Memories of Uncle Muneo
My most vivid memory of Uncle Muneo, or "Mun-chan" as we called him, goes back to when I was a toddler, not even in kindergarten yet. I was visiting their home in Osaka, and he took me to a toy store in Hyou-tan-yama. There, he bought me a yellow Porsche model car. I still remember how huge the box was, almost too big for my little hands to hold. It was the biggest toy I'd ever received from my parents, and I was incredibly happy.
However, I was too young to assemble such a large model. I don't even remember bringing it back to Shizuoka with me. Maybe Mun-chan built it for me after I left?
Then, when I was in junior high, I received the Carpenters' album "A Song For You" from Mun-chan. It was a beautiful red LP with a heart tucked into the jacket. I guess it was one of his favorite albums. I listened to that record countless times. Maybe that's why I still love the Carpenters so much.
Thank you, Uncle Muneo, for teaching me the joy of creating and the fun of music! Your gifts and memories have stayed with me all these years. And finally, I am truly grateful for the two days we spent together with everyone at the Nihon-Daira-Hotel.
Shigeru Mishima