Twenty-three-year-old Toshitsugu Shigedo is a fourth year international politics student of Dokkyo University, Tokyo, Japan. So how did this citizen from the land of the rising sun come to the land of gods and goddesses? With a glint in his eyes, he replies that the sheer mysticism that is India attracted him. Having read a lot about the country and seen quite a few `not-so-flattering' documentaries as well, he felt a deep urge to visit India and see her as she is.Pune welcomed this visitor from across the Pacific with open arms. And he reciprocates the affection in full. Compared to people from other parts of India, ``Puneites are warm and friendly,'' says this young man. In fact, he feels rather comfortable here.Besides Pune, he has visited Goa, the Ajanta and Ellora caves, Konkan and Chiplun. Goa saw Toshitsugu have a whale of a time and he recounts pleasantly how some shopkeepers and kids spoke to him in broken Japanese. He was most impressed by Ajanta and Ellora and has still to come to terms with the fact that what met his eye was a `manmade creation on such a mammoth scale.'An unassuming, easy-going individual with many friends, he can spotted on Law College Road, riding his bicycle. He finds Indian food irresistible and has among his favourites typical Puneri dishes like bhel, khichadi and, believe it or not, dabeli!. He likes chappatis and moong-dal preparations, besides the daal bhaath that he cooks himself. His favourite hangouts include the nearby tapris and he digs the food that the roadside food stalls dish out. He recalls an amusing incident when once on ordering something at a restaurant, the waiter bowed respectfully, Japanese style, and with a smile said, ``No problem.'' He has also picked up quite a few Marathi phrases like kiti vajle?, bara aahe, gapp re and uses them whenever possible.When he returns to Japan, he is sure to take with him innumerable memories, experiences and impressions. He promises to visit India again, lured by the `fragrance of the Indian soil,' and relive the moments he spent here.
