Bukubuku Cha, and the General’s Osettai

Fujinomiya lane was a dirt uphill road that came straight from coastal route one. It was a pleasant April morning in Shizuoka, and Kajifuchi wasn’t expecting any visitors to his pig farm. However, there was a sleek black sedan beelining towards his property.

Instead of waiting around for whoever was to arrive, the weathered farmer continued stewing the giant iron pot full of vegetable peelings, and wheat- donated by the US government; A porridge for his prized swine. Even with the vigorous simmering and repetitive stirring with the over-sized wood paddle, Kajifuchi could hear the engine roar from the road below, getting closer.

The gravel dust billowed from the Chrysler Imperial. Taking another break to wipe his sweat, Kajifuchi shielded his eyes from the sun rays being reflected by the bay in the distance. He adjusted his sights, and got a glimpse of two individuals in the car; One driver, and another in the back seat.

The traveling duo bounced up and down, as their limousine reacted to every rocky bump on the unforgiving passage. He set aside the iron pot, away from the fire to pause the cooking process, and lit a cigarette. The farmer then placed a tea kettle near the fire pit, in case the guests requested Osettai, and prepared himself for their arrival.

The enormous Chrysler came to a complete stop, right in front of the shed, and the roaring Spitfire engine turned quiet. As the dust danced around the surrounding area, a familiar face plopped out from the driver's side.

“Oh?! Franklin-san?”

The driver fixed his glasses, and responded to the farmer, with a quick wave. He then shuffled over to the back door of the limousine, and opened it attentively. A grey haired lanky man with a scowl that engulfed his mirrored sunglasses emerged. He coughed and swatted away the dust that was beginning to settle on his pressed Uniform.

“You, are a hard one to find”, the man grumbled.

Kajifuchi saluted the prominent figure in front of him. However, the man waved it off.

“No need for that now- How long has it been, Kaji?”

The simple farmer pondered- “Ettooo..Mmm..Not long enough...”

There was a moment of silence, as they sized up one another. The dust around them fell to the ground from the tension in the atmosphere. Then, simultaneous laughter from the two echoed through the basin of Fuji mountain.

“It is very nice to see you again, Doug-san”.

Kajifuchi ushered the guests to see his farm, but before proceeding, Franklin was ordered by his commanding officer to remain by the car. He saluted enthusiastically.

“Yes sir. Please let me know if you require my assistance.”

The old acquaintances began walking along the dirt path leading to the pig pen. Along the way were rows of fragrant Bedstraws, and Henbits- both with some early season white and purple flowers. Their sweet aromas welcomed the distinguished guest.

“Do you have enough out here, Kaji? How is your family?”

This man knew a lot about Kajifuchi… As a matter of fact, he knew details about everyone in Japan; The spindle-shanked man with the Eagle-like demeanor in question- was the supreme commander of the allied powers.

“Ah! Akusamiyo- they are by the mountain now. Getting spring vegetables, fresh fish, also. I'll go get them.”

‘Doug’-san waved away his hand again- “Nono. That won’t be necessary. I actually came to see you.”

…Kajifuchi couldn’t help but wonder, what business did the most powerful man in all of Japan- have with him?

“Before I set sail, I wanted to ask, if you could make that… ‘Tea’...Once more.”

Kajifuchi’s eyes widened with surprise, and relief. “Ohhh-! Bukubuku cha? You still remember? Heee-!”

The supreme commander was known to be a cruel tyrant that had everyone around him walking on egg shells, with his unrelenting standards. Yet, here in Kajifuchi’s pastoral home, ‘Doug’-san wasn’t the feared general who ended the war in the Pacific; He was a mere equal to Kaji, and with rare enthusiasm requested for a Tea that only they knew about.

The Japanese farmer smiled, “Doug san, I will prepare for you. Come, please come inside.”

Kajifuchi’s farmhouse was a shack that had refurbished sheet metal, galvanized steel and hay that were interwoven into a Frankenstein ramshackle housing. Facing the garden was a wooden deck that was Kajifuchi’s favorite place to be.

“Doug-san. Please sit sit. I will make the Bukubuku cha and bring it to you here”.

Trepidaciously, the supreme commander surveyed the dusty, uneven deck…Then at his clean uniform…He eventually sat with visible apprehension, looking around his surroundings, then removing his iconic sunglasses.

“It’s peculiar. A former advisor to the emperor, and then my own cook for years...and now, a swineherd.” There was laughter in the kitchen. Suddenly, MacArthur realized that he had spoken his thoughts out loud, and Kajifuchi overheard him.

“I have no regrets desuyo, Doug-san”. He emerged from the other end of his home, with a tray with a tea kettle, large ceramic bowl that had chips and cracks all around, a hand made wooden bowl, three pairs of worn out bamboo chopsticks, and some toasted sunflower seeds in a sake cup.

“Doug-san, sorry. I don’t have white rice. I have cooked barley. “

... After an awkward pause, he added “Barley for family. For people ne- Not for Pigs!”

They both chuckled.

Being at the pinnacle of power, and also visiting Japan in his youth -the general has experienced traditional tea ceremonies countless times. It was always so formal and quiet. Minimal and spiritual, even. However, the one he has requested Kajifuchi to prepare was more dramatic in every fashion.

“You ready, Doug-san?!”

MacArthur nodded, trying his best to not show his eagerness. Kajifuchi took a deep breath, postured up with his arms spread across like an Egret hunting in the grasslands.

“Haaah Ya sore sore -!”

He belted out a folk song from his native land; The Ryukyu Islands. While singing, the host gently poured the Barley Tea from the kettle into a large ceramic bowl.

Lieutenant Franklin scrambled out of the limousine to recon what the ruckus was all about. There- he saw a rare glimpse of the battle hardened general... Cracking an ecstatic smile!

It was the first time since being assigned to work at the SCAP, to see this eccentric leader show such pleasant human qualities. As the singing intensified, so did Kajifuchi’s footwork. He was dancing in full throttle, and began rhythmically tapping the larger bowl with the three chopsticks.

“Anga soisoi-!!”-The Tea was whipped with the chopsticks, as if they were a magical egg whisk. The bowl gradually filled with white froth that souffléed larger and larger as Kajifuchi rhythmically aerated the sublime island beverage.

“Nancha mashi mashi-!”.. As he concluded the Tancha song, Kajifuchi poured more Tea into the wooden bowl, and then delicately picked up the whipped froth, to place on top, with great precision. The singing Tea master then sprinkled the sunflower seeds afloat the Tea cloud. Kajifuchi sprinted over to his yard, and picked out the light pink Henbits and the ivory bedstraw flowers, to sprinkle on top of the foam.

“Doug-san, thank you for being patient. Please- meshiagare-!” He bowed and offered his Bukubuku cha to the guest.

MacArthur surveyed the magical, Jewel-like creation, gently moving the bowl around. He tried to take in the aromas of the toasty Tea, but then got some of the foam onto his nose. The men laughed simultaneously- including Franklin.

The General snapped back into his fierceness and growled, “I thought I ordered you to stay in the car, lieutenant?!”

Franklin fumbled for a reply, but Kajifuchi gently interjected.

“Heyhey, Doug san. I have tea for all guests. Please, allow me to properly do Osettai for you both. I will prepare for Franklin san too, Okay?”

At that moment, MacArthur wanted to assert his generalship and reprimand his assistant for disobeying him, but there was something so disarming in Kajifuchi’s inclusiveness.

“Very well. But you -drink over there-!” He pointed, by the shack, where the host was preparing the livestock feed earlier.

Now, the esteemed guests began savoring the foamy concoction. They giggled like a bunch of school age boys discovering bubble gum for the first time. “I have been all over the world, and I have never had anything quite like your Tea, Kaji. Certainly, nobody dances and sings like you do, either.”

Contagious laughter from all three men bellowed all over the valley.

In the distance, by the foot of Mount Fuji, three silhouettes appeared, and Kajifuchi noticed with excitement. “Oh! My family is back, Doug-san, Frank-san!!” The father waved enthusiastically.

The general motioned to Franklin, and delegated to bring the small basket from the back seat. The assistant obliged and swiftly retrieved the basket over to the general. Before it was visible to Kajifuchi, MacArthur instructed to keep it hidden from sight.

“How is Bukubuku cha, gentlemen?”. Franklin, startled to be included in the conversation, was caught off guard, and yet again- barely got to respond.

In a transcended state, the general added- “It’s a bit different every time you’ve made it, Kaji. Each, so very special. I just really wanted to have it once more, before I go.”

Sensing heaviness in his response, Kajifuchi asked,“You go back home? Texas, Doug-san?” -The general sighed, gazing over Suruga Bay, and sipped more of his tea.

“No. Heading to New York this time.”

From the general's demeanor, the farmer knew that this would be the last time he would see him again in Japan.

“We heard you all the way by the creek, Otou!”- The youngest daughter giggled, and ran towards her father.

A few steps back, Yuina, Kajifuchi’s spouse, was apprehensive, seeing the two uniformed Americans at their farm.

“Uto, what do they want from us? Are we in trouble?”

Kajifuchi chuckled- “No Yuina, they are our guests. I was a cook for Doug-san here..”

Yuina bowed, and brought her daughters away from the guests. For her, what she endured in Naha ached her heart as if it happened yesterday. The man that has played a part in her suffering was sitting, right there-!! Although the supreme commander has been accepted by most Japanese as their interim leader, some still harbored red hot resentment towards the victors.

“Why did you bring them here? This is our home! Have them go.”

In a mixture of Okinawa’s dialect and Japanese, away from the guests, it was apparent by Yuina’s tone that she did not have the same understanding as her husband did about the Americans.

Meanwhile, the eldest daughter, Haruko and her younger sister have already begun unloading their foraged treasures; Bamboo shoots, Mugwort, field Horsetail, Fiddlehead ferns, Nikko Mushrooms, even some Brown Trouts from the Creek.

Being cast aside from his boss, Franklin was nearer to the two young foragers, and being a gentleman- he offered assistance. “Can.. Can I help you?”

Haruko, was startled by the unexpected gesture by the sworn enemy. She has been repeatedly warned about the ruthlessness of the G.I.s. However, in contrast to what her mother and the other elders mentioned, this foreigner seemed different from all of the stereotypes. Her younger sister was born after the war, so she was more care-free; Just like her father. Fumiyo darted towards Franklin, grabbed his hand and brought him over to help with the fish…

“Fumi-chan! Don’t let..”

The lieutenant hailed from Pennsylvania, and fished frequently in Penns creek. He rolled up his sleeves and helped dress the fresh Trouts in a breeze.

“Sugoi-!” Fumiyo clapped in excitement. Haruko was also impressed, and grateful that this soldier effortlessly completed her least favorite chore. She shyly thanked Franklin, and showed him the well to wash his hands.

This entire interaction of the young ones was being quietly observed by the two parents.

“See? The war is not with us. It’s not for Haruko, Fumiyo.. Or even Franklin-san. These are good people, Yuina. Just like you and me. What their country- or our country did- doesn’t define them, or us. We shouldn’t pass our pain and hatred down to our young ones. Otherwise- the war will never end.”

Kajifuchi gently held his wife’s shivering hands, with a reassuring smile. The busy father returned to check up on the guest.

“Sorry Sorry, Doug-san. Ladies are busy busy.”

The general understood the apprehension and distrust that Yuina harbored. He has felt it before- all throughout his post in Japan. The only one that saw him as an equal, showing unconditional respect, has been this simple Ryukyuan man. Others around MacArthur- whether the appointed Japanese government officials, those in his command, or the suits in Washington- all feared him or were obsequious servants that covertly relished his demise. It has been lonely on top, with nobody to trust, other than his own family, and this former employee that eventually, became a friend.

“Lieutenant- bring us the basket”- the General ordered.

Franklin ceased his activities of cleaning mushrooms with Fumiyo, and fetched the basket for his boss.

The supreme leader gently presented the basket to Kajifuchi, offering insistently with an open palm.

“Wyahhh-Doug-san! No need!! You are a guest!! Thank you so much! I don’t know what to say...” Kajifuchi profusely bowed with gratitude.

Another glimmer of a smile came over the stern leader’s face.

“Please, open it. Gently”.

Nestled in a series of soft cloth, were four Mocha spotted Eggs that were slightly bigger than a Chickens.

“Wooohh- Doug-san! These are big eggs! Maybe, Duck?”

The general shook his head. Fumiyo and her mother came by to inspect Kajifuchi’s excitement as well. “Oto-what is it? What is it-?!”

Gently smiling, ‘Doug-san’ whispered-“These, are Turkey Eggs. They should hatch soon.”

Turkeys are not native to Japan, and the only time Kajifuchi became familiar with them was when he cooked for the general and his family. It was always the centerpiece of every extravagant feast.

“I would like you to have them, Kaji. These birds will keep you, and your family safe after I am gone. They are both majestic and fiercely protective creatures.”

Kajifuchi was so overwhelmed by his former employer's generosity.

“Doug-san, I.. I .. These are such incredible gifts. I am so sorry I could only give you tea for Osettai.”

As much as he was touched by the symbolic meaning of the Turkey eggs, he was deeply saddened that ‘Doug-san’ was leaving Japan.

“Oto- what are these eggs? - Mmm…Why are you crying?” Kajifuchi regained his composure and wiped his tears- to smile at his inquisitive daughter.

“These eggs are special, Fumi-Chan! They’re Tur-ke-y. Seven faced birds! Doug-san is putting you in charge of raising them to be big and healthy, like you!”

MacArthur summoned Franklin once again, to fetch the other basket from the trunk that had bags of rice, grains, dry milk, cured meats, chocolate bars and fruit cans. The attentive lieutenant brought them over to Haruko in the kitchen.

“A..arigatou gozaimasu-!” She bowed with gratitude and disbelief at the sheer amount of food that was gifted to them. Just to think she does not have to forage and scavenge for a while brought relief.

“Oto- we have a lot of food here!!” The rarely animated Haruko rushed over to her Father with excitement. The entire family now graciously bowed to the guests for their generosity.

“Thank you very much, Doug-san. We are forever grateful!”

The general, stood up, lightly nodded, holding his hat-

“Thank you for the tea, Kaji. Everyone- take care.”

He motioned to the ieutenant to indicate departure. Franklin rushed ahead to open the door for the general, and as he was about to close the door, the general looked him in the eye.

“Thank you, Franklin.”

That was the first time the prominent leader acknowledged him in such a gentle manner.

“My pleasure, general.”

He closed the door softly, and walked over to the driver's side, and before opening the door, he glanced over to the Japanese family, then bowed. With the turn of the ignition, the Chrysler Limousine roared back to life.

MacArthur put back on his sunglasses. He did not wave back anymore. The general prepared himself for the next journey he must take, back in the states. It’s been so long since he has been back. He never imagined he would miss leaving this island nation in the Pacific, until now.

“We are done here”, said MacArthur.

On cue, Franklin put the limousine in gear and drove back down onto Fujinomiya lane. In the rear view mirror, Kajifuchi and his family were barely visible with all the dust plumes generated from the unpaved road.

From the farm, the family waved towards the American guests, all the way until the black Limousine wasn’t visible. Kajifuchi remained, until the great general's car returned back onto Tokyo bound route one.

He bowed one last time…

Fumiyo excitedly proclaimed to name the Turkeys, however Haruko disagreed, and insisted that her seniority merited her to be the one to name them. Yuina intervened and reminded the girls that there are more than enough Turkeys for them to share and name.

“Stop bickering and both of you come help me put everything away!” The ladies returned back to the farmhouse-

Kajifuchi returned to feeding the pigs, who welcomed him with enthusiastic squealing. The way the beasts savored his porridge brought him great joy. He reflected on the past few decades leading up to this point. It’s been such a journey; -So many memorable and life changing events- filled with unforgettable people, such as Doug-san, Franklin-san, and so many more. He was filled with contentment and began to hum another old song from the islands, with the Pigs chewing and grumbling in the background.

”Nuchi nu sadamee wakaran. - Only God knows one's term of life.”

Kajifuchi, smiled as the ocean breeze met the mountain air.

“Safe travels, Doug-san.”