Empty the apartment; A Yard Sale

An informal event in central Tokyo

When I first moved into my apartment, there were many things left behind from those who lived here before. Some things were hidden beneath cardboard boxes, others were crammed into cabinets, but most were left in plain view on the shelves, on top of the refrigerator, or the counters, as if to say: I am still here, this is my home too.  

Over the last six years, my roommates and I have added to the collection. Even on deep-cleaning days, I have tended to keep some of these things around, perhaps unconsciously not wanting to disturb their narratives—they all seem to have their own important histories. Maybe part of me wondered if they’d come of use, or if I’d meet someone who wanted or needed this exact thing. 

But I like empty spaces. 

So, I’ve decided it’s time for these things to go.

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Mini binoculars 

History:

These tiny binoculars have been here for at least six years—they were here before I arrived in Tokyo, and I’m not sure where they came from, or why. They’re in perfect condition, not a scratch on them. The lenses are reddish orange. And they come with a small protective case/pouch. (My reflection has accidentally been caught in one of the lenses).

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Kendama 

History:

This Kendama¹ was given to me by someone who was leaving Japan, and didn’t know what to do with all their things. I accepted it into my care, though I haven’t used it. There are some small scratches on the ball, but this adds to its charm. I just tried using it now for the first time (while sitting at my desk writing this) and it makes a very satisfying noise. Like, a deep click. I want this toy to find a good home. 

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Bubbles

History:

About three years ago I threw a somewhat unexpectedly massive Christmas party. Many friends filtered in, and we did a gift swap. A French guy I met while in line at a Kebab stand in Shibuya (which is no longer in business), brought bubbles as his offering, and they have been here ever since. There are four bottles: two blue, one yellow, one pink. For people 3 years and older, someone who wants to re-remember joy, curiosity,  experimentation, and transparency. 

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Small Copper Pot

History:

This little pot belonged to one of my former roommates. I think she used it to make chai tea lattes. It was one of those purchases she made to enhance her quality of life. Maybe she thought, what would make this morning a little better? There is one screw missing on the handle, but otherwise it is in good condition, and ready to make somebody else’s morning. 

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Assemble your own hula-hoop

History:

This was a birthday gift (I think) from a friend a few years ago. The bag is still unopened, which means that it’s waiting for its rightful owner to discover what it means to assemble their own joy of movement. I imagine this toy finding its way to someone who wants to amble to a nearby park, either by themselves or with friends, and practice the art of rotation and letting go. It’s said that our sadness, anger, grief, and other troubling emotions get trapped in our hips, so let’s get them moving. 

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Former lover’s salmon pink jacket

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An informative pictorial book about Biblical figures (in Japanese)

History:

Not so unlike the Bible, this book was here before I was (I think). It likely belonged to another former roommate, who occasionally spoke to me about her faith. She once asked me what it was like to be from the place where Christianity originated. I tried to explain (in Japanese) that Christianity did not, in fact, begin in America. It was a particularly challenging conversation to have in both of our second languages. She was pretty surprised to hear that Christianity began when and where it did. It’s possible she bought this book after we had this conversation, and left it here for others to learn from. The book is in very good condition, and a very interesting find. (Great for Japanese reading practice too). 

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2 Sets of Orange “Christmas” Lights

History:

I bought these lights at Don Quixote in preparation for a Halloween party. They actually came packaged inside a Christmas box, but due to the color, I thought they’d appropriately match the Halloween decor. I went as Sally Bowles from Cabaret that year. I remember sitting on the floor of the apartment all day, cutting, drawing—making decorations for the party. Cabaret played on the common room television; it was my first time seeing it, and I didn’t want to be unprepared. I saw Stevie Budd from Schitt’s Creek do Sally before Liza Minelli. It’s gotta happen, happen sometime…cut, cut, cut. Unraveling the lights, placing them just right. Maybe this time…for the first time…love won’t hurry away. Lights on. Orange. Blinking. Shining. Maybe this time I’ll win.  

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Unknown framed painting 

The little that’s known of it’s history:

This painting was given to me by someone who recently left Japan. They bought it at an artist’s market in India, where they had traveled for eye surgery. After traveling home with the painting in tow, they brought it all the way to Japan where it stayed in an apartment in Kanagawa for five years. This painting has traveled around the world a lot. Before leaving Japan, I was asked to keep it safe. I simply don’t have enough room in my apartment for it, and would love to find a warm home for it somewhere.

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1. As copied and pasted from Wikipedia: The kendama (けん玉, "sword [and] ball") is a traditional Japanese skill toy. It consists of a handle (ken), a pair of cups (sarado), and a ball (tama) that are all connected together by a string. On one end of the ken is a cup, while the other end of ken is narrowed down, forming a spike (kensaki) that fits into the hole (ana) of the tama. The kendama is the Japanese version of the classic cup-and-ball game…