Aika Kanda: The 1-Meter Change
No.68] Me, Pink, and Sometimes New York
Self-discipline from blunders
New York and Paris used to be “far away” but now they are “so far away”. I used to think that Hawaii was “somewhat far,” but now I feel that it is “close. So, the nearest place in Japan is …… almost near my home.
Depending on the environment in which each person finds himself or herself, there are differences in the way one perceives things. It is natural and inevitable. However, it is a big mistake to apply the same changes to your friends and force them to do the same. I had made that mistake.
As soon as I grasped this reality, I felt regret and impatience as if to say, “Gosh! I felt a rush of regret and impatience. I hurriedly searched for a place to stay in the Kanto area and sent in a list of potential accommodations.
From then on, the conversation proceeded smoothly. Everyone’s reactions returned to normal, and we decided on an inn in Yugawara, about an hour and a half train ride away.
We have been together for more than 25 years since we were junior high school students. We know each other well and accept each other’s good and bad points. That is why it does not matter if each of us has changed over the years, such as working in the entertainment industry, having a baby, getting divorced, or becoming obsessed with idols. As long as we both remained the same inside, that was all that mattered. But this time, I had forgotten this irreplaceable and important rule and tried to break it. 1m is 1m, nothing more, nothing less. I reminded myself once again not to lose my precious friend.
His first book, ” Where is the Royal Road? is now on sale!
Aika Kanda was born in 1980 in Kanagawa Prefecture. After graduating from Gakushuin University with a degree in mathematics, she joined NHK as an announcer in 2003, and left in 2012 to become a freelance announcer. Since then, she has been active mainly in variety shows, and currently makes regular appearances as the main MC of the daytime TV program “Poka Poka” (Fuji Television Network).
From the November 15, 2024 issue of FRIDAY
Illustrations and text by： Aika Kanda
