I spent most of my twenties in Tokyo.

I lived in Koenji, Suginami Ward.

It had good access to the Chuo Line and the Marunouchi subway line,

and was a convenient town for going to the city center.

That said, I ended up going back and forth between work and home,

and it's a shame that I didn't go out and have fun as much.

My life in Tokyo was a bit of a mess, but let me tell you about one fun memory I still remember.

At the time, I had a part-time job that finished late at night.

There was a time when an unprecedented bowling boom was happening among my part-time coworkers.

When my part-time job started, the mood was, "Shall we go tonight?"

I gathered members while I was at work.

I was so excited that I couldn't stop imagining it while I was at work.

When I finished work, I would quickly change clothes,

and ride my bike to Nakano, the next town over.

My go-to place was the bowling alley in the basement of Nakano Sun Plaza.

I played all day from late at night until about five in the morning.

The bowling alley had a slot corner,

and instead of winning balls, they gave out tickets for a free game or free shoe rentals,

which felt like quite a good deal.

I applied for the unlimited bowling plan,

and when I got a little tired, I played the slots or darts.

There was also a hot food vending machine that gave out fried rice balls and yakisoba,

so when I got hungry, I enjoyed the indescribably nostalgic taste.

Then I kept bowling until the bar closed.

That said, it was only me and one other person who kept bowling until the end and played more than 10 games,

while the other members spent their time playing slots or darts,

in their own way.

When I came out of the basement after playing until closing time, the city was a little brighter,

and pigeons were walking on the asphalt of the dim gray city before the sun rose.

I could see people starting their day's activities here and there.

I cycle back to my apartment in Koenji,

but on the way I find myself craving ramen or gyudon (beef bowl).

I stuff myself with something super high-calorie before bed,

and fall asleep to the chirping of the birds in the morning.

This is being single. This is being in your twenties.

I choose from the many workplaces in Tokyo and make friends with the people I meet.

Looking back now, it feels like a miracle that I was able to come to Tokyo and spend such a good time with the people I met.

I wonder if everyone is doing well.

Are they enjoying their own lives to the fullest?

I want to go to Nakano Broadway.

I want to stroll through the shopping district of Koenji and dig up some old books.

Life. What is that?

I got sidetracked at the end (lol)