Hata-san

I met this guy, Hata-san, on the street in Shibuya about two years ago.

I respect this guy a lot. Let me know if you do the same after I tell you a bit about him.

Back then he would sit out by Hachiko listening to peoples stories, and writing them words to help cheer them in in Japanese. Many people do this in Japan, writing Japanese calligraphy with motivational messages. Kind of like a not so cheesy version of “successories” in the States. Personally, I like Despair.com more, but that’s another story.

Hata’s Bio is posted on his website, but basically, he graduated from college, worked for about one year in a type of school which taught English. He was doing sales really, and doesn’t really speak English himself. Anyway, he realized that type of salary man lifestyle really wasn’t for him, so quit and started selling his messages on the streets of Shibuya.

He did well. So well in fact that he was able to quit all other activity, and life off his work. 1000 yen per message, neatly drawn, personalized, and placed in a nice plastic bag. After a year he was able to get his work in Family Mart, a big convenience store in Japan, and this year he opened his own shop in Daikanyama. You just follow the tracks back towards Shibuya. There is a map on the site.

He always wears black clothes, because since he is always working with Sumi, that Japanese black ink for calligraphy, black is easier to keep looking clean.

Anyway, I highly recommend his stuff, his shop is in Daikanyama, and not only can you get some great artwork, but you can meet and talk to a really great guy!

If you’re in the Tokyo area, and looking for a cool guy to talk to, maybe even to practice your Japanese! Check it out!