For the August 1991 issue of The Tatami Times, he provides us with a nice slice of life.
The Tatami Times was a monthly newsletter published in English by myself as part of the fringe benefits enjoyed by Tochigi-ken's many dues-paying JET (Japan Exchange & Teaching) Programme people.
So... with out much more further ado, here's Kevin's:
The Lighter Side
"KAKKOII!"
In my day, girls said "What a fox!" Later, it became popular to say, "What a hunk!" I'm afraid I've been away from the U.S. too long, and don't know the right phrase for today. Probably something like, "What a bart Simpson!"
But in Noborito, Japan, a few steps from Mukogaokayuen-eki (train station), in front of the pachinko parlour, on June 15, 1991 at 5:17 PM, witnesses can attest that the word was "KAKKOII!" (pronounced ka-ku-wee).
I've mentioned in this column before (or at least old Andrew has), that foreigners are usually called gaijin--outsider--sometimes in a derogatory manner.
But not last Saturday evening.
I finally found a young Japanese lady who appreciated my worth, and wasn't afraid to say it in public.
So, to the anonymous seven-year-old who both embarrassed and encouraged me: thanks!
And to you Kevin Blackburn - thank-you for your wonderful rife.
Somewhere wondering if Kevin knows his admirer is now 26-years-old or so,
Andrew Joseph
Today's blog title is by The Poni-Tails: KAKKOII!
PS: Ode to Kevin Blackburn... In the photo above, Kevin Blackburn is on the left, your 'great legs' author Andrew Joseph beside him, Jeff Seaman, Matthew Hall and Tim Mould on the far right are drunk and belting out a karaoke song: according to the tv prompter, it's: Take Me Home, Country Roads, one of approximately six karaoke songs in English available in Japan between 1990-1993... and probably up to whatever year it is now.
