Osakatomebaby

Ha! NHK'd at last. For whatever reason I decided to pick up the intercom today when my doorbell rang twice and someone knocked. Didn't feel like sneaking to the peephole. It was the NHK man come around to collect their fees. NHK, for my readers abroad, is the public television station in Japan. Only I think it's associated strongly with the government in some way. Anyway, they come from door to door and ask for fees and the don't really tell you it's optional (which I am told it is) so foreigners usually end up forking over the dough, whatever it is.

But I got off easy. I said that I don't watch the tv. He asked, but you have a tv? Yes but it comes with the apartment (he knows this, because it's a Leo Palace and they come furnished). I said it's not plugged in and I don't even know where the remote is. He looked chagrined and dubious but probably a little relieved he could stop ringing my doorbell which apparently he's been doing for a year and I've been ignoring him. Sorry NHK man. I don't like the fact that they make you ring my doorbell either.

The funny thing is, it's all true. I sort of thought about digging the tv out from under the desk and plugging it in during the Olympics but the idea of rooting through the junk I threw haphazardly in storage to find the remote put me off it. I mean, the whole process might have taken up to 15 minutes of precious life. Flashing lights? Subjecting myself to advertising? Nah.

Anyway, I think I have to send some money to KUT and This American Life now.