On our last night in Osaka, we met up for dinner with Akemi's old university friend, Ayaka, for some long overdue yakitori.  The girls had a great time catching up while I just tried my best to KEEP up.  Fortunately, on the occasions when the conversation went over my head, there was the food to…

We got into Osaka last night and got a room at the hotel where the memorial for Akemi's father was to take place.  Since it was a last minute reservation, we were left with a choice between smoking room and a room behind the elevator.  We chose the latter and, after dining on a half…