The other night, a meal at Nakayama san’s house with ex-juku students.  I learned how to play the Japanese equivalent of chess, 将棋 (Shogi).

It’s very complex and interesting.  I want to try to learn the rules and remember the pieces (which are all shaped the same, unlike chess, so it makes it slightly more difficult)

I have not managed to grasp it yet.  Daisaku kun was pissed as a fart when we arrived but he still handily thrashed me.  He has an excellent brain for things like this.  It was a full moon that night and we were just sitting down to dessert when Yukiko san asked me to help outside with the other lads.

Something had happened.  No-one was injured but real estate was scarred.  We attempted to fix the situation but it was clear we needed help.  This thing was so hot we could have cooked yakisoba on it…

After a phone call and a 15 minute wait the cavalry arrived (Sato san and Ominami san).  While surveying the incident a car passed by, stopped and a couple got out.  They looked shocked, but wanted to help.  Sato san ran off and reappeared with a man and some rope.  I filmed the rescue which only took 30 seconds.

It was an exciting end to the evening.  Post-trauma, we had dessert.  Yummy.