Happy shoppers young and old
Aug. 19 - Every year over a quarter of our American staff transfer from Japan to their next assignment. Almost all of these household moves occur during the summer between school years. This means that many of our staff are interested in discarding unwanted possessions in order to reduce the amount they must pack into boxes.
Every year the Mission sponsors a Sidewalk Sale on our housing compound. Here our employees can try to sell such items as clothing that children have outgrown, unwanted toys, books and other items.
Embassy staff discuss old books and CDs with a potential buyer.
This year's Sidewalk Sale attracted hundreds of Japanese buyers. Some are even professionals who run second-hand clothing shops. Others are individuals interested in used books or inexpensive items such as baby clothes.
I think both buyers and sellers enjoyed interacting that day. I am sure the movers were also pleased to have fewer boxes to pack.
Until next time,
Jim
Hi again from the American 40-year sojourner of Asia and former avid reader of Z-grams from your late distinguished uncle Admiral Elmo Zumwalt (known as Uncle Z among the ranks), ICU grad, and also El Cajon area resident for 3 yrs - I think you have Calif connections there, as well. Through a cyber-visit to the Nagoya Consulate, I came upon your enjoyable and informative blog entries. Now we have the Z-notes - thanks for the contributions!
