Bittersweet visit

Tokyo, Japan – The day before Akane Watanabe’s fight with Takara Oshima, the first fighter is at a temple with her closest friend, Sophie Schumann.

The pair avoided the touristy sites to find a peaceful place. Being a Tokyo native, Akane knew where to go.

Sophie: “How does it feel to be here?”

Akane: “Bittersweet. I like seeing these spots from my childhood. They bring nostalgia and memories of happy times. At the same time, I’ve moved on from this life and I’m not sure that I belong here. I’m not even sure that I’m that Japanese anymore. It feels weird.”

Sophie: “I heard that from other people who migrated. With a little time, they change. It’s probably common. You may be more German than you think.”

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Akane: “I’m realising it now. Anyways. I’m happy that you came all the way to Japan to support me. It means a lot.”

Sophie: “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else right now, but my presence didn’t only depend on my will. I can’t afford this kind of trip yet, so Alesia decided to pay for my plane ticket instead of buying one for herself. You can thank her!”

Akane: “That’s so nice of her. She loves you so much, there’s no limit to what she would do for you. And me to some extent. It’s weird but I feel like Ally is more like a big sister than my own sibling.”

Sophie: “She cares about you. Once this fight is over in Japan, you can put Naomi behind once and for all.”

Akane: “That’s what I want. I have finally accepted that she’s too much trouble to play a role in my life. Just gotta save my citizenship before I tell her to burn in hell.”

Sophie: “I wanna film that moment!”

They have a good laugh.

Akane: “Still, I didn’t want to have to do things this way. I don’t feel like I have anything to prove to my sister or to the Japanese. This event isn’t organised with the right spirit.”

Sophie: “At least, there is the Japanese title. Winning that belt can be good for your career.”

Akane: “Yes. That’s the only attractive reason to have this fight. The rest is just toxic. Man. I never thought I’d feel this way about my family and country. How life has changed because of one person.”

The two keep visiting the site, clearly enjoying themselves. The cheeky girls look around and see no one. They take their shoes off and slip inside the temple, which they are not supposed to do.

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Akane: “At least you get to discover Japan a bit. You seem to enjoy it.”

Sophie: “I do!”

Akane grins: “The local guys like you. They won’t say a word, but I catch them looking at the Teutonic frau.”

Sophie laughs: “Me?”

Akane: “Oh yes, Sophie-san. You’re making quite an impression. I see all the little signs of infatuation on their faces. You’ll never notice, but I know Japanese body language. It’s unusual as well. Japanese men aren’t always interested in Western women, who tend to be brash in comparison with the locals.”

The German’s face turns red.

Akane: “As the teenage girl grows into a woman, you don’t realise the effect you now have on others. It doesn’t hurt that you own the look with those outfits. Your personal stylist takes part of the credit for that.”

Sophie: “Haha! Your Japanese fashion advice is the very best. Thanks for bringing me here for those visits. I love it.”

Akane: “This is why I love you, my friend. Always ready to try something new and respect other cultures.”

Sophie: “What the hell… who wouldn’t want to see this?”

Akane: “Don’t swear at a shrine.”

Sophie: “Errrr. Yes madam. I shall scrape this filth off my tongue as soon as I find a brush!”

Akane: LOL!