Friday night at 7PM is a very special time in Tokyo. The countless numbers of kaishain (businessmen) and OL (office ladies) make their way out into the night earlier than during the rest of the week, their work clothes like uniforms in an army ready to conquer the nearest izakaya (pub). The rumors about the Japanese people working hard are not overtstated. 7PM is usually quitting time for the weak-there are a few pockets of "9-5" but mostly it is "8-exhaustion" here.
It's not often that I find myself taking a nap at 7PM on a Friday night. That time is usually reserved for going home from work or going to a gig but tonight I was fortunate enough to be at home at 7PM. I was also fortunate enough to have my wake up call be an earthquake.
Now, earthquakes occur quite frequently in Japan. They are as regular as someone on a prune diet to be exact. In fact, this was the 3rd earthquake in Tokyo since I arrived in August. I just happened to miss the other 2. Tonight's quake was a 4 out of 7. Not even a passing grade for Mother Nature, although I am rather happy that she did not perform well on this examination.
Anyhow, the real reason that I am blogging is that I can't get back to sleep and have a little time on my hands before I dine with my friends. Oh, and I wanted to let those folks know that everything is hunky-dorey on this side of the world. I hope that you are all well on your side of the world, too.
Be well,
Pat
