betsu ni (nothing in particular)

I’ve been here just a little over a week, and I’ve already been visited by the NHK man.

I had a sinking feeling that’s who it was as I stood up to answer the door. And, sure enough, there he stood. Once the initial shock of being faced with a foreigner wore off, he launched into his spiel. I understood what he was saying and knew exactly what he wanted, but I played dumb, hoping he’d just give up and leave me alone. Once he whipped out the English language pamphlet, however, there was no turning back. I grabbed my wallet, counted out 2,790 yen, signed my name on the dotted line, and sent him on his way. He’ll be back in two months, but I’ll be gone by then.

I suppose I could have raised a stink and slammed the door in his face, but he was far too polite to deserve such shoddy treatment. In the end, he’s just a guy trying to do his job.

And, of course, I’ve watched a lot of anime over the years that aired on NHK - for free - so, I figure I owe them something.

August 2, 2005 | 8:52 PM | Posted in Life, Places

Comments

phossil | August 2, 2005 | 10:38 PM

its that your cable rent?? its almost $25.

Jeff Lawson | August 2, 2005 | 11:18 PM

NHK is the public broadcaster here, so you “have” to pay if you own a TV, much like the BBC license fee in the UK. I could have refused, but the NHK man would have harassed me until the end of time.

The yearly fee is actually 15,490 yen ($140 US). I only paid for the two months I’ll actually be here.

Bakaboobie | August 4, 2005 | 6:35 AM

You “have” to pay if you own a TV?!

Young Wayne | August 10, 2005 | 7:43 AM

Well, look at it this way. No money, no anime. Eventually. And that sort rhymed?.