After Kazu and I returned from our most triumphant bass fishing trip, I had but a scant 30 minutes to defrost, shower up, and get ready for our inaugural floor party. Naturally, everyone was invited with the stipulation that you must bring one dish, as I was busy fishing all day(and because I didn’t want to subject anyone to my cooking just yet), I brought some delicious dessert snacks from the supermarket.

Before we began, the bountiful spread was duly recorded for the history books.

I actually did help Satoshi make the giant california rolls in that picture, but he deserves the vast majority of the credit. Not 10 seconds after the pictures were taken, however, another whole truck load of food was brought by latecomers.

After finding enough seats for all, the merriment commenced. The slogan of the day, and perhaps for the year, was “Yonkai is the best kai…,” which when translated wholly into English means “4th floor is the best floor.” Simple, but effectively conducive to generating high-spirits and camaraderie.

Once the feasting was over, we all settled in for a round of group pictures. When I tell you I attend an international university I am not kidding.

Holding up the ‘peace sign’ is the standard behavior when one’s picture is taken in Japan, those of us holding up 4 fingers are reppin’ for the Yonkai, obviously! Not everyone was able to attend unfortunately, that’s only about half our crew, but as a reward for showing up they should certainly be regarded as the better half! Each and every one of those people should be regarded as a friend of mine, for I love them all. I’m having the time of my life over here, can you tell?