"hanna no ikku"

Before the holidays Curtis and I both entered into the 52nd Nagashima Circuit Ekiden Tournament. The ekiden race is a long distance marathon relay that is very popular in Japan. Perhaps it is the “group think” mentality in which the Japanese strongly believe that makes the ekiden such a success. The idea that it is impossible for one man to win the race alone is an important ideology for the Japanese. The ability the Japanese have to bind themselves together has given the nation of Japan the capability to grow into perhaps one of the most efficient nations in the world.

As for the Nagashima town office team, while we most certainty bound together as one it wasn’t the training that brought us together, for instead it was the after parties that did the job. The party budget (paid for with city taxes) was huge which meant that even though most men on the team chain-smoke and only run about once a year, the free food and drinks provided after each practice made a little pain well worth it in the end.

Last year I ran the “anchor” position and brought our team across the finish line, but this year all eyes were on Curtis as he was the starting runner. In Japanese they call this position, “hana no ikku” which means “the number one flower” and a flower indeed he was! With an uncompromising look of victory across his face and sweat on his brow, Curtis in his vibrant yellow shirt was like a lily ready for battle. He looked so good doing doing it too that he made the cover of the Nagashima Diary which is delivered to every single house on the island. I know. . . I know. My time will come.