An email after 44 years
In 1964, when I was a news paper delivery boy, I met Jim Grubbs and his family. During my paper delivery, I spotted a 14MHz band Yagi antenna on his roof top, and asked Mr. Grubbs if anyone was a part of the Ham Network because I was a part. He asked me to visit his son, Jim, who was a part of the Ham network. After that, I regularly visited Jim on Sundays.
We spent a good time together by sharing knowledge of Radio, and reading some CQ magazines with a help of a dictionary. That experience made me comfortable talking someone in English and exercise my English speaking skills.
Fantastic homemade hamburgers
Jim's mother used to cook hamburgers for us every time I visited him. It was very nice. At that time, there was no hamburger shops and of course no MacDonald in Japan.
Shopping at Akihabara
One day, Jim asked me to take him to Akihabara, so his father drove us there. I remember he bought some parts of 144MHz or 435MHz receiver, and we built them together. He really enjoyed looking some small mechanical shops around in Akihabara. The town Akihabara has totally transformed into a town of computer games and Japanese animations, but there are still some small parts shops around.
A while passed after my new job
In 1967 (Showa 42), soon after my high school graduation, I found a full time job, and got quite busy working and attending some social club activities. I quit PS&S, and hadn't seen Jim for while.
Going home country
July 1968, Jim and his father unexpectedly came visiting me at home, saying 'Good bye' to me. They were due to leave Japan following day, spending a night at the Fuchu base. We went to their hotel room, catching up with Jim for the past 2 years. A post card, Jim sent, on his way back to the states, saying 'Sayonara' (good bye in Japanese) was the last message from him.
An email after 44 years
Minoru-san, I am wondering if you are the Minoru Saito from Fuchu who I knew as an teenager while I lived in the Kanto Mura Family Housing Area circa 1966-1967. We were both amateur radio operators. Minoru ? JA1VMG, My father was KA2JG and I was K9EIV (now K9EI) The Minoru I knew delivered newspapers for the Stars and Stripes and attended electronic technical high school. We lost touch in 1968. If you are not the Minoru that I knew, please accept my sincere apologies for the intrusion. Regardless, please accept my family’s warmest holiday greetings for you and your family. Regards, Dr. Jim Grubbs Associate Professor of Communication University of Illinois Springfield Springfield, Illinois
Translation
I was struggling a bit with exchanging emails between us in English. Jim understands my English level (not too well) and my difficulty communicating with him, so I excused myself using a translation tool by Yahoo. I also asked my son in law in Canberra, Australia for some important translations. Perhaps, they might enjoy knowing a glimpse of my youth, and this heart-warming story.
We were high school students(Tomodachi)
Left is myself and Right is Jim. I recall Jim gave me this portrait when he left Japan. He was a high school student and a year younger than me.
Launching a new website of old memories
It was such a lovely surprise, hearing from Jim again. This triggered me to decide creating a website called 'Stars and Stripes Newsboy Story', aiming to record our good old memories together. A plan is to release a Japanese version, followed by an English version for Jim to share information together.
Present
Currently (2012), I am 64 years old while Jim turned 63 this year. We both still have a job.
Jim has finished his doctorate and now teaching Radio Broadcasting and Communications at University of Illinois. He has also established a campus radio studio.
I myself have launched a small business called 'P-cle Time', providing an accurate time system for marathon events and bicycle races. I also provide some bicycle repair service and computer support services from home.
My Calligraphy
Jim still keeps my Calligraphy scroll I gave to him when he left Japan.
I wrote the calligraphy when I was 2nd year junior high school. I totally forgot that I gave it to Jim, and I was surprised and so glad when I received an email from him with this attachment. Nowadays, due to the technology, it is rare to write a letter by hand, and opportunity of practicing calligraphy is getting less and less. The image of my calligraphy reminded me of the good old days.
Thank you Jim for taking care of my Calligraphy scroll.