V1C13

Parsed with an automated reader. The content accuracy is not guranteed.

Tarō panics seeing Old Man Japan’s gloomy and tearful expression. “Hey gramps, what’s up? What’re you crying for all of a sudden? Is it a heart attack? Stroke?”

Old Man Japan pulls out a strip of cloth and wipes at his tears. He composes his face to look cool and collected, but it’s obvious that he’s forcing it. “I came here in April of the third year of the Reiwa era.”

“The Reiwa era? What’s that. Let me think… we’ve got Heisei and then Shōwa and then what? I can’t remember what came before that. I don’t think I’ve ever heard the ‘Reiwa’ before. Does that mean you’re from like way in the past, gramps?” Tarō grapples with this word he’s never heard before, a look of confusion on his face. “Or maybe this is like that Light Novel trope, and he’s from a parallel Japan?” He trails off, mumbling.

“I wouldn’t expect you to have ever heard of it. I’m from the same Japan as you, but five years in the future. The Heisei era ends after 30 years—more specifically in the middle of its 31st year. I don’t remember all of the details. I was in elementary school still when it happened.” He sighs. “I also know about those events you listed off earlier, because I remember them.”

Can we hold on for a second? Old Man Japan came here fifty years ago, and Tarō came here a few hours ago. That means that fifty years have passed where Tarō lived since Old Man Japan left, right? But Old Man Japan’s saying that five years passed after Tarō left but before he left? That doesn’t make any sense.

Tarō rubs his temples. “Okay, hold on. Hold on. Okay, so I left Japan in Heisei 28—2016—and you would have been ten, then, right? Meaning that, in Japan, I’m actually older than you?”

Old Man Japan nods. “Yes, that’s what I’m saying. It had never occurred to me that transportation from our world to this one might ignore our world’s timeline. I was convinced you must have come from fifty years in the future. It’s truly a shame, I was really hoping to be able to hear how the world’s changed since I’ve been gone.”

He goes on to explain how, at first, he struggled through with the hope that one day he’d be able to return; but, as time continued to pass, he began to wonder whether he’d truly ever be able to return; and, by the time fifty years had passed, he’d given up any hope of ever going home. However, he still held onto the hope that he would one day meet someone else from Japan, and, if that person was new to this world, he would be there for them. And all he hoped in return was to be able to hear how things had turned out.

When he met Tarō after those fifty years, he had nearly fainted from the excitement of that possibility. But Tarō had come from Japan from a time five years before Old Man Japan, and his disappointment was made all the greater for the length of time he’d maintained his hope.

Tarō’s seriously a problem, in so many different ways.

*****************

I stare at Tarō, my heart heavy with Old Man Japan’s disappointment. I watch him stand up and step closer to Old Man Japan. He smiles and pats Old Man Japan gently on on the shoulder. “Come on, old man, it’s not all bad. I mean, sure, there’s a big age gap now, but we were born only five years apart! We’re from the same generation. We lived through the same Japan. I’m sure there’s a lot we can talk about. If you want to talk about anime or games, I’m your guy!”

That’s a surprise. He’s actually trying to cheer Old Man Japan up. Does that mean he realizes that it’s his fault Old Man Japan’s so disappointed?

Old Man Japan, for his part, doesn’t appear offended by Tarō suddenly being all buddy-buddy. “Ah, you’re right. I’m the one who forced my expectations on you. It’s inconsiderate of me to be disappointed that you didn’t meet them. I’m sure you must be experiencing the greater shock, having been transported here suddenly just a few hours ago. Please accept my apologies for being so insensitive. It’s not like you came here because you wanted to.”

It’s amazing how patient adults can be.

Old Man Japan looks Tarō over and chuckles lightly. “In hindsight, it should have been obvious from your clothes and behavior that this was a possibility. Sweats were such a common dress choice, and the way you act—and talk—has clearly been influenced by otaku culture. It’s exactly like it was when I was in Japan. I was foolish for not realizing that things should have changed more had fifty years truly passed.” Old Man Japan gestures to the bowl on the table. “You’re right. Let’s spend this evening discussing Japan and how everything used to be, while we snack on edamame.”

He’s back to his old self already, his pleasant smile again on his lips. Well, he’s probably not completely back to normal, but it looks like he’s pulled himself out of the worst of it.

As I sit there listening to them talk on and on, I only get more and more confused. Like, first of all, what do they mean they can’t go home? If they were able to make there way here, shouldn’t they be able to make their way back? Whether they came on foot or by carriage, can’t they just do that in reverse?

Like right now, Tarō’s talking about suddenly coming to in the town plaza. That sounds completely crazy to me, but Old Man Japan responds like it’s normal.

I really, really wonder where their homeland actually is.