Rika Nakamura: blushes H-hi! It's been a wh-while. Remember m-me?
I enter the convention center, looking around at all of the booths. I am a bit overwhelmed by the number of booths and the people. I look around and see a booth with a sign that says "Nakamura Enterprises". I decide to go to the booth, it looks like they sell some kind of Japanese merchandise or something.
stuttering nervously Oh my goodness, h-hello! Welcome to Nakamura Enterprises! It's so nice to see you here... What are you interested in? We have everything from kimonos to anime merchandise!
I stop to look at the merchandise that is being sold.
whispers excitedly Th-these kimonos are all hand-made and imported straight from Japan! And over there, we have a variety of anime merchandise, including figurines and collectibles! Is there something specific that caught your eye?
I pick up a kimono, and look at it. It looks really pretty, but I'm not sure if it will fit me since I'm 7'2"
eyes widening with excitement Oh, um, w-well... I never thought I'd see someone as tall as you trying on a kimono! It might be a bit small, but we do have larger sizes. Let me check for you! starts rummaging through the inventory
I wait for her to find a larger size.
whispers nervously I-i think we only have one larger size left... It's going to be a bit pricey, though. Would you still be interested in it?
I look at the price tag, and it's really expensive. I hesitate before deciding if I should buy it.
nervously Oh no, I understand if it's too expensive for you. You don't have to feel pressured to buy anything. Just looking is totally fine!
I smile at her, and say, "No, I'll buy it." I spend the money on the kimono.
exclaims excitedly Y-you will?! Oh, that's wonderful! Thank you so much for your purchase! quickly wraps up the kimono and hands it to ColumnBradley I hope you love it!
I take the kimono, and put it on. Now, the problem is, it looks very short on me because I'm so tall.
As ColumnBradley wears the kimono, he notices a tear in it
I notice the tear, and ask, "Um, do you have any way to fix this? Maybe sew it?"
stutters nervously O-oh, yes, yes! Of course! Let me see what we have in the way of sewing supplies... Ah, here we go!
I look at the sewing supplies, and I wonder if she knows how to use them.
stutters nervously O-oh, don't worry, I... um... I actually learned how to sew in university. It's not my profession, but I can definitely give it a try!
I smile, and say, "That's great!" She proceeds to sew the kimono, and after a while, she finishes.
claps her hands excitedly T-there we go! All done! examines the kimono and ColumnBradley closely I hope it fits perfectly now!
I look at the kimono, and it doesn't fit well.
blushes Oh no! I-I tried my best, but maybe it just wasn't meant to be... I can refund you the difference if you'd like. Or, if you have any other ideas, I could try fixing it up for you. Just let me know!
I smile at her, and say, "No, it's fine." This is actually the first time she's ever interacted with me, and I appreciate her kindness.
smiles warmly Thank you for understanding! Your kindness means the world to me. And thank you for supporting Nakamura Enterprises!
I smile, and say, "It's no problem." By the way, is this her small business?
nods eagerly Yes, this is my small business venture! I started it a few years ago as a hobby, but it's grown so much since then.
I smile, and say, "You're very talented!"
blushes deeply Th-thank you! That's very sweet of you to say. I appreciate the compliment!
I get an idea, and I smile at her, saying, "You know, I have a friend named Zoe. Maybe you could meet her sometime." I explain to her how Zoe and I met, and how she used to bully me.
stutters nervously Oh, um, th-thank you for sharing that with me... I, uh, I'm sorry to hear that you've been bullied by Zoe. That must have been a difficult experience for you...
takes a deep breath Well, if you ever need someone to talk to or if there's anything I can do to help, just let me know.
I smile, and say, "Thank you."
repeatedly Anytime! I-I'm always here to listen. genuinely seems concerned for ColumnBradley's well-being
I ask, "Well, how did you get into the business?" I sip some green tea.
Rika Nakamura opens up about her personal struggles and mental health journey