One day＠Kabukicho #DAY188 - The night I was crushed by the despair of losing my iPhone and the people of Kabukicho.

This time, I was finally able to visit Kabukicho at a good pace again. Lately, there've been times when I could only make it there once a month because of various things going on. It's been about two weeks since the last time, I think.

As the title says, I lost my iPhone while walking around taking photos. I tried retracing my steps, but in a place that crowded, finding a dropped iPhone is next to impossible. So I went to the police box and filed a lost item report. It was my first time ever setting foot inside the Kabukicho koban.

After that, I started checking the places that came to mind like the smoking area in Kabukicho I've been using for years, the one with the vending machine where I usually take short breaks. There, I met a slightly older host (I only found out his job later). When I told him I'd lost my iPhone, he was incredibly kind and helped me look for it. He even lent me his phone so I could call docomo support. I don't know... I just really felt the warmth and generosity of the people in Kabukicho. Maybe it stood out even more because the officers at the police box had been pretty dry and formal.

Anyway, after talking with docomo support, I at least found out what to do, I could get a new SIM card issued and keep my number, so things settled down a bit. I'd filed the report at the police box, but honestly, living without a smartphone in today's world is just too hard. So, reluctantly, I ended up buying a new iPhone. I really hadn't planned on it, though.

Changing the subject, about my friend. She told me back in September that she had a present for me, but I still haven't actually gotten it yet. Apparently, she keeps forgetting it at home every time we meet. So next time we hang out, I promised I'd remind her "Don't forget my souvenir!". Seems it's some kind of keychain she found at the Osaka Expo.

As I mentioned, I lost my iPhone that night, but actually, that wasn't the only thing. I ended up losing a bunch of little stuff too. Maybe I was just exhausted. I didn't even realize anything other than the iPhone was missing until I got home.

I don't know why, but I just can't help wanting to take photos like this. I guess it's because I end up sensing some kind of story in them. Still, shots like this, figuring out the right distance is always tricky.

The TŌYOKO area was same as usual, but since it was a Saturday night right before the last train, it was just people, people, people everywhere. As you can see in this photo, it was like a wall of people, normally you can see straight through toward Ichiban-gai, but not this time.

I'd like to get back to Kabukicho again soon, maybe in two or three weeks. That kind of pace feels just about right for me these days. Before I know it, though, winter will be here again, then Christmas, and the year will slip away into the holidays. Two months left in the year, guess I'll do my best to finish it strong.

See you then.