Nightmare on Shinsaibashi Street

Photo by Alex Rainer on Unsplash

I emerge from the underground only to be thrust into a rapid current of swarming people. Immediately, I am swept away by the crowd along a kaleidoscopic street filled with colors and bright lights. Like sirens calling out to sailors at sea, salespeople cry out for my attention, waving signs in big red letters – “50% OFF!!” “BUY 3, GET 1 FREE!!”. They warn me that time is running out. They promise me that I will find everything I need and want inside their shops.

Resistance is futile. All around me, people drop out of the group and wander off into the shops with a glazed look in their eyes, seduced by the sirens’ promises. I keep my eyes fixed on the person ahead of me and try not to listen to the sweet voices that beckon me into their stores. I need to stay alert. Even the most seasoned sailors can get lost in these treacherous waters.

Occasionally, the downstream people stray from their tracks, colliding with the upstream people, which can result in horrific consequences. I have witnessed a little girl scream in terror after one such incident, her mouth agape and eyes wide, staring at the headless corpse of her minion doll. Sometimes, it is the people in your own group who betray you. The person walking in front might suddenly stop in their tracks, causing you to breathe in a mouthful of their hair or trip over their bags. The people lurking behind you are no better. At any moment, they can shove you aside forcefully, just to get one step ahead of the game.

After a while, I safely reach my destination. I have come to the 100-yen store to buy a few DIY tools; I am thankful there are some broken things in life that can be fixed with some glue and a screwdriver. I take refuge in the safety of the store for some time before I have to go back out onto the street again.

On the way back, I take in the scenes of people straining under the weight of the shopping bags, buying more clothes, shoes and goods than they need. Tourists screaming at salespeople, demanding this and that, throwing tantrums when their demands are not met. Restaurants boasting all-you-can-eat menus for a certain price. Men and women strut in new clothes and try out different cosmetics, falling in love with their reflections in the mirrors. Oh, how there are so many mirrors! It is all a big competition, isn’t it? Who wears more stylish clothes? Who has more money to spend? I imagine many souls must have walked along this street, lamenting what they lack and wishing for what others have.

The crowd, the noise, the incessant demands for my attention and my own whirlwind thoughts make me feel light-headed. I stumble my way down the stairs of the subway station. My feet hurt and I realize I am starving. With shaky hands, I take out some chocolates and pop them into my mouth. I feel their sweetness explode in my mouth. It is at this moment that the train pulls into the station. My heart starts to calm and I can’t wait to go back home.