Akiko Wada, the beloved Japanese singer, has shared her light-hearted experience of traveling by train with her brother on New Year's Day, marking quite a change from her usually extravagant holiday traditions.
For many years, Wada, 74, has celebrated the New Year overseas, basking in luxury and excitement. This year, though, she opted for something different—spending the holidays at her home. On her January 2 appearance on Nippon Broadcasting's "God Afternoon, Akko no Ikagende 1000kai," Wada recounted how she and her brother aimed to soak up the festive atmosphere.
Looking back, Wada admitted she was disappointed with the holiday ambiance around her high-rise apartment as she expected a dazzling view of lights. "I looked out on the 30th, and there were no lights. It was quite lonely! My night view is the best, I thought, but it was deserted. Where did everyone go?" she expressed, reflecting on her hopes for the holiday glow.
Despite the gloomy weather outside her window, the singer was determined to experience the vibrant chaos of the New Year. After initially planning to visit the crowded streets of tourist-heavy places like Asa-ku, she pivoted her plans after seeing the overwhelming television broadcast of festivities and suggested going to Shibuya—a district known for vibrant celebratory energy.
Accompanied by her worried brother, who asked if she was sure about taking the trip, Wada consistently maintained her decision, reflecting on her mindset with humor. "I have to walk, don't I?" she joked about her resolve to take the train, recanting on lively exchanges between her and her sibling on their transit.
Their train, packed with fellow festive travelers, prompted lighthearted complaints from Wada, who lamented, "My feet hurt! I want to sit down!" With perfect comic timing, her brother shot back, narratively arguing about the impracticality of finding adequate space to rest. Amidst groans of discomfort punctuated with laughter, they finally reached their destination.
Having arrived at Shibuya, their first stop was none other than Uniqlo, where Wada bought her usual shirt, something she often trusted her stylist to pick for her. Yet, her plans soon took another comedic turn when they discovered the longed-for okonomiyaki restaurant they intended to dine at had already closed for the day.
Wada’s quest did not end there, as she pushed to visit another restaurant. They asked for local recommendations at the nearby police box. A new place was suggested, but the day continued testing their patience when orders were mixed up, leaving the singer feeling disheartened yet finding humor in the twists of fate.
Reflecting on her adventure, Wada chuckled, “I really wasn't noticed by anyone.” Interestingly, she remembered how her brother walked slightly ahead, making their reliance on one another visually peculiar, considering she held onto his arm. “It must have looked strange, hardly talking,” she laughed.
Wada's New Year's Day excursion embodies the spirit and unpredictability of family journeys, inviting everyone to cherish the little moments, even when they don't go according to plan. She turned what could have been disappointment on the most festive day of the year and decided to share her laughter instead. Highlighting how the simplicity of time spent together can be the greatest gift of all, Wada proved yet again why she remains not just a superstar but also endearing to her fans and followers.
Her tale of misadventures reminds everyone of the nuances and nuances of familial love—a true essence of the holiday spirit.