Birthday

Yesterday was my birthday, and it had to be the most grueling, miserable birthday I’ve ever had (barring a nice dinner at a restaurant called ZEST, in Ebisu), thanks to the endlessly anal, small-minded, robotic Japanese banking system, who make it incredibly difficult for foreigners (LEGAL aliens, like myself) to open a bank account. Perseverance and preparation for such inevitabilities ensured that I won in the end, but I could not believe how everything I’ve had to do so far –while in possession of all the necessary documents and paperwork– has been such an arduous, obstacle-filled process. Alien registration cards, setting up a cell phone, opening a bank account, etc. Every step far more infuriating than it needed to be.

Well, today’s a new day. Let’s see what it brings.