At Fukuoka Airport, ran into Sajangnim and Taeyoung hyung on the way out and said hello
Was surprised to learn that Shinken is getting married soon
And he got a job. He went to a professional college as a professor, even though it's a junior college. Really happy for him!
On the way, he pointed at the shock absorbers on a bridge and said things like these are what keep it from breaking -- so cool
He got a Prius, and it drives so well I was amazed. I really want one too
So happy to see Taeyoung hyung again, round and friendly as always
He sang Japanese songs and hymns so enthusiastically -- instant likability
We went to Yodobashi Camera together, had hormones (motsunabe) for lunch, and started the trip
At the motsunabe restaurant (Rakutenchi), I left a Google review and got an eco bag as a gift (my first time writing a Google restaurant review)
Went to look at keyboard keycaps -- so many beautiful ones that I wanted to buy, but held back
Then went up Fukuoka Tower to see the city from above
True to Japan, even the padlocks were neatly organized
The wind was really strong so it was a bit cold
After sightseeing, went straight to shopping
Shopped at Mega Don Quijote
Sajangnim's Ryukakusan (throat drops) moment was hilarious
I bought choco-takenoko, pudding to give to Jiye
Sajangnim tried so hard at the Pikmin crane game to get something for Sehi but failed (blew 1000 yen)
After shopping, went to an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ place (tabehoudai) and stuffed ourselves
A huge group of high school students came, and Taeyoung hyung tried talking to them, but his pronunciation was so good they responded with harder words and the conversation hit a wall. I can't speak Japanese either, so it was really frustrating
At night we went to a really run-down table tennis hall, and I won every match except against Sajangnim
But the bathroom was spotlessly clean
Three high schoolers (Ryoga, Tagai, Hiroto), two adults, and a coach came
The facilities were old and very cold, but the wooden floor was soft and the surrounding darkness made it great
For backhand, the backswing is important, and the thumb-up grip is settling in for me
Everyone seemed kind and gentle
While playing table tennis:
My eyes for reading the ball improved, and trying to watch from a third-person perspective really helped my play
Whether studying or exercising, I realized metacognition is really important for improvement
The best way to practice metacognition (viewing yourself objectively) is to film yourself and watch, or take tests
After playing table tennis to our hearts' content, we raided a mart and convenience store and headed home
Shinken had prepared a mattress and sleeping bag in advance, so we could sleep comfortably
He's moving out soon, which is a shame -- I wanted to live there
The hot water worked great, so I took a nice shower
Shinken is clearly a very tidy person. Probably a good student too
Taeyoung hyung's snoring was absolutely legendary
"Day 2 - 3/19"
First thing in the morning, Sajangnim asked if we slept well
Said he couldn't sleep a wink
In the morning we went to Kyushu University for some business, then went sightseeing by the sea
Had Ichiran ramen for brunch. So delicious
Taeyoung hyung did a gacha pull and got a high-quality Ichiran ramen tray that makes sounds
Went to a newly built table tennis hall to play
Very spacious with great bathrooms. You need 100 yen to use the shower
Gave Taeyoung hyung 2 coins and lost to him
Beat Sajangnim
Lost the team match, but won the doubles (rolled-up formation), so we called it even
There are so many beautiful, handsome, and charming people in this world
Tried to buy Pikmin for Sajangnim's daughter Sehi but they barely had any -- thought it was a failure but finally managed to buy a jelly and a plushie
Went to a drugstore to buy Shiseido but failed
There are so many people who speak multiple languages well
Realized that fun is a very important element in life
Went to Hama Sushi and had a blast eating brunch-dinner
Went to a table tennis equipment shop, but there were zero penhold rackets
Dignics 09C costs over 90,000 yen
On the way to the airport, gave Shinken gas money from the back seat
Arrived at the airport, but Sajangnim's phone was missing -- panic. Thankfully, we called and the store had it, so Shinken went back to get it with just one hour before departure
So sad to say goodbye
Said our farewells promising to meet next time in Daejeon
Spent all the remaining money on gifts at the duty-free shop and headed home
