Ghosts of Japan

these folk are present in japan's entire history. we've all seen numerous tales of this culture, with the Ghosts lurking in dark alleyways, treading carefully on rooftops, and crouching in the shadows. often dressed in dark clothing head to toe, they seemed to effortlessly blend in to their surroundings, cleverly going unnoticed by the general public. even in modern japan, i sometimes catch a brief glimpse of these shady, classically japanese characters. i'm talking, of course, about neighbors.

during my limited study of japanese lifestyle, i've derived that the home is the most sacred place around. in public, 'tis a life governed by rules and status quo. don't make too much noise, apologize for everything, and don't inconvenience others. inside the home, it's decompression mode. a complicated array of shutters, bars, curtains, gates, and locks completely distance the outside world, and privacy is paramount.

living in an apartment complex makes this seclusion a bit more difficult to achieve. it becomes necessary to move stealthily from one's flat to the street, blending into society before anyone has a chance to realize where you've just come from and -gasp- determine where you live. it's my natural reaction to say hello to and perhaps talk small with my neighbors, but often this invokes petrification in the target individual. although i continue to attempt corny jokes in japanese, i'm learning to be happy with a head nod or flinch in return.

the lift here uncomfortably fits three slim people. temporarily ignoring the Great Elevator Boycott of 2010, i entered said elevator with a friend the other day, much to the dismay of my poor neighbor (already occupying the small space). i said hello, which i think he quietly returned. then i laughed and commented, in discernible japanese, about the lack of space in the elevator. i felt touched when, against all his will, he nearly made eye contact and grunted in agreement! i really think i'm making progress, and this building'll be americanized in no time.