Akunaga — Chapter 1
He was right back to his normal self again by the following morning. When he strolled out to get the morning paper, another neighbor was walking by. He introduced himself immediately, and I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself as I watched him through the window. This girl was attractive, if you like blond hair and hats, which I myself do not find attractive. But Samuru seemed to be very interested; he later told me her name is Marisa Hagerty. We seem to have many Marisa’s in this neighborhood. And what was even more ironic, this new girl seemed to share the same dislike for Azura Persea. I watched as they shared a giggle about my poor Persian Goddess. But alas, it seemed that Samuru had a new friend.
Speaking of friends, let me tell you about my children: Taro and Michiko. Taro, my first-born and my heir to the family fortune (which we will soon build again), has just recently turned 16. Only four more years until his Seijin no hi. Oh, I forget again! Coming of Age, is a basic translation. Americans do not celebrate Coming of Age I was sad to find out. You see, in Japan, the Coming of Age festival is celebrated nationwide every year on the second Monday of January. Every young man and woman that will celebrate their 20th birthday that year are honored in the festival. You see, 20 years old is considered by my culture to be the turning point from childhood into adulthood. It is also the minimum age for voting, drinking, and smoking. You can imagine how happy Taro was to find out that he would be able to vote and smoke in this country at 18. However, I will not permit him to smoke, of course. But, it will be one year later for the drinking. He is still allowed to drink our saki in our home of course. But enough about that. My daughter, Michiko, just recently turned 9 years old; the day after the terrible earthquake to be exact. Both of my children are extremely close to one another, especially after the loss of their mother and grandparents.
Taro is very family-oriented. Against my wishes, he has decided that he will not be attending college. He insists that he wants nothing more than to start a family of his own. At 16 years old, this a very mature way of thinking. However, he is not realizing how difficult it will be to support a family without a well-paying job. He seems to already be searching for his future wife. On our first or second day in the neighborhood, he met a young girl from down the street. He tells me her name is Marisa Chen. At first, I thought that maybe she was from Asian descent like ourselves. However, when I spotted them chatting out front one day, I realized she was far from Asian. Nonetheless, she is a beautiful girl and Taro seems to be extremely taken with her.
I’m really looking forward to reading more! You’ve really thought through your characters’ history, and it shows.
Comment by Annette — September 18, 2005 @ 4:30 am
Such a great beginning and the photos are clever and appropriate. Nice job.
Comment by Amanda — September 18, 2005 @ 12:43 pm
Aww such a sweet update. I like the fact that you included some of their home language into this and his misunderstandings about marisa chen haha. Quite funny indeed. I also like that you included the Nightlife aspect of things. And i was surpried that one of the characters had on the dress that somebody designed. Quite Interesting indeed. Haha i feel so happy for that person. Great update.
Comment by Eva — September 18, 2005 @ 1:42 pm
Oh this looks to be good.
Now I’ve heard about the Prosperity Challenge but have no idea of what it entails. Where can I find info on it as I’m getting close to gener. 8 in my legacychallenge and itching for something new .
Comment by PRMami — September 20, 2005 @ 12:57 am
Thanks for the comments guys! Sorry it’s been a bit since my last update. I’ve had a hectic week in school (tests and papers due in every class!) But I hope to have another update soon!
PRMami - There’s a yahoo group for the Prosperity Challenge that I got the info from. Here’s the address:
http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/prosperity_challenge/
It’s a fun challenge and it helps keep the game interesting b/c you get to play with multiple families! Hope you enjoy it!
Comment by Administrator — September 20, 2005 @ 8:27 pm
Wow, this is awesome so far! Great job with Kin’s “voice”; it was entertaining and very well-written! Also love the pics. Gotta love the jumping car.
Comment by Jen — September 20, 2005 @ 11:22 pm
Awww, this is a great story! I reeeeally enjoyed it. Thanks for putting a lot of pics i liked ‘em.
Comment by Jeanne — September 24, 2005 @ 8:05 pm