Stealing An Umbrella With The Yakuza

I wanted to do something different with this blog post, and it's a pretty fun story. in 2024 I was in Japan visiting a friend. It was his wedding, and I got the cheapest hostel to save money. I woke up to the sound of heavy rain. I made instant coffee in the hostel's cramped kitchen and I really needed a nicotine hit. I knew there was a little cover outside and above the front door, but I also knew it was pretty much bad manners to smoke in the middle of the street in Japan. But, considering it was pouring rain and I didn't have an umbrella, and I used to vape back then (cringe I know, I don't do it anymore), I thought fuck it, I'll do it anyway. So I finish my coffee, put on a jacket and head outside. I get that familiar nicotine high where I feel both a head-rush, and full body relaxation. I'm vibing, at peace with the universe. A Japanese man comes out of the hostel, lights up a cigarette and we stand in silence for awhile. Both silently engaging with our regrettable dependencies.…