Table Tennis Trip to Japan (Fukuoka)

"Day 1 - 3/18"

• 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