Meanwhile in Japan: Cat Donuts, Hopes, and Dreams

[Rosie]

Yanaka Ginza
Tokyo, Japan
April 29th, 2024

Closed off from any vehicles and houses exclusively for foot traffic, Shōtengai are a quintessential experience for locals and tourists in Japan to find tasty treats, gifts for friends and souvenirs for travel. Packed with people on a Monday afternoon, there’s a mix of tourists gawking at the local sights and flavours along with locals who are looking for a tasty treat. THe Yanaka Ginza area also has a surprising amount of cat themed accessories, with neko themed donuts, and statues around. The area is bustling with noise on all sides. Trying to navigate the crowd is a group of five young ladies, mostly locals, trying not to take up the entire street with their group. All five have surgical masks on due to the tight space, though they are hardly the only ones.

From the rear is a woman who is of decent stature, in good physical shape, but young. Her hair is reddish brown. Reo Hoshiki, or simply REO in the ring. Without her usual intimidating face paint, the young woman doesn't quite strike fear in the hearts of her opponents but still not afraid to kick someone's head off if they deserve it with a short fuse.

Younger sister to the woman next to her, height being on par with some of the men. Her colourful hair is let down with a blonde base and a mix of blue, purple, and pinks. She has a chipper spirit about her. Ririko Hoshiki, simply “Ririko” to most. Her power as a wrestler is great, explosive, and her hugs just as powerful. Just keep her away from Otters...

In the middle is a newer face. Her dark brown hair has squared off bangs with hair clips in her hair and a couple of piercings. She has a big grin on her face. But she has a couple of visible scars on arm. Deathmatch loving former idol, Miyu Kawamato. She does not look quite like the typical 'deathmatch specialist' and she still has a keen focus on being able to wrestle circles around her opponents. But after getting the rush from it once, she has grown to appreciate its place in wrestling. Though new to this group, she has quickly found herself at home here, being accepted for her despite any 'stylistic differences.'

At the front of the group are the two who, in a technical sense, are considered the ‘leaders’ of the group in the ring. Both for their own leadership qualities, and just a natural ability to lift up the others or being honest when needed. With her dyed silver hair, Cali Hayama’s look always stuck out wherever she is, whether it is in the middle of Tokyo, on stream playing games with her friends for a growing fanbase, or where her proper home is, in the dense forests and mountains of British Columbia, Canada. The first 'gaijin' member of their former group MAYHEM, she has quickly adapted to being in Japan, and most notably, become a great friend of her two co-founders of YDS.

Then finally, a somewhat short woman with long dark hair, silver dyed tips. Anonymous to most of the world, Katsuki Sasaki, or as she is under her masked persona, Katsu, the Kitsune Warrior. Currently CJW’s Intergalactic COSMIC Champion, she may not be the “top champion” of the company, but has established herself as someone to watch. That on top of her international success up until recently, where her attention has been at home among other challenges. With Cali, she leads the group of YOKAI Death Squad.

What started between three friends, Katsu, Cali, and Ririko, has grown into its own proper unit. Though the numbers have increased, they have tried their best to keep the identity of YDS consistent. Celebrate each other's uniqueness. Not just work together for wrestling is a brutal world-

But to support each other as friends to make it together.

“How has your unpacking been, Sasaki?” Kawamoto asks her friend in Japanese. “You said you didn’t need help.”

“My new place is such a mess right now, I don't want to show it to others.” She sighs. “Moving the contents of an apartment from Osaka to Tokyo has been a pain. But hopefully it will be all worth it in the end since I’m near you all.”

Ririko chuckles in the back, commenting. “Except for when Cali is on the other side of the Ocean in Canada.”

“Considering she acts like a roommate most of the time when she’s here, she’s lucky I do not charge her for rent.” Katsuki looks at Cali Hayama and teases. “I probably should since I made sure I had a guest room with enough room so you can stream.”

Cali, able to take a joke, laughs it off. She responds, her Japanese sounds confident, but still has a ‘westerner’s accent’ as her friends describe.

“At least when I am there I clean your messes, and I told you, if you needed money from me, I’d be glad to help.”

REO, who has been quiet in the back, speaks up, joking.

“Or she will spend all her money on gifts for her partner.”

Under her facemask, Cali Hayama blushes as her friends laugh at her expense. Reo’s older sister chips in.

“I personally think you two were SO CUTE together when we met her during her trip to Japan with you.”

Miyu Kawamoto nods, commenting. “It was the first time I met two people of the same gender dating, but you seemed to enjoy her company and to that I am happy to support.”

“Glad to see my Japanese friends like the real-life ‘yuri’ as you joke. But there’s some tours where I spend multiple weeks away. Sometimes a reminder that you’re thinking about them can go a long way in a relationship. In fact, I think I bought her a tea mug here for our two-year anniversary she loved.”

“Did it have a cat on it?” Ririko asks. Her sister rolls her eyes.

“Everything here has cats on it, sis.” Reo folds her arms. “I swear it is a tourist trap for anime fans.”

“The cats are a bit much, but still cute.” Katsuki comments. Miyu then jokes with her group’s co-leader.

“Which is why you are going to create ‘kitsune alley’ to rival this, no?”

Katsu covers her face, slightly embarrassed. Cali gives her friend a pat on the back.

“Ah come on, as YDS ‘leaders’ we need to accept abuse from our ‘underlings’ right?” She uses the term sarcastically. Katsu sighs and gives a small grin under her mask.

“Jokes aside, thank you for giving me a break from all that unpacking today. Surprisingly, a lot more than I expected. I still need to go shopping later and get whatever I would be missing.”

“Whoever would want to rent a place on their own right now is insane.” The youngest member of the team comments. “Everything got SO expensive.”

“Which is why you are rooming with me now.” Ririko tussles her younger sister’s hair.

“I guess right now I am in a bit more fortunate of a position.” Katsuki explains. “And it is a house actually. Not some grand palace, but it is a place where I am comfortable.”

“And if you think Tokyo’s houses are bad, then you would FREAK when it comes to Canada, especially Vancouver.” Cali comments. “Tokyo’s prices have been pretty consistent until last year. It was a bad spike, but they say it will level out before the end of the year. But I think Katsuki can afford it thanks to her merch sales.”

The Kitsune Warrior snickers. “I do thank you and your friends for designing our merchandise. They look good. That, and I guess being a singles champion has its perks.”

“That, and you three got international exposure in the past year or so with-”

Ririko lightly taps Miyu Kawamato’s shoulder.

“Remember-?”

Katsuki and Cali exchange glances. The deathmatch specialist bites her tongue.

“-But yes. If you didn’t wear a mask, I imagine there would be some people who recognise you now.”

Getting back on track, Miss Sakaki nods her head.

“One of the reasons I like keeping that tradition of masked wrestling. Keep my name and face only to my friends. Gives us a chance to head out as a group of friends and not be bothered for photos when we wish for only peace. Speaking of, hopefully by the end of this week or early next week I will have my house in order and we can have a gaming night.”

The invitation is met well by her friends. “That sounds awesome!” Ririko shouts.

“I’m interested.” Reo nods her head.

“I guess I made the right choice of which unit to join. Unit leaders offering game nights.” Kawamoto jokes. “I can’t wait to join.”

“Not all the other groups are terrible…” Katsuki says. “Unless you want to deal with abuse and manipulation from Yoshida and Watase’s newly inflated ego… Uhhg, I can’t wait to put her in her place in our title match next month.”

“I’m out when it comes to a gaming night this week. I’m sure I’ll visit later.” Cali clarifies. “I’ll be flying back out to Vancouver Wednesday. Since this is a rare weekend off from shows for all of us and they don’t have me scheduled the week after, I might as well head home for a week or two and rest up. But don’t let me stop you guys.”

“I hope you enjoy your time at home. You earned it.” Katsu nods as her friends ask.

“So, what day will it be? Friday? Saturday?” Miyu asks. “I think it will make us all closer as a team.”

“I still have three rooms full of boxes and shopping to do.” Katsu explains. “But how about this, by Friday, I will tell you when.”

Katsu looks back and the answer seems to satisfy her friends who all give nods of approval. Cali whispers something into Katsuki’s ear and the masked wrestler whispers back, giving a wink. Ririko’s tall head looks up and she motions for them to stop.

“Hold on, I think we need some snacks. Cat tail donuts!”

She points to her side to one of the stands and there is a glass display with various donuts and other snacks.

Most notably, some are shaped like long sticks with different designs on them. Little cat paws are drawn on their signs. The group heads over to the stand and Ririko asks for five of them. Katsu, being nice, offers to pay and pulls out her wallet, taking out some coins. The merchant takes the money as everyone picks which one they want. Miyu Kawamoto grabs her first and steps to the side where she takes notice of the stand next to them.

Behind the stand is a buddhist inspired statue and along it are colourful, somewhat creepy dolls. All with a similar bean shape. Of course, the front table has far less… creepy designs. Perfect for tourists, with all their eyes blank. The Daruma. Miyu hums and gets the attention of her friends.

“I have not seen these since I was young. My mom always got me a daruma before I had something big for good luck.”

The members of YOKAI Death Squad turn and get a look at the intricately designed dolls. Each carefully painted. Some of which have a human design, and fitting with the alley, some cat and even fox designs.

“Daruma? Are these considered bad luck?” Reo asks before taking a bite of her treat. The deathmatch wrestler pouts.

“No, they’re good luck!”

“I see for once, the locals are drawn to my dolls rather than the tourists.” An old man on the other side of the table notices. His skin is full of wrinkles which show his age. His greying hair is messy, but has a kind grin.

“Well, four of us are from here.” Ririko corrects him, pointing towards Cali. “She’s Canadian.”

“Japanese-Canadian.” Cali corrects her. “My ancestors moved to British Columbia from Japan around 1900.”

“Ay, and I see you speak Japanese fairly well.” The merchant comments. “Glad to see you come home where your roots are. I suppose you all know about the daruma? I know your friend does.”

“Aren’t they associated with Smallpox?” Ririko asks. The merchant chuckles.

“They were used as gifts during that time, yes.” The merchant clarifies. “Often used to show the life and death of the young souls affected by it, and to wish good healing to those ailing. But their origins are a sign of dedication and good luck. Do you want to hear?”

“I’m interested.” Katsuki speaks up. “I never got them as a gift, my family did not believe in such things.”

Picking one of the dolls up in his hand, the merchant holds it up, resting it on his palm. “The shape of these are inspired by the monk Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism. They would stress the importance of meditation and the contemplation of the world.”

The beginning of the story draws interest from the YDS co-leader.

“I do know meditation can help reset yourself.”

“Ah, so you may be interested. Many monks would sit, remaining still for years on end. Legend has it their limbs would fall off, thus creating this shape, quite funny, it is.”

The vendor jokes, but the five young ladies in front of him do not share that humour and exchange glances.

“I suppose I will spare the origin of the blank eyes… That is a little too gruesome for you. But it goes down to their lesson of dedication to achieve a goal.”

Kawamoto nods her head.

“That is when my parents got me them as a gift. Before I had something big, they would have me paint one of the eyes and say a wish, sometimes writing down what I wished to get. Then they would put it in a place of prominence for good luck and encouragement so when I would pass by, I would be reminded.”

The merchant places his doll down. “That is why I have gotten many tourists to come and part with their hard earned dollars. I share my art, and they give it to a close friend who could use it.”

“Say, I have an idea.” Ririko says, swallowing a big bite of her treat. “How about we each get one and give ourselves a goal to accomplish? To give us some motivation.”

“That sounds fun. I’ll need a second to take home too.” Cali says, her friends rolling their eyes.

“I am sure your friend will appreciate it.” The vendor says.

“What about the rest of you?” Ririko asks.

“I think it will be fun.” Katsu agrees.

Reo also gives a nod and obviously, Miyu is on board. Each of them picks out a doll of their choice. Ririko goes for one with cat ears. Reo picks one with a purple hue. Cali Hayama goes with a blue and pink one for her and her partner. Miyu finds one which is white and gold. Katsu grabs her last and finds one with fox ears and a tail. They exchange money with the merchant.

“I hope you enjoy your daruma and I hope your wishes come true.”

The ladies give the gentleman a bow. “Thank you, sir.” Katsu thanks him on behalf of the group. Motioning to the table at his side, the merchant adds.

“And I do have some ink there if you want to make your wishes now.”

The girls head over to the table and they exchange glances. Cali puts the pink one in her bag so she can bring it home with her. Now, all that is left is to make a wish.

“So, who should go first?” Miyu asks.

“Well, you seem to be the ‘expert’ so why don’t you do you show us?” Reo asks Miyu,

Kawamoto shrugs and she goes to grab a brush, dipping it in ink.

“The tip is you take a drop of black ink and you mark the left eye as you make a wish. You leave the other eye blank until you achieve your goal.” She hums, thinking of her wish. She tapes her brush and fills in a circle in the eye. “I hope I can main event a CJW show with a proper deathmatch.”

Katsu blinks. “A deathmatch in CJW? In the main event? Miyu, I know you made your name with it before you met us, but do you think they will allow it?”

Cali shrugs. “I’ve seen them do some regular hardcore matches, two cage matches and one ladder match. So stipulations are rare, but not impossible to happen.”

“I know it is crazy, but I want to break that trend.” Miyu places her brush down and moves her doll to the side, giving it a moment to dry. “I know people see deathmatches and think of big violent monsters. But when I compete in them, I see them as a spectacle, a test of heart and endurance, and an art. When I was in my idol days, performing was an art. When I wrestle a normal match, it is an art. A deathmatch is just that with more tools. It can be a hero’s journey, or a horror movie you can’t look away from.”

Miyu turns. “Just look at me. As I was training for wrestling I was wearing sparkling outfits, singing and dancing for people, but I go through panes of glass and barbed-wire and still get up. I break the stereotype. I went to CJW so I can maybe change that perception from people, so if I can have a deathmatch in a big match and entertain people, that may go a long way.”

The Deathmatch Idol moves her doll to the side and gives space for her friends. “Okay, who is next?”

Stepping up to the table is Reo. She has been somewhat quiet, being the younger member of the group.

“I think I know.” She grabs the brush and dips it in ink. She says as she fills the eye in. “I want to win this year’s Young Blood Tournament.”

“Speaking as someone who won it against your sister, even making it to the finals can be an accomplishment given the year.”

Ririko nods, but she gives her younger sister encouragement.

“But we know you can do it!”

"I hope so. I remember after I got eliminated from Ground Zero, when I flew home we all talked while you were hurt, and I explained I was acting aggressive on the show because I was desperate to impress you guys and prove those Virtue girls wrong when they told me I couldn’t join MAYHEM.”

She takes a deep breath, exhaling. “I was so… I let my anger get out of control. I am getting better at controlling it. But I still feel… I need to win. I am 19 now. This is my last year of eligibility. I got eliminated round one two years in a row, both to outside wrestlers CJW allows to enter each year.”

Giving her younger sister a hug, Ririko smiles. “Well, you are way stronger than last year! We will make sure we train hard so you can have a big tournament this summer!”

Despite her usual shyness and moodiness, Reo smiles under her mask at her older sister’s sign of support. “Thank you, sis. So what is your wish?”

Ririko hums and gets an idea. Placing her kitty daruma on the table she begins to paint the eye in.

“I want to record a song, release it, and perform it in front of fans.”

The other YDS members exchange looks before showing their support.

“Finally growing confidence with that?” Katsu asks.

“I thought you quit singing?” Cali Hayama asks. Ririko smiles at Miyu.

“Well, Kawamoto has inspired me to give it another chance. But this time, I’m not trying to join some Idol group. I just want to do it on my terms.”

“Just don’t try to drag me into your performances like you did when we were kids.” Reo looks at Ririko and shudders, thinking of all the ‘impromptu concerts’ she had to partake in as kids.

“I won’t.”

“Well, if you need tips, I will be glad to help. I am sure some of my old friends can lend a hand too.” Miyu offers which Ririko accepts with a big hug.

“Absolutely!”

“Well, I guess it is my turn then.”

Cali places her blue Daruma on the table and hums. “Jeez. I don’t know what to wish for… I mean, I’ve been looking for singles gold for a while now-” She says, taking a knowing glance at Katsu. Welcoming the challenge, Katsu steps forward and does some playful trash talk.

“Well as a singles champion, I will tell you what I told everyone else in YDS. You want to fight me for the title? I have no issues. Step up, because I will not hold back.”

“Maybe when you finally stomp Watase’s head into the mat for good we'll celebrate with a match?” Cali sneers before getting an idea.

“Actually, I got a better idea.” Cali dips her brush and paints the left eye. “I want to hit three million subscribers on YouTube and reach 800,000 followers on Twitch.”

Cali places her brush down.

“My channel numbers have been a bit inconsistent in their growth. When I appeared on American TV I ended up getting a spike, but then when I was being double booked it was slow one period, then maybe I’d have a lucky day, or lose some because of YouTube’s stupid algorithm… Fuck.”

She curses in English under her breath.

“That sounds incredibly stressful for just streaming video games then uploading highlights online.” Reo asks.

“You have no idea. To be a content creator and be able to do it full time, or in my case, a weird mix in between part-time and full time while getting dropped on my head in Japan for a living, it takes some luck, but then a lot of hard work. You are basically your own boss. There are no sick days. When I wrestle, I genuinely hope that if I do get injured, that it isn’t something where I can’t use my hands for a while or else my channel may be screwed.”

Taking a deep breath, Cali tries to speak positively. “But I’m just thankful my community online is pretty good. I’ve also met some friends through it who I have collaborated with. Then of course Kay who was my video editor until she got her current job. CJW even allowed me to create a Japanese channel where they translate my highlights into Japanese and change up the editing. I’ve been getting close to those milestones so hitting will be pretty big.”

Looking at Katsu, Cali smirks under her surgical mask, saying in English.

“Your turn, champ.” She winks, getting her own playful trash talk in. Katsu stuffs her daruma in her purse.

“I don’t need to do it now, haha.” There is some nervous laughter from her.

“Come on, we all made our wishes.” Miyu taps the table. “Now it’s your chance.”

“Yeah, I can’t wait to hear what you’ll say!” Ririko encourages Katuski. Reo even gets in on it.

“It is all for fun, right?” Reo reminds her. Katsu looks.

“Honestly, my life has been good as of late. It has. My career is at a high now. I just moved into a place I hope can be a long-term home. I won the secondary title for CJW. I could just wish to beat Miho Watase or for the Universe of COSMIC Championship, but all those would be a bit hollow.”

After some glances from her friends, she takes the fox daruma out of her purse and onto the table.

“Fine. But I don’t know what to wish for.”

“It does not need to be anything super serious.” Kawamoto encourages the YDS co-leader. “Maybe something fun you want to try?”

Taking some time to think, Katsu whispers something into the ear of Cali Hayama. She nods, giving her support.

“Okay. This might be a bit of a serious wish. Everything is going well for me, but I should not be complacent. Keep this going.”

“That’s the spirit!” Ririko shouts.

“What is it, then?” Reo asks.

Nodding, Katsu says. “It has been something on my mind for a while, but I know I can do it.” There is some confidence in the young wrestler.

“Well, I’m not sure if I’ll help directly, but you know we’ve got your back, buddy.” Cali winks.

“And likewise for me to you. To YOKAI Death Squad. May all our dreams come true.”

All the girls hold up their daruma dolls and shout "To YDS!" as Katsu places her down. She dips her brush in the ink and goes to fill in her eye.

Keeping her wish.

In her head.

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