Anna Matsushita

  One day, about 40 years ago, I was on the way from school to the underground station .   At that time, there fere few people started call Japanese “Slanted eyes” at the school. Few girls, who have faced racial abuse for the first time, were either in deep shock or panic.   As I consoled them and give them emotional support, I was beginning to think I can not take this burden any more. Everyday, someone was crying, and they somehow call me and asked me to listen to  what they have to say.   We reported the racial remarks to a teacher who was responsible for the school affairs.   The process was slow, and I was almost there to spot the ring leader. That was a boy I have never seen, although I was at school more than 2 terms.   One day, the racial remarks on tubes were particularly hard, I hurried to the school, although being uncomfortable that remarks of “Slanted Eye” is coming from the students and new victim might be one the way.   On the way home, a white ma

  About thirty years ago, in mid 1990’s, I was waiting for her at ticket gates of Kensington Underground station in London.   As I leaned on the stone object, which looked line a fountain, I noticed there was a young man   looking at me.   I was slightly startled, thinking why he was looking at me. Then he came forward with soft smile on his face   “ Anna ？”   I could not recognise his voice, but behind his adult face, I remembered his younger days Besides, there is no one who knew my name   “ Kamire ？”   Bingo.   He was brother of my best friend from a language unit of an international school in London. We sit at the same class, and we had lots of fun during the brake. 7 years passed since then   The boy who was a12 years old at that time, became 17 years old grown-up boy now. His voice changed, and was wearing thin beard. I nearly gave him a big hug, but realised that he is no longer the little boy I knew.   “My sister sent me to tell you t