Readers’ Corner: Turning 60
I turned 60 last month. In Japan, this special age is called “kanreki.” The word means “returning to the beginning.” People believe that our life cycle resets every 60 years, so I am actually a baby again! To celebrate, my family gave me a red hat and a red vest called a “chanchanko.” Red is the color for babies, and it is also believed to ward off bad luck. I put them on with a smile. I was very happy. But when I looked in the mirror, I noticed something. I looked like a bright red strawberry on the outside, but I felt like a hairy, wrinkled kiwi on the inside! (111 words) Jaremaga now comes out online on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. To become a paid subscriber and read it 5 days a week, go to “Support Jaremaga” below for more information. You can send me a comment or your own story at jaremaga@gmail.com