up the hill where the castle was located. On the way up, Ryo carried Ryoko in her sling while Dee had his grandmother's arm, making sure she didn't slip. On the way down, Dee had Darin and Bikky had Ryoko, while Ryo helped Sakura with the trail.
When they got off the ropeway, Ryo led them to the small moat they saw from the hilltop, where they crossed a stone bridge, and explored an area surrounded by the moat on three sides. The area had several shrines and a garden. The garden was named the Shiroyama Iris Garden. The group explored all the shrines and discovered one of them was a Carrier shrine. The garden wasn't in bloom, but the landscaping was still pretty and a nice backdrop to some family photos. They started walking along the path on the right and returned on the left path. Nishikigawa Sui Shrine was the last one, which was behind the ropeway station and Iwakuni Art Museum. They continued up the path behind Nishikawa Sui to the Shirayama Hime Shrine, which was up the hillside a little, making it another slow careful walk up and down.
The group bypassed the art museum and chose to walk through Kikko Park and then more shops until they reached the Kintai Bridge, the five arch bridge that they had seen from the one they crossed on the van. Ryo was the only one in their group who had been to Iwakuni before. He had been there a couple of times, once with his parents when he was a teen and again when he spent a week at the Iwakuni base on a training det and had always wanted to come back to the area. He decided when they were planning the trip from Hiroshima to Fukuoka that it was his chance to see it again and share it with his family. Sakura exclaimed that she was glad they made the stop. She had heard about the ropeway and the Kintai Bridge, but never had a chance to see them until that day. It was obvious she was enjoying their stop for a few hours to break up the long trip. She even called Saburo from the castle, and had Dee, Ryo, Bikky and Carol talk to him, telling them about their stop so far. Dee was sending photos to not only Mother, as usual, but to Saburo and Yoshio, Dafydd and Ayaka. Sakura still sent them, and a few other members of their family some of her photos. Ryo decided to join in on the fun and sent photos to Akira, his grandparents in New York, Tsubasa and Emiko. There were more cut-outs of samurai and women in kimono that they all took turns getting their pictures taken.
They did not walk all the way to the other side on the timber bridge, but they did go halfway along three of the five arches of the famous Kintai Bridge. They took their time on the bridge, stopping for photos and videos, and to simply enjoy the beauty of the bridge and their surroundings. Sakura made sure they stopped and just looked around and appreciated where they were. Photo taking was a must to remember for years to come, with and without family, but she felt it was important to put down the cameras and just "be in the moment". Especially in such idyllic, serene locations. Iwakuni was not a big city like Tokyo, Nagoya or Hiroshima. Iwakuni was the Japanese countryside. Many of the towns in the area were like this one with few buildings taller than three or four levels, especially away from the US base.
While they were on the Kintai Bridge, Bikky and Carol noticed beautiful Edo-style boats on the river and along the shore, so after they walked around under the bridge, they inquired about boat rides. They found one that was taking passengers that was not a fishing boat and hired it for a short ride along the Nishiki River. On the way back to the van, they stopped in a plaza near the Kintai Bridge just before Kikko Park. It was surrounded by many old traditional houses, many of them now restaurants, cafes or omiyage shops.
The group settled on a restaurant that served local Iwakuni food, which only Ryo had experienced before. It was new to everyone else, including Sakura. They shared orders of Iwakuni sushi, which was packed rice layers made in square wood boxes and then cut in rectangles, with various in season vegetables between each layer. Unlike Nigiri sushi, there was no fish topping. Just more vegetables, but there was an option to have prawn added to the slices of lotus root over the layer of simmered vegetables. Sakura and Dee had packed sushi before, but not in this particular way, and enjoyed it very much.
They also enjoyed Kawara Soba, fried green tea soba and thin stripes of beef, topped with strips of fried egg, shrimp, kizami nori, which is roasted shredded seaweed. What made the dish more interesting was instead of a plate, the noodle dish was served on a clay kawara tile, which was the type of tiles found on traditional Japanese roofs. They also had fugu, which when Bikky and Carol heard what it was, looked uncertain about trying it. Even Dee looked a little uncertain. Blowfish, which in Japanese is fugu, had a reputation of being poisonous, but Ryo assured them when prepared carefully is not. Sakura had it before but never in Iwakuni, backed Ryo's claim and ordered a couple of sashimi platters including fugu. She looked at her grandson, and told him with certainty that so far, she had seen him eat everything offered in sushi and love it, and he would do so with fugu. She also added that it was among the varied types of fish for sushi that will be at the party that Saturday night. However, it was always a plus to experience a food in its origin location, just like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Sakura was correct. Dee loved it, and after watching Dee's enjoyment, Bikky and Carol tried it and had more. They also enjoyed a couple of local vegetable dishes and fried chicken. When they left the restaurant, they did some shopping in some of the omiyage shops. On the way back to the car, everyone enjoyed a soft-serve ice cream cone from a shop that offered many flavors of soft-serve. Dee and Carol had ginger ice cream, Ryo and Sakura had green tea, while Bikky had melon.
In the van, as Dee took over driving to Hakata, Fukuoka, Sakura exclaimed that they all had to come back again sometime and bring more of the family for a few days. She felt there was still so much to see and do, including seeing other areas of Iwakuni they passed through and wanted to stay for a few days.
Three hours later, they arrived in Fukouka and checked into their hotel in the Hakata area close to dinner. Dee was ready to be their guide. The group was tired from all the walking in Iwakuni and the drive, but they were also hungry. At first Fukouka did not seem so impressive to Ryo. They didn't pass any older or Edo-period buildings. All Ryo saw were tall, new buildings. But going to this city was important to Dee, so Ryo put his faith in his husband showing them something fun and entertaining. Fukouka was on Kyushu, which was the southern island of Japan and they had to cross the Kanmonkyo Bridge to enter Kyushu. It was a beautiful drive from Iwakuni to Fukouka and Ryo was glad they took the drive. But when they had checked into the hotel the night before, he was still yet able to see the appeal that Dee found in the city.
Then Dee had them walking along Nakagawa Dori, along the Naka River toward Canal City. The main entrance of the hotel was on Nakagawa Dori and they left the hotel to look across the Naka River. They crossed the one lane Nakagawa Dori to a promenade that ran along the river's edge. It was not as wide or grand as the promenade of Dotonbori, but it served its purpose. It wasn't crowded but there were a lot of people walking along the promenade. A few chose the sidewalks on the side of the street with the buildings and businesses, but most of the people out that night choose the promenade path.
It was dark and while not as bright as the Dotonbori area in Osaka, on each side of the river were charming older buildings, some with LED signs for the restaurants and shops, and large digital screens with advertisements, clips of local news and the latest Oricon top 10. The lights reflected off the water. Dotonbori was dazzling with all the lights bouncing off the river, but this was serene. It was beautiful. The Naka River was wider than the canal of Dotonbori, so the lights from each side of the river did not clash. Less than a block away from the hotel, they passed an unusual footbridge going across the Naka River that had two round areas between the straight path, the round areas with benches and tables. Dee told them it was Fukuhaku-deai Bridge. To be fair, Dee did use the word bashi, but Bikky and Carol knew by then that bashi meant bridge. Ryo was pretty certain the day they met his grandmother at the transport business in Nihonbashi and then saw the bridge the area was named for, they understood what bashi meant. By the time they were Osaka, Ryo and Dee noticed Bikky also knew the kanji for hashi/bashi. Ryo's grandmother had explained to Bikky and Carol that bridge in Japanese was hashi, but when it was the name of a particular bridge, bashi was used.
The sound of someone playing a guitar mingled with the tones of a shamisen as musicians played their instruments on the bridge. From somewhere further across the bridge, someone was playing a taiko drum. People were sitting at the tables, eating while playing cards or talking. Some sat on benches, just enjoying the view from the middle of the river. Dee suggested if they felt like it, they could go on the bridge on the way back after they had dinner. He added that they would be crossing the bridge at some point the next day.
Ryo noticed across the bridge, a building that was illuminated in the otherwise near dark surrounding it. It didn't look Japanese. It looked very European in design. When Ryo had mentioned it, Dee explained that they would be walking past the building the next day and they could explore further, if they wanted. Dee's grandmother seemed to know exactly what it was and added it would be better to see it in the daylight, where they could fully appreciate the architecture of the building.
After walking slowly along the path for another two blocks, they came across a section that had more lights and a bit of a crowd. Ryo started to smile, suddenly remembering some photos Dee had shown him back from his days of visiting Hakata during college. The promenade was a little wider and there was a row of wooden portable stands set up, facing the river. They were food booths or, to be more precise, small, removable food shops along the river called yatai. Some of the yatai had thick clear plastic curtains surrounding the seats to keep the chill out while their customers sat and enjoyed their meals. All the yatai had six to eight seats along the counters, with the chefs on the other side preparing meals. Each booth seemed to have a specialty. Bikky exclaimed that it had to be the coolest food court he had seen, which made the adults laugh. Ryo remembered Dee telling him that whenever he was in Fukouka, no matter where they ate during the day, he would always come to this area for dinner or a late-night meal. Ryo was able to see the appeal. Sure, they had eaten at places that had outside seating, or bought something from a street vendor. What made the yatai unique was they were street vendors, but instead of just buying food and then having to find a place to eat it, there was a counter and seats at each yatai. Basically, it was a pop-up shop. But many of the yatai owners were there nightly for years, even decades. And some of the yatai offered more than just the regular street food selections.
They walked past all the various yatai to see what was offered and then started to decide on what to eat. The choice was easy when Sakura pointed out that the only two customers at one yatai looked like they were getting ready to leave. That would give enough room for everyone to sit down, instead of someone standing. They also decided to use the strollers that evening, and there would be room to tuck the strollers in too. Sakura, Carol and Bikky went inside the curtains and sat in the empty seats and as soon as the two customers left, Dee and Ryo came over with the strollers. The booth sold grilled skewers, including yakitori, and some beef, pork and vegetable skewers, along with pickled vegetables and rice. They had a wonderful meal. Sakura had ordered green tea with her meal, Bikky and Carol had melon soda and Dee and Ryo drank beer. Ryo thought it was delicious and wasn't expensive at all. After they walked away from the booth, when Bikky exclaimed they had to do that again before leaving Fukouka, not only did Dee's grandmother quickly agree but Ryo also had to voice his back-up. Dee laughed and said it would be nice, but they would see what the next day would bring.
Their return was sooner than expected, because they continued to walk further down a bit until they reached Seiryu Park, which was a small park where the Naka and Hakata Rivers met. The Hakata River was narrower than the Naka River, about as wide as Dotonbori. Across the Hakata River from the park was Canal City, a large colorful shopping mall with unusual architecture. Bikky asked if that was where Ramen Stadium was, and both Dee and his grandmother confirmed. Then on the walk back up along the Naka River to go back to the hotel, Bikky noticed a yatai selling ramen that had only one man eating and asked if they could stop for ramen. Being that Ramen Stadium had ramen shops from all over Japan, Dee decided that Bikky should experience Hakata tonkotsu ramen at one of Hakata's unique places to get local food. They all had medium bowls of tonkotsu ramen before going back to the hotel for the night.
It was now early the next morning, and they were planning to walk around Hakata in the morning and then go over to Canal City to see the mall and have lunch at the Ramen Stadium in the top floor of the mall. They were then hoping to stop along the walk back to the hotel for another meal at another one of the yatai set up along with Naka River.
Ryo was on the couch in the living room of their suite, drinking coffee as he waited for Dee to take his shower. When they woke up that morning, they found Sakura had already fed, washed and dressed Darin and Ryoko. Dee allowed Ryo to take the first shower while he sat with his grandmother and the infants. Carol was already dressed too, and Bikky woke up while Ryo was in the shower. He managed to rush into the shower before Dee. His son dressed quickly and then Sakura said that she was going with Bikky and Carol to get some pan to go with their coffee.
Ryo's cell phone started to ring, and he saw on caller ID that it was his Aunt Elena. With a smile, he answered the call, "I hope you're not mad at me for not calling yet."
Elena gave a wicked laugh. "You mean after letting my parents tell me you found Dee's family in Japan and that Dee was also a big pop idol over there during his college days? Not to mention just touching base on all the amazing things you are doing there. No, I'm not mad."
"Fine, you're mad," Ryo quipped with a smirk.
"And I really do want to hear all about everything. I guess I'm lucky that you at least sent pictures with some comments on what is going on," Elena said. "But the best thing you sent me was the link to Carol's YouTube channel. I think most of my curiosity is satisfied watching her videos from Japan."
"I don't know when Bikky finds the time to edit the videos they've been posting while we're on the road," Ryo said. "Dee and I got our own channel, but it's set on private for now while we load videos to share with family and friends. We hope to have something to share by the time we get back to Tokyo. There are also a lot more videos for Carol's channel that they didn't upload yet. Again, when we get back to Tokyo, Bikky hopes to have some time to edit them and upload. And thanks to Dee's fathers and grandmother, he doesn't have to wait to borrow Dee's laptop. While shopping in Namba the other day, they bought him an obnoxiously expensive laptop, but what we learned about Bikky on this trip, it's going to be in good use."
Elena laughed. "That's great to hear."
"Dee's dads also bought us all new Japanese cameras with amazing video features too. The video quality is much better than on the camcorder and it will take quicker to download onto a computer," Ryo added.
"So, I'm guessing you're all getting spoiled by not just your family in Japan, but Dee's."
"Oh yeah. It seems like it."
"The videos are great, but I still would love to talk to you, Dee and Bikky about your adventures. I especially want to hear from Dee about his family."
"We have a little time before we head out for the day once Dee gets out of the shower," Ryo said.
"As much as that sounds wonderful, that's not the reason for this call. There's something I need to show you, and I'll leave it up to you if Dee should know."
"That sounds ominous," Ryo remarked. "Is Grandfather having any trouble getting the Christmas gift I want to give Dee?"
"I don't think so," Elena said. "My father said he is going next week to have a look around. I know he'll call you when he sees something or if he can't find what you want. It's just that I'm here at my parents' apartment in the city. My parents are here too, because Father has meetings with Barry and the lawyers, along with a lot of other stuff that you and Dee got him involved with. I'm in the city to cover the rallies held by the ACC and Pro-Carriers."
"I hear there's been some minor rioting around the city as a result," Ryo commented. Monday night they were not able to make the conference call, but they made time to speak to Rose Tuesday morning for an update on the rallies. "Mostly caused by fires started by some idiots who want to get both sides in more of an uproar."
"And it worked, but yes, I hear the police has the fools in custody now. Anyway, I was going through some of my photos to add to the documentary, and after seeing the photos you sent me, I came across something very interesting. I'm sending you a picture now."
"Interesting? Okay. And you want me to look at it and decide if Dee should see it?" Ryo asked, getting up and walking over to the sliding doors to the balcony looking over the Naka River. He closed the door behind him. His phone beeped, letting him know he received a text message.
"Just look at the photo I just sent you," Elena said.
Ryo put the call on speaker and looked at his text messages. He opened the text from his aunt to find a photo from the signing of the new Carrier Protection Bill at City Hall. In the photo, he saw Dee speaking, and the photo was taken from near the back of the crowd. "Okay, I'm looking. Anything in particular I'm looking at other than Dee looking great up there?"
"Look at the crowd, Ryo," Elena said.
"Fine. Okay, I'm looking at the crowd and…. Oh shit!" he exclaimed.
"That's exactly what I thought. Is that who I'm thinking that is? I know I'm not one of those who thinks all Japanese look alike."
"That is who you think it is," Ryo growled. "He's a worse son of a bitch than I thought he is. What the hell game is he playing?"
"I don't know, but if Ryoichi Fujioka was at the ceremony, I would think he would have noticed that Dee looked like Dafydd," Elena said.
"Exactly what I'm thinking. What I don't know is why is he there in the first place. Or why he never mentioned it to the rest of the family. Dammit! There're just too many questions. And yeah, Dee does need to know. Then he can decide if he should tell his grandmother, who is with us. She went out with Bikky and Carol to bring back some fresh pan."
"Japanese bread with all those yummy toppings. It's been a while since I had some, even from Mitsuwa," Elena said.
"Mitsuwa is really good but getting it from local shops in Japan is the best," Ryo said.
"I'll bet. I didn't want to toss a spanner in your vacation, but once I saw that photo…."
"I understand. I'm glad you did. Dee will thank you, too. It's not like Dee's grandfather is on the top of Dee's favorite people list. I don't think he even makes the list," Ryo assured his aunt. "And everyone else he had met from his family so far are on that list. Mine too. They are a wonderful family, except for Dee's grandfather." Ryo looked into the lounge area of their suite and noticed Dee walking across the room, in his yukata, holding a cup of coffee. "Dee's out of the shower now. I better talk to him before his grandmother gets back."
"Good luck. If you need anything else, just shout."
"Do you think you have more photos with him in it?"
"I'm sure I do. Maybe even video footage. Do you want me to send what I find?"
"Yes, please. Send this one and others to my email please."
"Will do. Ryo, I know this is something serious, but please, make sure that man does not ruin the rest of your vacation."
"Oh, hell no he won't," Ryo exclaimed. "I'll make sure of that definitely. And remind Dee."
"Good. I'll talk to you soon, love. Bye."
"Goodbye Aunt Elena," Ryo said as the patio door opened.
"Hey," Dee greeted as Ryo hung up the call. "Nice view from here, huh?"
"Yes, really nice. You were right about Fukouka. I know I wasn't sure when we first got here last night. But once we started walking, I realize why you like it so much. I'm looking forward to seeing more of the city today."
"Who were you talking to?" Dee asked.
"Aunt Elena. She's miffed that she hasn't gotten more details about our trip. Basically, she expected us to have called her already."
"What surprises me is that she didn't call us last week after we spoke to your grandparents," Dee said with a laugh. "Emiko certainly didn't waste time."
"No, she didn't," Ryo agreed with a laugh. "Hey Dee, Elena came across something that she wanted to show me." He leaned over to kiss Dee lightly. "I'm going to get some coffee and top off your cup too. And then we're going to have a little talk."
"Okay?" Dee said as a question, looking confused.
"You'll see soon enough. I'll be back in a moment." He kissed Dee again as he took the near empty coffee cup out of Dee's hand.
Five minutes later, they were sitting on the terrace. He also had their laptop as well as coffee. Ryo thought it best they stay out there in case Sakura returned with Bikky and Carol.
"So, what did Elena show you?" Dee asked as Ryo looked at his email.
Ryo noticed there were a couple of emails from his aunt. "I think this is going to piss you off. I know it's pissing me off, but I'm glad my aunt bought it to my attention."
"What is it?" Dee asked.
"It's about your grandfather," Ryo said and turned the laptop so Dee could see it.
On the screen was a photo much like the one Elena sent as a text, but Ryoichi's face was clearer on it.
"What the fuck?" Dee exclaimed, setting his coffee cup down on the small table. "He was at City Hall?"
"Obviously," Ryo remarked blandly. "To be honest, I have a million questions now. And I can't help feeling protective of your father, brother and grandmother. This is saying to me that he knew you were alive and never mentioned it to those in your family who would have loved to know that."
Dee gestured toward the laptop's screen and after letting out a disgusted sound, roughly said, "He acted like he didn't know when we went to the shrine."
Ryo looked at Dee and noticed his eyes were glistening with unshed tears. "Are you okay, Dee?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." Dee's voice was still rough. "Just keep me away from that bastard or he won't be. I hate him!" Dee's eyes fixed on the photo. "Do you have more?" he asked. "And I'm guessing that Elena was going through her photos for the documentary and after seeing the photos we sent from Nagoya, she realized he was in the pictures."
"Exactly," Ryo said. "Yeah, she sent more."
"I want to see them."
Together Ryo and Dee looked through the photos. There was also a video clip. In the video, Dee made his closing statement, and everyone started to applaud, including Ryoichi. As Dee left the stage, people started to rush over to greet him. Many people that day had come over to Dee even just to shake his hand and say he was making a difference. In the video, Ryoichi started to follow the people but suddenly stopped and covered his face. When he removed his hand, the anguish was obvious.
"He was going to go up to you," Ryo stated, "but didn't for some reason."
"Hmm," came from Dee.
"He looks pretty upset about it. Dee, I'm not giving him a free pass for keeping this from the rest of your family, but I have to admit that he looked damn proud as he watched you. And pretty torn up over whatever reason that stopped him from going to you."
"He could have," Dee said. "I didn't know he was my grandfather. I would have just thought that he was another Japanese-American New Yorker coming up to me." He shrugged. "Maybe you or one of the others might have teased me about having a Japanese relative, but hell, you teased me about Gackt. And as much as Gackt looks like me and Dafydd, he's not a relative. I wouldn't have suspected anything." Then in a lower voice, he added, "Unless he said something."
Ryo slipped his arm around Dee's shoulders and pulled him close. "I'm sorry, but I did think you deserved to know. If I'm wrong, I'm really sorry."
Dee rested his head against Ryo's for a moment. "I'm glad you did. It's fine. It just proves that he's more of a bastard than I thought."
"My feelings exactly."
"I understand why you wanted us away from where my grandmother could walk in on us, but…." He let out a heavy sigh. "She needs to know. I mean, that's her husband and he skipped off to see their grandson without telling her? The grandson she thought was dead? That doesn't seem right to me."
"He could have just been in New York and heard about it," Ryo suggested. "Or since he does keep tabs on Carrier Rights outside of Japan, heard about it and wanted to see it for himself." Ryo shrugged. "I don't know if he knew his grandson was going to be one of the speakers or not. It still doesn't explain why he didn't tell your grandmother, at the least."
Dee moved his head so he could look Ryo in his eyes. "I hope to God that we never experience what my family had with me, to lose a child. We almost did, and I still remember how that feels. I can only imagine what they went through. But if we were in that situation that my grandfather was in, even if he just happened to have stumbled upon the ceremony, I would never have been able to keep it from you."
Ryo gave Dee a gentle smile. Dee's eyes were red and wet now. "I know. I could never keep something like that from you either. It's together in everything for us."
Dee nodded and finally smiled. "Yes. Together in everything." He rested his forehead against Ryo's and sighed happily. "I love you so much, Ryo."
"You know I love you more than anything," Ryo replied.
They went to kiss when the patio door opened. They looked up to find Bikky standing there. "Sorry for breaking up the perv moment, but Oba is making tea for herself and we have pan! Lots of yummy pan." His smile started to fade when he noticed Dee. "Dad, what's wrong?"
Dee shook his head. "I'm okay, Biks. Your Pops made sure of it. But we're going to have to talk to my grandmother before we leave."
"Some adult stuff?" Bikky asked.
Ryo nodded and then shook his head. "Not really, but Sakura-san should know first. We'll tell you later. Okay?"
"Sure," Bikky remarked. "Do you want me to get her?"
"Let her enjoy her tea and some pan first," Dee said, starting to stand up. "Because fuck if I let that son of a bitch get in the way of us enjoying this trip!"
"What did Grumps do now?" Bikky asked.
Dee and Ryo looked at Bikky. "Grumps?" Ryo asked.
"Grumpy grandfather," Dee commented. "Grumps!" He started to laugh and went over to hug Bikky. "You'll find out, but thanks for that, Biks. What would I do without you or Ryo?"
Ryo laughed when Bikky made a face as Dee kissed the top of his head. Bikky had endured a lot of that from Dee's fathers and grandmother since they arrived in Nagoya without comment or faces and Ryo commended him for it.
"Let's go eat, then get the unpleasantness out of the way so your Dad can take us on a tour of Fukuoka," Ryo said. He closed the laptop while Dee grabbed both coffee cups. Together the three entered the lounge to find Sakura setting a tray with the tea pot the hotel provided in the room, and a plastic platter filled with various types of pan.
"That looks great, Obāsan," Dee said, going over to kiss his grandmother's cheek. "I hope Bikky and Carol didn't make you buy much more than you intended."
Sakura smiled at Dee. "I see how you all eat," she replied. "Very much like a Fujioka." Looking at Ryo and Bikky, she added, "that includes by marriage and adoption." She laughed. "You're all Fujioka, no matter what last name you go by."
"Japanese food is just so amazing, Oba!" Bikky exclaimed.
"That makes me happy to hear. Add in that you are a growing teenage boy, I will gladly buy all the food you want if it makes you happy." She smiled at Bikky.
"I'm guessing you three had a fun adventure," Ryo commented as Dee looked at the platter.
"Including the 100-yen store, I can see," Dee added with amusement.
Carol laughed. "Yes. Sakura-san noticed we didn't have platters in the suite and didn't want us picking out of a plastic bag, so we stopped at Can-Do."
"It was only a couple of stores away from the pan shop," Sakura said, sitting down and pouring her tea. "Carol, would you like some tea, too?"
"Yes please, Sakura-san," Carol said, sitting down at the table.
"I'm going to get some coffee," Bikky said. "Save some for me."
"Better hurry, Champ," Dee remarked as he sat down next to his grandmother, setting his coffee cup on the table and started to reach for a bread with cheese and vegetables.
After they were done with their breakfast, Bikky and Carol went to their rooms to get ready for the day. Sakura looked at Dee and said, "Daisuke, can you tell me what's bothering you now? You do look much better than when we got back, but I can tell something is still bothering you."
Dee let out a heavy sigh. "Ryo and I found out something a bit unsettling. I'm hoping I'm right in telling you this."
Sakura reached out and cupped Dee's cheek. "If you're afraid that you can make me hate you, get it out of your mind, Dee Lane Laytner-MacLean."
"Oh oh, Daisuke. Full name from your grandmother. You know what that means," Ryo remarked and grinned at Sakura. "I'll start, if it makes it easier on Dee."
"Boy, I have to admit hearing that coming from you is much more powerful than from my mother," Dee said to Sakura with a smile. "Daisuke Fujioka would have been bad enough from you. Or even Daisuke Laytner-MacLean." He hugged his grandmother. "About what's bothering me, maybe it's best Ryo starts because he's the one who found out first and told me."
Sakura laughed and smiled at Dee. "Now I know exactly how to let you know that I'm serious, Daisuke. Your mother was correct."
"You're telling me," Dee commented and rolled his eyes, making her laugh more.
Sakura turned to Ryo, looking serious. "Please do tell me what is not sitting well with the two of you."
"I got a call from my Aunt Elena while you were out. Today she was working on her documentary on the Carrier issue in America. I think she also wants to go to other countries like the UK and compare attitudes. She's hoping to do good for Carriers with it. Anyway, she was going over the photos and video the day the mayor of New York signed new laws for Carrier Protection. This was just before we left for Japan. Dee was invited to give a speech since he's become the poster boy of Carrier Rights in New York. My aunt not only focused on the ceremony and speeches, but on the crowd, who came to watch it, their reactions." Ryo looked at Dee.
"The full story, I would say," Sakura stated with a nod of approval.
"Exactly," Ryo said with a smile. "My aunt and uncle are very thorough to get the emotions they hope from their photo stories."
"We sent Ryo's aunt and uncle some photos from Nagoya. Me, you, grandfather, my fathers, Dafydd… you get the idea. Our families back home wanted to see pictures of my family." He smiled at his grandmother for a moment, before losing it. "This time as Elena went through her photos, she recognized someone in the crowd watching the ceremony."
Ryo had picked up the laptop while Dee spoke and logged back in. The photo was still up, and he turned the laptop around so Sakura could see it.
Dee pointed to a place on the photo. "Does he look familiar, Obāsan?"
Sakura clenched her hands into the lapels of the stylish designer blouse she wore as she stared at the photo in shock. She shook her head in disbelief as Dee moved closer to his grandmother to hug her. "I'm sorry, Obāsan. I wish I wasn't the one showing you this."
"Well, he certainly was not going to tell me," Sakura exclaimed, anger evident in her voice. "Forgive me, Daisuke. I cannot help but feel mad, but it is not at you. This is not your fault. It is your grandfather's, and you were right in showing me." She stood up, clenching her fists. "What was my husband thinking?" she asked, more to herself and not expecting answers.
Dee looked at Ryo and shrugged. "I don't know," he answered anyway. "Maybe he was in New York and heard about it and decided to look in? I mean, Dafydd told me that he is interested in how Carriers are treated outside of Japan." He looked at Ryo again and made a face conveying he really didn't believe it but only said it to make his grandmother feel better.
"Oh no! Don't do that, Daisuke. Don't give him excuses. He'll most probably come up with enough on his own. I do remember around the time my husband suddenly left on a business trip. He said it was an emergency issue that he had to handle." She finally turned to face Dee and Ryo. "I'm sure he already knew about you and decided to go and…." She waved her hands in a helpless motion. "It wasn't to go up to you and introduce himself as your grandfather, so I don't know why he went."
"I think the video clip my aunt also sent might answer some of that," Ryo said, "but I still have a whole lot of questions."
"Me and you both, Ryo," Sakura said. "And Daisuke too, if I'm reading him correctly."
"Yeah, me too, Obāsan," Dee remarked. "Obāsan, if you want to call him, I can't stop you, but I need to ask you something that might be difficult."
Sakura studied Dee and nodded. "What is that?" she asked.
"Please don't let it ruin the rest of our trip. Don't let him ruin our time together. We'll be back in Nagoya the day after tomorrow."
"I thought that's what you were going to say," Sakura stated. "And I agree with you. I am not going to allow him to ruin my time with you and your wonderful family. Friday night, when we are back in Nagoya, we will talk to Dafydd and Saburo. They deserve to know too. Our whole family deserves, but your father and twin should be the first to know of this. We will mention it Friday. Do not mention it when they call. It is best to tell them in person."
Dee went over to his grandmother and hugged her. "You are right. They deserve to be told this in person."
Sakura hugged him back. Smiling up, she said, "I am going to freshen up now, and then I believe you are going to show us around Hakata. I know Bikky is looking forward to going to the Ramen Stadium."
"I'm so glad I finally got to meet you and have you in my life," Dee said, his voice full of emotion. "I'm glad you're in our family."
"Even if I come with baggage?" she asked slyly.
Dee nodded. "Yes, even if you come with him." He took his grandmother's hands in his. "Obāsan, I hope he has a good reason for what he did, but I have to admit, I can't see it. I ran every scenario in my head if I was him, and none of them would make me keep something like that from Ryo if I was in his place." With a gentle smile, he shrugged and added, "But then, I hope I'm not as complicated as my grandfather."
Sakura smiled at Dee as she patted his hand. "I believe everyone is complicated. So, yes, you are complicated. Just as your husband is," she commented after hearing Ryo let out a little snort. She gave Ryo a short, amused look before her attention went back on her grandson. "Are you complicated in the ways that your grandfather is? I think not. I doubt even his twin is complicated in the same ways as your grandfather."
She stood up and smiled at Dee. "Enough about your grandfather. I am going to get the akachans ready for our outing today, and then we are going to have a wonderful day in Hakata. You and Ryo better start getting dressed to go out."
"Yes, Obāsan," Dee said. "Exactly. We're going to have fun today and damn the grandfather."
Sakura gave Dee a mild glare. "I should be reprimanding you for that, but unfortunately that is how I'm feeling right now. You are also lucky that I am used to Dafydd's moments of using terms he learned in New York." She smiled at him. "My husband be damned; we're having a great day today."
Dee hugged her as they laughed. When they pulled apart, they realized Ryo had left the room.
"Before I forget," Sakura said, "I spoke to my grandson who lives here and he and his wife would love to meet us to have lunch, if that's okay with you. Ken is Keiko's son. You met Keiko and her husband Masashi at the party."
"Yeah, they came on the boat from Ise," Dee remembered. He smiled at her. "It's more than okay. I would love to meet them, and I know Ryo would too."
"And now you better get a move on, Daisuke. It looks like your husband is already getting ready."
"Bikky and Carol should be ready, so if you need help with the twins, give them a call," Dee said.
"I think I can handle them just fine, however I am always up to spending quality time with my great-grandson too," Sakura stated.
"Great. I'll let him know that we're done with the serious discussion and it's okay to join you." Dee smiled at his grandmother and left the lounge.
The morning was spent walking around the Hakata area. Sakura had been there before, but she got a thrill allowing her grandson to lead them around the city. Her grandson who was taken from them and raised in New York City, yet he was no stranger to Japan. He had only been to Fukouka a few times, but during those times, he explored and discovered enough about the city to expertly take them to not only his favorite places, but to places of interest for Bikky and Carol to experience more of the local culture.
Daisuke had family in Kumamoto and Oita, and she had hoped that at least some of them could have made it to Fukouka while there were there. Unfortunately, none of them were able to make it that day. They did send Tomoko confirmations that they would be at the party that upcoming Saturday. Tomoko had told Sakura when she called her granddaughter while they were driving to Fukouka. Tomoko also had told Daisuke when she had called for a short talk with her new brother.
Sakura had noticed that Dafydd and Ayaka called Daisuke every day. Ayaka's calls sometimes were just a few minutes before having to get back to work, but that was her way with everyone. She just liked to keep in touch with her family through phone call or text message, even if for a couple of minutes. However, Sakura could not remember Dafydd making daily calls to anyone other than checking in on his wife and children. Of course, Dafydd saw his father and stepfather almost every day, so calling was only when necessary. Dafydd would call her every 3 or 4 days, if he didn't see her for that long.
Sakura knew Dafydd and Daisuke had talked every day since Sunday night, but they were twins. Twins that were recently reunited after being apart almost all their lives, and now were not together as they had been for the first couple of weeks since meeting. She could not blame them.
She did speak to her grandson, Ken, who lived in Fukouka, and he agreed that he would meet them at Ramen Stadium for lunch with his wife, Eri. Daisuke had met his mother, Keiko and her husband, Masashi at the dinner at the Park. They were among the family who came in from Ise.
Daisuke led them across Fukuhaku-deai bashi to a small park where they were able to get a better look at the stately looking building that was in the French Renaissance style. The sign at the end of the bridge displayed in Japanese and English said they were in Tenjin Central Park. On the other side of the park was a street and then a bridge that crossed another small river where Sakura knew was also Tenjin Central Park.
Upon seeing the sign, Bikky exclaimed, "Boy, there's a lot of Central Parks in Japan!" and started to laugh.
"Yeah, but this one looks much smaller than any of the others," Ryo remarked amused.
"In Japanese, it is Tenjin Chou Koen," Sakura stated.
"That's naka or chou," Bikky stated. "It means center. So does naka with that other kanji means central?"
"Yes," Sakura replied pleased, flashing a smile at Daisuke and Ryo. The two men also looked pleased.
Ryo pointed to the last two kanji on the sign. "Do you know what that is?" he asked Bikky.
"I'm sure he remembers from when my grandmother said the name of the park," Dee remarked.
"Behave, Daisuke," Sakura warned and laughed a little when her grandson put his hands up in the surrender position.
Bikky looked at Daisuke with a knowing look. "I do know how to read koen, Dad and know it means park."
"Okay, okay, you win," Daisuke said to his son. "So that means you know what? Twenty kanji now?"
Bikky made a face at Daisuke. "I know more than that. Maybe about 50."
"I think 50 is a good number," Sakura said, realizing Bikky and Daisuke were about to go into one of their verbal sparring matches. Ryo had explained that it was just a thing between them, and at least for the last few years, there was affection in the sparring, even if it didn't seem like it to others.
Daisuke started to laugh. "Hell, 20 is pretty good without trying. Maybe we can get you up to 100 before you start taking Japanese at school."
"I want to know more," Bikky said. "I mean there are a lot that I see all around here, and someone tells me what it means." He shrugged. "I don't mind learning while we're doing things, but we're on vacation, so I don't want to really study."
"That's fine, Bikky," Ryo said with a smile. "We understand. No one wants to study on vacation. At least you have not only me and your dad, but others from both of our families willing to help you when you start studying."
"We are proud of you, Bikky. More than just enjoying our time here, you are actually picking up a lot more than we thought. And that's great, especially if you want to learn Japanese," Daisuke said with a smile.
"I do want to learn," Bikky said. "Carol does, too."
Carol nodded her head. "I'm also picking up a lot. Bikky and I compare what we pick up."
"That's great," Sakura said. "As long as this is something you want, then that makes me happy."
The building in the park was once a Prefectural Guest House, but now was open for tourists and also available for events. Ken and his wife, who was from Fukouka, had looked into renting out the building for their wedding. Unfortunately, Ryoichi had put down his foot, insisting the wedding was in Nagoya. It did not have to be at The Park, as long as it was anywhere in Nagoya, even if Keiko and Masashi, Ken's parents, did not care where their son got married. Ken and Eriko ended up getting married at The Park, but Sakura had sided with her daughter and grandson when they insisted that the Fujiokas paid for transportation and lodging for Eriko's family, since she came from a working-class family. Eriko was working at the JR Travel Center at Hakata Station, and Ken had noticed her during his monthly trips to Nagoya for a weekend. He was going to university in Fukouka and did not have plans to live there after he graduated until he met his future wife. After the 3rd time he saw her, upon his return to Fukouka, he showed up at the Travel Center on a short day from school to ask her to lunch in the station. Eriko still worked at the Travel Center, enjoying her job because she had the opportunity to meet many people, Japanese and foreign travelers, and help them further appreciate Japan in general and Fukouka.
It was not necessary to go inside, but they did take photos of the building, the park and the buildings across the Naka River. They continued out of the park and across a street toward the bridge across the Yakuin Shingawa where they were in an area still called Tenjin Central Park. They explored the odd building that they had noticed from walking along the Naka River and by the former guest house. Carol had mentioned something about a terraced hill peeking out from behind another building with unique architecture that Bikky commented reminded him of one of the futuristic 3D buildings Daisuke had on their computer. Ryo had showed interest in a closer inspection, but even he did not know what exactly it was, since this was also his first time in Fukouka. Sakura shared knowing looks with her grandson because it was obvious Daisuke knew exactly what it was.
Had they approached the building from Meiji Dori, which was the other street their hotel was off, it would have looked just like a 14-story steel and glass office building in Japan. There were a few floors in the middle of the building where the front was recessed from the rest of the building, giving the appearance of a rectangle alcove in the center. However, they came in from the back of the building. In the back the building was built like steps for each floor and landscaped with lush green vegetation and trees. It did look like a lush green hill in the middle of a city.
Bikky and Carol were quick to say yes to going on the Step Garden path. Daisuke and Ryo looked less enthusiastic, especially since they had Darin and Ryoko in strollers. There was plenty of walking planned for the day, so it was decided it was best to bring strollers for once but made sure to also have the slings too. Bikky and Carol offered to handle the strollers, while Daisuke and Ryo got Darin and Ryoko in their slings.
On the 5th floor, Daisuke and Ryo decided they had enough climbing. The group took photos from where they rested and then went back down. They walked through the park and crossed over a short bridge back over the river, which was even more narrow than where they originally crossed. The street they were on merged into Kokutai Road. They went one block toward the Naka River, and then made a left, where they walked around a little where Daisuke pointed out another unusual and colorful building. Ryo recognized it from the pictures Daisuke had from his previous trips to Fukouka.
They went back to Kokutai Road, where they continued toward the Naka River. There were plenty of interesting buildings to hold Bikky's and Carol's interest. As they crossed the bridge over the Naka River, they stopped to look around and take photos. Carol noticed the giant inflated cute teddy bear. They saw it the night before, but it was dark, and they were able to see it better in daylight. They allowed Carol to do a video from the bridge, including the cute inflated animal.
Once they crossed the bridge, Daisuke had them turn right, continuing on Nakagawa Dori toward Canal City. They explored the large mall and stopped for a water show. There was a small canal running through the middle of the mall, and along the canal were fountain spouts and lights. It was a pretty sight normally, but every half hour there was a water and light show. There were different shows that were rotated, and a couple were added in the night that included images displayed on the wall of the side of the mall where the Hyatt Hotel was located. There was even a recently added holiday show in the evening rotation. Sakura suggested they head back to the mall at night before finding a yatai or two to have dinner that night. The night shows that Sakura explained were new to Daisuke too, who had been to Canal City before, but the water show was nothing like they had now, and it was decided they would be back later.
Ken and Eriko met them at the main viewing area on the first floor just before another show started. Sakura did the introductions, and they decided to watch the next water show before heading up to Ramen Stadium. It was not like a food court where they were able to get their food from one of the many ramen shops located on the floor and then find a table in the middle of the area. Food was ordered by one of the many ticket machines found at small restaurants and shops around Japan, and then you went inside and found a table to sit. Someone comes by and takes the ticket and then when ready, food and drinks are bought to the table where the food was eaten. Some of the places had complimentary green tea for customers instead of ordering it.
In the center and along the hall from the escalator were chōchin – bamboo framed paper lanterns with writing advertising various ramen shops, including some old ones, and a couple of displays of older ramen yatai. It was a festive setting and Carol decided she had to do a video there. Ken and Eriko happily agreed to join Carol and Daisuke in the video.
Sakura took over the video as a debate went on to decide which ramen shop they would go to. Daisuke and Ken were of the opinion that since tonkotsu ramen was originated in Fukouka, then that's what the family should have. Ryo thought they had a good point and was willing to agree to it. Bikky wanted to try all the different type of ramen there was while in Japan because they had Hakata ramen the night before. Carol was looking at what else was included other than ramen noodles and broth. Ryo pointed out that there were many ramen shops in Tokyo and Yokohama that sold ramen from all over Japan, so they should focus on ramen that Fukouka and Hakata were famous for. Daisuke also mentioned that they were going to the Ramen Museum in Yokohama when they got back to Tokyo and added that his friend Yuki would most likely be able to make any type of ramen they were not able to have yet.
Deciding on local ramen meant eliminating only three of the eight shops. One of the Fukouka ramen was quickly voted out because of the tomato-based broth. It just did not seem appetizing to the family from New York. Sakura noticed that they did tend to steer away from Japanese food that included tomato most of the time. The exceptions were some of the food that included ketchup, like omurisu. Sakura also learned that when making Japanese curry using the roux bars at home in New York, both Daisuke and Ryo tended to add a little ketchup in the curry. That was not a practice in many of the curry shops in Japan, but it was popular in home kitchens when curry was made for dinner. Ryo's mother had made it that way, and that's how Ryo learned. Daisuke's childhood friends' mother also made it that way, and later during his college days, Yuki also added it, so it became Daisuke's way too. Sakura, Eriko and Ken had all had the tomato-based broth ramen before, but Ken was not crazy about it.
Sakura had to remind everyone that both Ken and Eri were on lunch and needed to get back to work and they had to make a decision soon. Ryo repeated what Bikky said, that they already had Hakata tonkotsu ramen the night before, but unlike his son, he suggested they should choose the Kurume ramen. Eriko backed Ryo up stating that Kurume is a city in the Fukouka Prefecture and was south of them, and it was where tonkotsu pork bone broth first was created. The group came to a decision to eat in Kurume Honda Shoten in the back corner of Ramen Stadium. They allowed Ken and Eriko to get their tickets first and to go inside and get them a table. Then they would get their food first and be finished with lunch if they had to leave to go back to work while the rest of them finished eating.
Ryo and Daisuke allowed Bikky and Carol to get their own tickets, and through a combination of knowing some of the kanji with the aid of pictures, they quickly got their tickets. Sakura, Daisuke and Ryo all added grilled gyoza to their orders. Each order had 10 pieces so there was enough to share with everyone.
Eriko had to leave before they were finished, but before she left, she suggested to Ken that they could meet up with everyone after work for a while, if they were welcome.
Daisuke and Ryo let her know her and Ken were very much welcome, and they looked forward to seeing her later. Ken was able to stay until they all left and headed out of the mall. Ken was an accounting manager for an advertising company that was a few minutes' walk from Canal City in the Gionmachi area of Hakata. They decided to walk Ken to the building his company was in. Sakura suggested walking around the area, including the nearby Hakata Old Town. The stopped at Tochoji Temple, which had a pagoda on the grounds, and then went to a few other temples in the Hakata Old Town area.
While they explored, Sakura mentioned Nanzoin Temple.
"What's at that temple?" Bikky asked.
"Daisuke, have you been there?" Sakura asked.
Daisuke shook his head. "Never heard of it." He shrugged and gave a rueful smile. "We mainly stayed in the Nakasu area of Hakata and once ventured to the underground shopping street in Tenjin. I've been to a few temples and shrines around here, including this one, but not much else."
"What about Ohori Park and the castle ruins?" she asked.
"Nope. I heard about it, but never went there," Daisuke admitted.
"There's a castle here too?" Carol asked.
"There was a castle here," Sakura said. "Now it's just ruins, but Ohori Park was once a garden to the castle and has a lake. It's a very relaxing, peaceful place and it also has a very pretty bridge."
She smiled at Bikky. "I wish we had more time here, but we have to be in Nagoya by Friday night or Tomoko will be out for us if we do not show at Darin's and Ryoko's Naming Ceremony and then big party on Saturday night."
"Not just Tomoko, I'm sure," Daisuke said, looking uneasy. "There will also be all the relatives who came in from around Japan too."
"This is very true. I would love for Bikky and Carol to see the castle ruins, but from what I got to know about them, I think they would enjoy seeing a big Buddha in a reclining position," Sakura stated.
"Oh! Seriously?" Bikky asked.
"Another big Buddha?" Carol asked, starting to smile more.
"Reclining," Bikky added. "Did you catch that part?"
"Yes, Bikky, I did," Carol said. "Yes, I think I'd love to see that more than castle ruins, but the park by the ruins sounds pretty too."
"We were planning on leaving around lunch tomorrow, so maybe we can do the park and ruins in the morning?" Daisuke asked. "I gotta say, I'm with the kids. Or maybe I just love seeing all the Daibutsu in Japan."
"Me too, Dad!" Bikky exclaimed. "They're just fun to see."
"What did you think about the big wooden Buddha we saw in Tochoji Temple?" Sakura asked.
Ryo started to laugh. "You have to ask, Obāsan?" Ever since Sakura requested that her grandson's husband call him Obāsan, because like Daisuke with Ryo's grandmother, Sakura loved her grandson-in-law enough to consider him her grandson. "It wasn't Daibutsu in Kamakura or Kyoto, but Bikky and Carol certainly had a blast seeing it. So did I. I never heard of a reclining Buddha, so I'd love to see it."
"I wonder if your grandmother knows about it, Ryo," Daisuke said with an amused grin. "Did she ever mention it?"
"No, she didn't," Ryo said. "I think we need to send her a family photo in front of the reclining Buddha. How far is it from here?"
"Thirty minutes from Hakata Station," Sakura stated after she laughed at the exchange between Daisuke and Ryo. "We will very likely do better time getting there by train than if we walked back to the hotel and took the van. Hakata Station is only a few blocks from here."
"Let's go then," Daisuke said. "We're off to see the reclining Daibutsu!"
While they were at Nanzoin, Ryo decided to do a video call to his grandmother with the Buddha in the background. His grandmother had never heard of that particular Buddha and got a thrill talking to Ryo and his family while they stood in front of it. Ryo then allowed Sakura to say hello to his grandmother. The two women connected immediately and by the time Ryo hung up the phone, Sakura was looking forward to getting to know Ryo's grandmother better.
When they got back to Hakata Station, they made a stop at Canal City. It was dark and the next water show was a holiday one that included an animated video on the wall of the Hyatt Hotel. After the show, they walked back toward the hotel, but instead of crossing the Hakata River, they walked along a couple of shopping streets. One of them was not a covered street and was lined with charming one- and two-story buildings with small shops. It was a cross between the shopping street in Shibamata and the ones in Tsuruhashi in Osaka. The other was a standard shōtengai, which ended on Meiji dori, a few blocks from their hotel.
It was decided to go back to the hotel for a while, to especially allow Darin and Ryoko to take a nap in the crib provided by the hotel for once instead of strollers or slings. When they got tired, Darin and Ryoko fell asleep no matter what everyone else was doing. Usually when they started to get tired, if they were in slings, they were turned so instead of looking out at everything, they were snuggled against whoever was carrying them. Everyone else got comfortable in the lounge, and over cold drinks they discussed their day so far until Sakura got a call from Ken that he had left work and was going over to wait for Eriko at Hakata Station, and wanted to know where they wanted to meet. Sakura told him they should come to the hotel and to send her a text when they were there.
When she got the text from Ken, they went down to meet the young couple in the hotel lobby. Bikky was expecting that they would walk back down toward the mall again to have dinner at one of the yatai there, but Ken and Eri mentioned the underground shopping street and that on the street above, many yatai could be found in the evening.
It was a pleasant evening, seeing another part of Fukuoka. They didn't do much shopping except for more souvenirs to bring back for friends and family in New York, but the underground shopping street was set up in a way that made it different from all the underground shopping they had done in Japan. For one, the walkways between the stores were paved in stone, making it look like an older street and not just another underground passage with many stores or the lower levels of a mall. When they were done walking around, Ken and Eri led them back to the ground level, to find many yatai set up along the street. They ate first at a yatai that served Korean food, including kimchi fried rice and Korean ribs, and then found a yatai where they had oden and yakitori. They had time to walk around the Daimyo area a little, where all the hip stores were, along with many bars and clubs. There was even a Mandrake manga store there.
Sakura suggested that Dee and Ryo spend some time with Ken and Eriko, while she took Darin and Ryoko back to the hotel. It was decided to let Bikky and Carol go off on their own too, after Sakura assured them that she was more than capable of pushing a double stroller back to their hotel.
Ryo and Dee didn't stay out too late with Ken and Eri. Dee's cousins did have work the next morning, and they had plans for another early start so they could take in a couple of more sights in Fukouka before the 7-hour drive to Kobe. It was enjoyable getting to know Ken and Eriko more. They both were easy-going, full of joking and laughs.
At around 11:30, both couples decided to call it a night. Ken and Eri got a taxi, promising to see Dee and Ryo on Saturday. Noticing many more taxis in the area, Dee and Ryo managed to get one to take back to the hotel. They arrived around the same time as Bikky and Carol and when they got into their suite, Sakura was already sleeping. So were Darin and Ryoko, who were changed into their sleep shirts and night diapers.