I'm not usually one for sappy stuff, but even I can't help but smile thinking of Moeko. And the little owl is so cute just to top it all ^_^

man, that just about made me cry.

Ever since I've had my daughter, she's done similar things to me, but I've never had someone I hardly know do something that nice for me.

I hope the world never gets it's evil little claws into her.

That made me tear up a little. Great story!

For what its worth, that made a usually emotionally stable guy break a tear, really touching. :)

That was *really* sweet. *sniff*

Some might say little Moeko is as talented as an artist as her heart is big. It's things like this that remind you there is still good in the world.

Keep up the great work. I look forward to every one of your posts. And thank Tucker Max for turning so many on to your journey. I hope you can cash in on this shit.

This was a touching story. And Moeko did very pretty work on the gift. I feel your pain on what happened, and I think that you getting that was just proof that you shouldn't give up on all people. I hope Moeko stays the way she is, I hope you get a person in your life that reciprocates your kindness, and I hope that harpy gets what's coming to her.

I'm glad you finally got this story back up, it makes a little happier whenever I'm feeling down. Whenever I want to remind myself why doing a small thing can make a big difference.

Excellent post! A welcome change of pace but I'm still looking foreward to hearing more crazy crap about the Japanese.

I love your blog but I have never been compelled to comment until now. That is probably the most beautiful thing I have ever read. I hope she doesn't get stepped on by the people in her life, because it would be a complete tragedy if a girl with a personality like hers gets mistreated.

What a clear and wonderful sentiment. "If you are happy, I am happy too." Yes, she understands English. I have to agree with D-J Panic's sentiment. (I hope the world never gets it's evil little claws into her.)

It really is the thought that counts, she certainly knows the meaning of this. I often ask people what is so valuable that you can't buy it? Not only that you can't even ask for it. If you ask for it you will never get it.

Friends.

We have family friends in Japan, though we haven't seen them for about ten years. Even though it's been that long, we still get Christmas cards AND letters from them every Christmas, without fail. They remember all our names, and seem genuinely interested about what's going on in our lives. This always touched me so much--we hardly ever get letters, much less from people all the way around the world who don't speak English and we haven't seen in ten years. Also, the inside of the card your student gave you looks a lot like the cards we get from them!
This, and your story is pretty much all I know about Japan, and it seems to be a very caring culture. It seems like they just give unconditional affection, without any embarrassment at all. How amazing. :)

It's truly incredible how one little girl can do so much for someone who she thinks is her superior.

I hope she takes the right path in life.

That really made me sniffle. Touching.

First off, i'd like to say I love your site ^.^ I've heard about it from my friend in the past and I even read a few entries and found them hilarious. In a way, I wanna be like you: Black dude in Japan :P Since its always been my dream to go there and suck in the culture. Of course, your site helps give me an idea of what to expect, since some of this shocks me for I was one of those who expected Japanese culture to be a specific way ^^;;

Normaly I wouldn't comment, not that I feel im to good to do so, its just Im normaly not good with words and all I would be able to come up and say would prob come across as "Love your site! WOOO" or "Your hilarious and awesome!"...but this entry you placed in, I understand it happened awhile back since your moving your old posts from the previous site to the one now....it got to me bad.

Im the exact same way you were, Im 19 and...do alot for people and go out of my way to make people happy. I place others happyness before my own...i've had my friends tell me im too nice of a person and get taken advantage of. But its just how I am, if not...I start to worry if the person is angry at me for my choice, which gets to me because I dont want people to hate me or dislike me. Of course the others arn't as generous as I...so I find myself waiting for my friends/people to be as kind to me when I need a favor or do something generous for them ...only to have my heart crushed while keeping the kind smile on my face...knowing I should be hurt but not wishing to show it because I feel that would disgruntle them, make them think they have to, thus making them angry or unhappy...something that I DONT want happening. SOmetimes I start to wonder if I should just stop going out of my way all togeather, but was unsure how that would turn out. I know its no where near the same degree of stuff you went through in the past....but I just...know where your coming from =/

When I read this post, it hit me strong...I dont blame you for carrying around the owl because if it was me...i'd treasure it as well. My friend from Japan, one I just met from the first friend who showed me your site, she came to america to visit and stay with a few friends of mine...and I stayed as well so I could be there and get to know her more since I had just started talking to her 2 or 3 months before with conversations here and there. Before she came we started to talk more because she was excited to visit, she told me over and over that she was going to get me a present, as well as my other friends, when she came to America. I told her it was fine and she didnt have to, because i've never really done anything for her to do it. But sure enough, she came and gave it to me. It was a actionfigure/figurine of two characters of one of my favorite anime's. It made me really happy, because it was practicly the first time someone else went out of their way for me to make me happy. Of course I made it up to her while she was still here. The figureine sits next to my computer since I could lose it if I carried it around, and im sure once I get a cruddy cubical desk job...it will be there with me as well XD.

It makes me start to think...Is it because of japanese are that one would recieve such kindness from them like in these situations? I dunno, I dont know as much about the japanese as you or others prob do...but reading your story...and my experience with that one friend from there...makes my desire to visit and live in Japan even greater...while also helping me stick to being kind to others if its going out of my way, because one day I might be that Moeko or Yuka (my friend from japan) to someone else.

This is a pretty big comment, and im sorry if you dont want something like this on here..so I wont mind if you delete it ^^ I just felt the urge to finaly put something down once I read this....

Truly a classic and heart-warming story. I'm glad everything turned out alright.

That is just so sweet!! And the owl is so adorable!

I just discovered your site, and am looking forward to seeing more posts, old or new, but please, get better. I realize you're doing this out of your own good will, so I don't expect anything. But I do thank you for it.

And if you see her, give Moeko a smile for me. 8)

I shed a tear.. which is unusual for me. I suppose I can relate in some ways.

What a sweet girl :)

And Moeko's owl is back in business! :D

She graduates this year, doesn't she? Or has she already gone on to greener (hopefully) pastures?

Wow, I feel so enlightened. This is like the feeling that I got when I first read Jim Carrey's quote out of a magazine to past time while at a dentist office, "I think everyone should be rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that's not it." Anyway, back to topic. I think as the world turns more difficult as people age, the more protective we are about ourselves. Until we encounter someone like Moeko who reminds us that it's okay to be kind that we realize how much more enjoyable life would be if we gave again.

I actually read this a long time ago, and was almost as moved reading it this time as I was back then. As others have said, I hope that little Moeko doesn't have her good nature taken advantage of.

As quite a few people have already mentioned, beautiful story. This really does give you hope that there is some hope for humanity. I think the real thread of hope is found in your attitude however rather than Moeko's. Moeko seems to be a reflection of your younger self and is therefore somewhat untainted as yet, but the fact that her actions totally altered your state of mind is truly wonderful.

oh my god! Such a moving story. ;_;
Such a nice girl. :)

Seriously... wow, man. Do the one or two students you get like this every couple of years make the job worth it?

Makes me feel a little better. I pray to all dieties that Moeko stays so sweet and loving. That had to be the nicest thing I have ever seen and read.

I cried for like 6 or 7 hours. Eventually I had to go to the hospital to get a liquid transfusion because I had cried out everything in my body.

I'm in the middle of a shaky period of ups and downs and this story made me feel better like nothing else would.

Thanks

Due to recent events, I'm close to giving up on humanity. But knowing that there's a few people like this left in the world gives me hope. Thanks for sharing, it's exactly what I needed.

This is by far my favorite story of yours. This is what spurred me to bookmark your old site, because reading about Moeko makes me feel better about the world. If you are happy, I am happy too - I've tried to live my life like this. Very moving story; I wonder if this girl realizes what an impact she has? Moeko has become my role-model.

I'm in the same boat Angel is in. It's been about two months since my girlfriend broke up with me, after cheating on me, and I honestly don't like the world. I want to say thanks for helping me feel better.

dude great story.
it's great to see there's some good in the world.

and it's nice to see a blog which is so true to the japanese experience, i spent some time there and did some teching, and your blog takes me back to that.

I've read this story a million times and passed it on to many people. Even after reading it so much, and talking about it to so many people, it still chokes me up. What a beautiful person that girl is. I wish more people were like that--- or had the chance to stay like that, as time went on. We need more Moekos.

I'm no wimp but that's just the sweetest thing I've ever heard.

That's got to be the sweetest thing I've ever read.

Wow.

Just wow.

Wow. I'm pretty cold blooded most times, but that illicited a genuine tear-up from me.

I know what it's like to work your ass off making people happy without expecting anything in return. I was genuinely touched by this story, man. She's an incredible girl, from what this shows. That amount of work and effort into something that catches you off-guard like that. Just, wow.

I laughed at the Alien Trilogy and Old Yeller, and have tears running down my face at this.

Keep it up, dude. I just discovered your site, but I'll definitely hang out.

... that was the sweetest thing I've ever heard of. Wow. I'm floored.
I too hope she doesn't change. That would be horrible. She's so beautiful. It would be a shame.

I've been lurking on your old page and this blog for a while now, but this has prompted me to say something. That is just beautiful -- I am amazed at what a gifted child Moeko is. Like others have said, I hope she stays the beautiful soul she is. I hope one day she will touch others and she will be old enough to understand how much her love affects others.

I'm very happy that she showed you that the universe can't be a black vacuum, devoid of humanity, all the time. It's hard to remember sometimes. :)

hi Jeff :)

u should try indonesia too....
actually, giving something to a person u admire is a habit here:)

Wow. I almost cried. And I'm a guy. That is one sweet, kind girl.
I wouldn't have thought that there are nice human beings like that on this planet. Jesus, makes me want to be less mean to everyone around me. That has REALLY moved me, I can't even imagine how much it must have moved you.
One can really see how much love went into making that cute owl and the card!

Thanks for sharing!

Dude! You dont watch enough anime to understand what that gift was. I think it was her expression of her love for you dude.

When a jap girl does something overly kind like make you something, even a Bento it means they have feelings towards you.

Too bad she was young ay haha.

For Moeko to do that is simply awe-inspiring and beautiful,she is an Angel,I can't even begin to express how sweet that is,of course it will NEVER compare to how that must feel to you,congrats ^_^

I'm happy she gave you the owl, that you liked it, and that you truly appreciated it. The world seems like an OK place at this moment in time. Life is good.

that one was the best!

*wipes tear*

wow. i've known this site for a while(with its history at outpost nine)and i've read that and i can't help but to say that i'm moved by this story and surprised by some of the responses to this girl.

i don't think we need more moekos. i think we already have enough. we just need people whocan tell others about things like this.

arg you made my eyes water darn you

When i first checked this site out, i thought it was going to be the Japanese TEFL version of Tuckermax. Lord knows i've been with some freaky bitches from there, and there is no shortage of people who wanna read about that kinda stuff.

I'm glad to say that it didn't turn out like that.. All the stories here are well written and, as anyone who has spent time with Japanese will tell you, fairly acurate.

This story even brought a tear to the eye.

I had a similar experience a while ago with a J-girl who cheated on me.. I went through a lot of the emotions you did.. first i blamed it on Japanese but i'm to smart to be racist or judge a whole culture from one persons action. So eventually i started to think people everywhere are pretty damnd scummy. When you start thinking like that... You do some messed up shit.. and become exactly what you hate.

Then you meet someone like Moeko and your whole view on life turns upside down. Its things like this that keeps your faith in humanity..

I'm not much of a praying man, but i'll pray to any god out there that she never loses that sweetness, and never turns into a hard arsed selfish bastard like the rest of us.

Wow...this was my first time reading this and honestly I am moved. I too am a giver, and I know exactly how you felt. Meeting such a beautiful person as moeko is extraordinary, I wish for the best to the both of you.

this really makes you think huh?

That is soo sweet. I hope the world is very kind to Moeko in return. *eyes tear up...* damn! OOOHHH, I just wanna hug her!

Thats awesome, great, spectacular, special... there is no word for such kidness, just thank you

This is easily one of my favorite entries amongst the entire archives. It makes me like I should forge myself into someone of high enough quality to become a teacher and give notice to those who don't always get it.

Normally I would not comment but soon I will leave for a life with the Army and felt that since I hadn't shown my gratitude for these journals I should now before I lose my chance. So, thanks for writing these, they're all amazing, some incredibly funny, some inspirational, but all very well written, thank you.

That was just amazing. I've read the entire archive now, but.. wow. It teared me up.

Like, well, just about everyone else whos commented, i'd also like to say I hope she stays just the way she is now. Or was. You know what i'm trying to say ;/

Wow. What an amazing girl, that Moeko. How sweet.

Due to extensive meetings and conversations with stupid and horrible people, I have decided that most of humanity sucks. The human race is devolving. Sometimes I wonder what's the point of living and trying so hard in this world that won't ever appreciate anything.

Knowing that there are people out there like Moeko makes me think that there is still some hope in this world. I'm glad.

Beautifully written, keep it up ^~

Moeko seems to be one of the few people left in a world ruled by capitalism, greed, and power plays that still manages to be unconditionally kind. theres a saying, "Dont sweat the small stuff", but sometimes the small stuff is what makes the rest of the crap in the world worth all the effort we put into it. Great to know that some people still practice kindness.

Very moving... Glad I took the time to read that. :)

that story really was amazing!

i'm glad you still have that side of you, the side that can appreciate others. =]

i know too many snotty people back here in the states that don't appreciate anything.

A story that deeply touched even a stone-hearted troll like me :D Im glad you wrote about it. It gives a real bonus to this 'Japanese are odd' blog. (and I love the fun parts too XD)

That was so sweet. Made me feel good just reading this :)

This lovely story still made me cry, even when I already read it back when it was posted on ON. I'm so glad you posted this piece because it proves that nice people like Moeko do exist. =3

Still feeling teary-eyed. ;-;

I can't remember the last time I cried, but, well, this really moved me. Why can't more people be like that?

Wow. That was soo sweet. What a nice little girl :) She actually has nicer handwriting than 95% of American high school students. Pretty sad.

I guess the world really can be harmful to us in ways we had never thought of... in ways you probably wouldn't really understand unless you know me personally, I'm a bit like Moeko.. but I'm also turning out to be a bit like you... It's all a matter of conscious effort to stay on the path I had decided to take when I chose to be the one to bring the smile to people's faces...

I'm glad to see I'm not the only one completely fogging up at reading that story.
I'm not a complete wuss then =)

I think I know exactly what you must have felt like, with the giving and getting, and I've often seen myself falling towards the trap you described. Luckily I have a very few very very good friends to pull me out, but just reading about this wonderful girl brings a tear to my eye.
I think I would have been wailing at the top of my lungs if I'd been in your situation then.

Awwww. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
^.^ Your name is Jeff!!!

Every time I read this story, I cry. It's great to see there are still people like this out there. :)

Personally, I think it's normal to give present when we like someone. Maybe she's crazy in love of him, or maybe she like him as a friend even if he was her teacher.

I cry every time I read this.

:'-) That was really nice.

Nothing like a random (premeditated in this case) act of kindness to completely turn around a bad day.

I love this one so much. Everytime I read it I tear up... What an amazing girl =)

This is the second time I 've read this story, the previous one as a part of the Outpost Nine and now of the Gaijin Smash. I can't say I don't cry often, the slightest thing is enough to move me, so the fact that I've cried for the second time reading this story, maybe doesn't mean much on its own. But I must say I find this story really touching and the fact that it moved you too in such a way I think shows you are a really amazing person on the inside and you shouldn't feel bad about yourself. It's that Japanese bitch ex-of-yours who should be ashamed of herself.

Sometimes we can learn really valuable lessons from the little ones.

As an English teacher myself (in UK) who is teaching a class of 12-13 Year old three of which have been suspended for punching other teachers I found that beautiful and you made my day! Cheers

That is a beautiful and heartwarming story! It's people like that who make life worth living.

:')

Some things are just too grand on a level or two to put into words; this was one of them - You did a wonderful job getting this event into text, I think. It really hits home with me - I'm still a student, and I see too many of my peers causing trouble for my teachers, and, while I don't find that I cause trouble for them, this has called to my attention that I've never really worked to lighten their load (With one exception, but who can resist imparting good games to your history teacher when he happens to be a hardcore gamer). I suppose I need to do what I can to lighten their load - I know for sure that several of my teachers are going through incredibly tough times, really.

On another note, it's quite depressing to find that a Japanese Student - a nonnative English Speaker, more specifically - has better penmanship in *My* native tongue (not hers, in other words) than I could ever hope to achieve without spending undue amounts of time on it. I suppose that's one reason why Microsoft Word used to be a killer App.

...Isn't it kind of wrong to post on the net something like that...? I feel like you should have asked her permission...

But, permission ethics aside. I've got to say that in spite of my age, I was almost on the verge of tears... You'd make a great writer.

Regards,

Agon.

P.S. You are incredible. I have much respect for you. I wish I could even have the opportunity to meet you in person one day. As I do have plans to visit Japan in the future. (I wish I could be there even now, but being 16 years of age, engraves a limit to where you are able to fly to without supervision...)

I didn't read through all the comments, but I just wanted to add that owls are well known to be the wise/smart/etc. "ones" (I don't know what I'm talking about--you know, whenever you see um, drawings of animals dressed up and in human situations, the owl is ALWAYS the teacher whenever there's a classroom setting) because of this cultural ...--damn, don't know why I can't verbalize today or think of basic vocabulary-- you know, like this cultural um, established, accepted idea (gahh!)/folklore whatever... Ahhhh, forgot that. I just want to say that I really hope you understood and appreciated why she gave you an owl and not some meaningless random animal like a cat...

It gives me hope. Please give hope to other nice girls too. You can be nice again too!

Thanks

To you and Moeko..

I remember reading this entry a few years ago when it first came out and it really was inspiring. My thoughts haven't changed - this really is the best entry out of all the ones you've made.

This is probably somewhere close to the eighth time I read this editorial. I usually don't cry, I'm able to keep myself coolheaded most of the time, but this is one editorial that simply blows my mind. It's able to penetrate even the toughest of emotional walls and show that even though many people are, to put it plainly, uncaring fools, some people are very generous with their love. This editorial made me shed a tear in...happiness. And for that, I applaud you, and I applaud Moeko. Her, for the thing she did, and you for being able to put it into words.