Stories After the Party

The "#WhatAreYouTalkingAbout? E-book Publication Commemorative Party: The Things Seen Beyond the Apology Edition" has concluded successfully.
To the organizers who took time out of their busy schedules to prepare for this, and to all the 'Roji-Ura' members who provided support, thank you so much. I was able to have a wonderful time.

The party, the after-party, and the third party—the fun times passed by in the blink of an eye. Ah, I want to go back.

I wanted to talk to so many more 'Roji-Ura' members. There were people I follow mutually (the list is endless) whom I wanted to talk to more, and I couldn't get around to everyone... I regret that I might have been able to connect with people I hadn't had a connection with before.
But all the 'Roji-Ura' members I did get to speak with were such warm people, and I want to cherish the connections we've made from here on out. Even now, as I write this note, I feel that way.

Thinking about such things, I arrived at a business hotel a short distance from the party venue.
After resting a bit, I went to a fourth party with my companion.

However, given the time (past 10 PM), it was last call as soon as we entered. Well, it couldn't be helped.

As we talked about this and that from the party while drinking, it was time to leave in the blink of an eye. We just couldn't run out of things to talk about.
We bought some drinks at a convenience store near the hotel and had a fifth party in a corner of the hotel lounge (you know, that place where you eat breakfast). In the end, we talked so much that the date changed... There was no end to it, or rather, since we had plans for the next day, we decided to go to sleep. Once I returned to my room, it was 'goodnight' in an instant.

We had breakfast, gathered in the lobby after 9 AM, and headed toward a certain station.

I was supposed to meet up with the whistling master there.

I felt relieved that we were able to meet up safely (we both recognized each other immediately since we had met once before). Since the other three were meeting for the first time, we did introductions and greetings. While doing that, the four of us headed to Toyokawa Inari in the light rain.

We went there to visit the Yuzu Inari Sonten, where you can receive a 'Yuzu-kin' (a loan of money).
(Of course, we also visited the Seven Lucky Gods and other spots.)

After making an offering, I received a yellow envelope. It is said that if you keep this in your wallet and carry it with you at all times, you will be blessed with improved financial luck.

I visited the shrine because I wanted to benefit from this.
One year after receiving the loan, I will return it with interest as a token of gratitude.
I hope for good fortune.

After this, we moved to Jimbocho and headed to this shop.

The dimly lit interior had a retro atmosphere, a mysterious space where you forget the passage of time.
We each ordered drinks and exchanged presents while we waited.
(From the three of us to Nono-san, and from Nono-san to the three of us.)

We each received a tag that Nono-san chose for us.
I take my hat off to Nono-san's sense of style.
We talked about various things, starting with delusional stories based on the four of our tags. (The four of us laughed so much.)

Once we had finished our drinks, we left Sabour and headed to our next destination.

The two people accompanying me wanted to purchase books by Mirai Yoshiho, so we paid a visit. (Nono-san is a regular there, so she quickly guided us to the shop. It was absolutely wonderful!)

We browsed the books in a relaxed space where I felt like I could stay for hours.

Before we knew it, the time for the two of them to catch their Shinkansen was approaching. We hurried to Jimbocho Station. That was where this person, whom I had called while we were at Sabour, managed to meet up with us just in the nick of time at Jimbocho Station!

The two heading home and Rio-san were miraculously able to meet on the station platform (inside the ticket gates), and while they lamented their reunion (even though they had just met the day before), the two of them quickly headed to the platform where their train was waiting. It lasted less than a minute, but all five of us were together. That was kind of amazing, haha.

The three of us went into a nearby cafe and talked about various things, like the party and Rio-san's band.

Nono-san also had limited time, and although it was short, our fulfilling time together as a trio ended in the blink of an eye. But I did feel a sense of accomplishment.

After that, I talked with Rio-san for a bit, and then we moved to Tokyo Station. We bought souvenirs (limited edition Tokyo Banana) and boarded our respective Shinkansen to head home.

An incredibly fast, yet truly packed two days have come to an end. They have come to an end.

The sincere desire to 'accept everything' that Konishi Kinoko-san spoke about during the party, the after-party, and the third party; Maiton-san's tearful moments (which almost made me cry too); and the journey Honda Sunou-san has been on as the original proposer. The feelings of each noter who talked with me.
I feel that being able to share those things has soaked into me and will connect to the future.

Right now, all sorts of emotions are overflowing.
I hope we can all gather together again.
Someone please organize it, haha.

As for the T-shirt, seeing it at the party venue covered in so many signatures made me realize once again that it became what it is because of the help of so many noters.

If I hadn't met Kanna-san and Yuya Miwa-san in person back then (in March), the idea that started on a whim—'I want to have people sign the Nanno Hanashi Desu ka T-shirt and deliver our gratitude to Konishi Kinoko-san'—would never have happened.

From there, I was truly blessed with good connections, and there were people who reached out to help. Not just one person, but many. I have nothing but gratitude.

Several people at the party and in the comments section said things like 'Riimo-san, you're amazing,' but I don't think that's right.
I only provided the spark; the ones who gave it shape were everyone who signed it. I want to make sure I don't misunderstand that.
All I can say is that it took this proper form because '#NannoHanashiDesuKa' connected us, and I hope the back alley continues to be lively from here on out.

But I also find myself feeling relieved that the T-shirt matter is over, haha.

What are you talking about

A story about wanting to savor the lingering atmosphere a little longer

There was a presentation of merchandise at the party, and since the number of new back-alley dwellers will likely increase, I have a feeling that "#WhatAreYouTalkingAbout" will continue to spread from here on out.

An invincible tag for starting something new.
A tag that anyone can enjoy.

May the back alley continue to be lively from here on as well.