jaw ex-deli manager

Shimana Masao, 70
Ex Deli Manager in Tokyo

I had spent the night in Sanya, the poor and homeless district of Tokyo, and was heading to the train station. My trip had been a bit of a disappointment, having interviewed only two homeless men. As I waited for a stoplight in front of a 7/11 Convenience Store, I heard a voice ask me where I was from. The man, sitting on the cold ground, had kind, clear eyes. We then chatted for about ten minutes. He seemed perfectly content sitting there, indeed, accepting about his lot in life, which had to be painful. Like all homeless in Japan, he asked me for nothing. Because we were just having a chat—I never spoke about an interview—I hesitated to ask to take his picture. Although the man had great dignity and kindness, it saddened me to think he probably would have been ashamed to have his picture taken. So I left with just a handshake.

Mr. Shimana Masao: Where are you from?
Me: America

SM: Where are you going?
Me: Kyoto.

SM: Busy life, eh?
Me: Not so busy, really (laughter).

SM: You’ve been in Japan long?
Me: Nine years.

SM: You know, your pronunciation is excellent.
Me: Thanks, but it’s not so great.

SM: No, really. It’s rare to hear a foreigner pronounce as well as you.
Me: Thanks. What’s your job?

SM: Nothing now, but I used to run a deli, preparing German ham and sausages. I even went to Germany to study, many years ago. I made delicious food.

Me: How did you communicate?
SM: Gestures, really. Germans weren’t so kind. America would have been better. But I learned a lot.

Me: Now you don’t work?
SM: I’m 70 so no, I don’t work.

Me: Retired?
SM: (points to his left arm, which seems to end at the elbow) Had my arm cut off. Just got a bit of my hand caught in the meat grinder. Lost it up to the elbow. That was it. Haven’t worked since.

Me: That’s sad. Did you also learn anything about German beer?
SM: Quality is completely related to the water. But for myself, I don’t drink beer. I’m a sake drinker. I could tell you all about sake… Germany gave me my livelihood, nice hams and sausages. For that… (bows with gratitude and gasshos (clasps hands together)).

Me: Can you get funds from the government?
SM: Now that I’m 70, yeah, but I’m reluctant. It’s better to be independent, to take care of yourself, you know?

Me: I understand.
SM: I’m from Kagoshima. You know, Kyushu.

Me: Great. Well, I better go catch my train. Goodbye.
SM: Goodbye.

the end