The 54th Episode : Itsumade imasuka (<= Japanese, means how long are you going to stay?)
[July, 1991 Hawaii, the US]
July, 1991, it was the bubble economy era in Japan. The 80th anniversary party for the company’s establishment was planed to be taken place in Hawaii. Approx. 400 people were to gather in Hawaii from some branches and factories in Japan, Los Angeles branch, Thai factory and Singapore branch. It was my first visit of the US. One of my friends said “You never have the choice to go to the US if you pay the expenses yourself.” I didn’t (don’t) deny. Sorry but I was (am) not interested in the US. It was not the main land nor self-governing dominion but the 50th state.
Hawaii was a dreamland in 1960’s for Japanese. A TV quiz programme offered the Hawaii tour as a prize for the winner. The main caster’s signature phrase was “Answer 10 questions to go to dream Hawaii.” I said I was (am) not interested in the US but Hawaii became so topical. If somebody bear the expenses I would go anywhere, not only Hawaii.
Arrived at Honolulu International Airport, Hawaii. I showed my passport at the immigration. I thought the usual exchange would start such as what’s the purpose to visit, how long/where to stay… etc. It’s usually done in English in most of the countries. The officer opened her mouth to ask the above and I didn’t believe my ears. It was not English what she said in spite of the home of English (actually it’s American language though). She made all the question in broken Japanese. I know many Japanese visit Hawaii for honey moons, especially entertainers at the end/beginning of the year as usual. But few of them speak English I guess, so the officer had no choice but to learn Japanese!? Shop staff spoke do the same.
A few years later I met an American guy in Japan. He asked me “Have you been to the US?” I answered “Not to the main land but Hawaii.” Then he said laughing “Hawaii is not the US but Japan.”
Passed the immigration and got out of the terminal building, when a woman put a lei saying “Aloha” with a smile.
