Masahiro Shibata, 46, has been living in Japan for 25 years, but this is his first time back in Presidente Prudente, where he was born and raised, in 27 years.
The town hadn't changed as much as he had thought. Just as he thought, "There's probably no one left who remembers me," someone called out to him.
"Do you remember me? I'm Kiyoshi's grandma."
"Well, nothing has changed!"
"Is 'Familia 1 ' included?"
"Well, Prudente has changed since then, hasn't he?"
"So you married a Japanese person? Congratulations!"
"Do you remember my little Sabu-chan? She went to Sao Paulo."
"That's great! I want to live in Japan."
"Not at all. You're not back in Brazil, are you?"
"Brazil's 'Nong Ta Bom 2 '!"
"Come visit our house! Let's celebrate with 'Churrasco 3 '!"
Masahiro was surprised, "Everyone remembers me!"
Then I reflected. To be honest, I had no intention of returning to Brazil.
He moved to São Paulo at the age of 19, and two years later went to Japan to work.
I had completely adapted to the new place and was enjoying fulfilling days.
Because he loves soccer, he formed a team with his coworkers, and later formed a team for children working in the dekasegi industry and served as coach for the team. One day, a boy sprained his ankle and was rushed to the hospital, where he had to be treated immediately.
Seeing Masahiro anxiously accompanying his child, the nurse said, "Dad, don't worry. I'm glad your child is healthy."
The nurse's smile at that moment looked like the sun to Masahiro. It was dazzlingly beautiful.
A week later, Masahiro went to the hospital to thank the nurse. He told the nurse about the boy's condition and gave her a bouquet of flowers. The nurse was confused, but was touched by Masahiro's honest behavior. At that time, the two only briefly introduced themselves. Masahiro Shibata, a third-generation Brazilian of Japanese descent, and Aimi Ogawa, from Osaka.
Summer came and the town was bustling with festivals and outdoor events. On his way to a rock band concert, Masahiro bumped into Aimi on a street corner. Aimi called out to him, "Shibata-san, it's been a while!" A little girl was smiling next to him.
"Is that your child?"
"No, she's my niece. Mr. Shibata, don't you have a child with you?"
Then Masahiro realized that the reason he had called him "Dad" on the first day was because he thought the boy was his son. "No, he's not. He's the boy I'm teaching soccer to," he said hastily.
I didn't know how to say "Solteiro 4 " in Japanese, so I quickly said, "Well, I'm single, I don't have a lover or anyone, and I don't have any children."
Aimi was 26 and Masahiro was 30. Both of their lives were in the prime of their lives.
Six months later, they held their wedding ceremony at a church. The church was filled with Masahiro's colleagues and friends, Aimi's parents, relatives, friends and colleagues. Masahiro's two older brothers, who have been living in Japan for the past two years, also attended.
"It was worth coming to Japan!" Masahiro began to think this every day.
His life was fulfilling, his first son was born, he was becoming more and more integrated into the community, and Masahiro was beginning to forget about Brazil.
Aimi repeatedly urged her husband to return to Brazil, but he firmly refused, saying, "No, I don't think it's necessary. My precious family is in Japan, and I have everything I want here."
Still, finally, in March of this year, our family of three decided to go to Brazil.
"You're a really good soccer player, and I want to experience playing real soccer! Brazilian players are amazing!" Masahiro responded to his son's passionate desire. He was the only son he was proud of, and would soon be going on to high school.
And in just three days, Masahiro and his friends will be returning to Japan.
Meanwhile, Masahiro's father, despite having an injured knee and being unable to walk properly, took Masahiro around everywhere and seemed very happy talking to everyone.
Aimi has been cooking and eating Brazilian and Japanese food with Masahiro's stepmother and she is worried that she has gained 2kg, but she looks even more beautiful than before!
And my eldest son, Kento, was obsessed with the ball all day and his hands and legs were covered in bruises and scratches. But his smile was lovely!
Masahiro, you're so reliable! Aimi said.
Notes:
1. Family
2. "Not good."
3. Brazilian barbecue
4. Single
© 2017 Laura Hasegawa
