Echizen Washi

Mayumi came to visit Echizen Washi Village two days ago from Tokyo. She is twenty-two and will start looking for a job soon, what I call ` Job Hunting ` season.  Having heard of my name from some of the village people during her stay, she wanted to meet me and hear my story about why papermaking.

I remember my younger days. It was just after I came back from China in 1997. I was very depressed having felt the whole Japanese society was filled with a bad mood with the beginning of recession. I didn't know what to do. I just came back from the cheerful Chinese society and I was full of dream in the future. But I became less aggressive or positive right after Japan.  

I told her about my story. I also told her how many people have supported me so far watching me working very hard. Not everyone, of course, but there must be some people who watch you and care for you. I appreciated them a lot and here I am. 

She stayed at my house to spend over night to feel the village. I was sure the atmosphere of this village would help her somehow. 

I hesitated to ask her to be a model just before we left the house. Usually I don't do this, but she accepted my offer cheerfully. 

We all support each other.