Romantic Interlude in Japan

Main characters: *Rizal

* Seiko Usui/(0-Sei-San as RIZAL called her) – Rizal’s lover

On February 28, 1888. Early in the morning, Rizal arrives in Yokohama, Japan from his visit in Hong Kong and Macau. The
next day he proceeded to Tokyo and took a room in Tokyo Hotel.

In his first day in Japan he was impressed by its beauty.

One day while he was walking in the park where he heard the band playing classical music and was impressed.

Rizal: Oh! How admirable was the rendition. I wonder these Japanese people have assimilated the Modern European
music to the extent of playing the beautiful musical masterpieces of the great European composers so well.

While enjoying his walk in the park, Rizal saw a beautiful Japanese girl sitting on a bench where he was attracted at his
first glance in her beauty, regal loveliness, charm and modesty.

Rizal then asks a gardener near him if who the girl is sitting on the bench.

Rizal: Excuse me miss, may I ask if who is that girl right there? (while pointing Seiko Usui)

Gardener: Oh! She is Seiko Usui, she lives in my parents’ home and she always sits there during her afternoon walk.

Rizal: Well, thank you miss.

After seeing Seiko Usui, Rizal was so in love that made him visit the park every day.

Rizal then finally has the courage to tell Seiko Usui his love for her.

Rizal: Hi 0-Sei-San! How are you?

Seiko Usui: Hello Rizal! I’m just fine.

Rizal: There’s something I want to tell you right now and what I’m going to say is that I have been thinking all about this
every day.

Seiko Usui: What is it Rizal?

Rizal: 0-Sei-San! (grabs her hand).I think I like you, 0-Sei-San. From the first time I saw you and up until now.

Seiko Usui was silent that time but her face was red.

Since that time, the two met almost daily. Together they visited the interesting spots in the city, the Imperial Art Gallery,
the Imperial Library, the Universities, the Shokubutsu-en (Botanical Garden), the City Parks (particularly the Hibiya Park)
and the Picturesque Shrines.

Rizal: Thank you for staying with me until now. I just want to say that you have made my visit here in Japan as one of the
best thing I've ever experienced.

Seiko Usui: I also want to thank you for you had been so good to me and for taking care of me everyday.

Seiko Usui’s beauty and affection almost tempted Rizal to settle down in Japan. At the time he was offered a job in the
Spanish legation. ecause of Rizal’s heroic deed and patriotic mission , he would have married Seiko Usui, but he chose to
leave her behind.

Rizal: It’s been more than a month of my stay here and I have to leave again for my journey.

Seiko Usui: (crying) How could you leave me behind for you have said that you really love me.
Rizal: If! If ever I could stay here with you, I would. But I have to leave, for this is a very important thing I should do and I
hope you understand.

Rizal left Seiko Usui crying. Then he continued his voyage leaving Japan and his lover.