Water-walker #1

This novel is a largely faithful autobiography. While the 'I' in the story is Tomio Nagasaka, all other character and organizational names are pseudonyms. Given that the author is 73 in 2024 and recounting my life, the novel is quite extensive. It includes some of my more embarrassing moments and experiences. However, as the saying goes, 'A person's misfortune tastes like honey.' I hope you find it enjoyable, even humorous, thus feeling not too lengthy.

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The title of this novel, 'Water-walker,' comes from a term used to describe Rachel, a determined newspaper reporter in the 2008 film, 'Nothing but the Truth.' In the film, after an attempted presidential assassination, the U.S. administration blames Venezuela, ignoring CIA reports that disprove the conspiracy.

Rachel, having obtained this suppressed CIA information, publishes an article exposing the truth. Despite intense pressure, including threats to her family and imprisonment, Rachel refuses to reveal her source. An agent, frustrated by her resilience, labels her a 'water-walker.'

I was struck by the term when I first saw the film and researched its meaning. As defined in the reference I found: 'Water-Walkers are not dreamers; they are people of action. They don't focus on developing great ideas or thinking lofty thoughts. They are not interested in how much they can know—but they want to know how much they can do. Water-Walkers are not interested in getting the credit, or being on the front page.' (ref.: https://kingdompastor.wordpress.com/category/growth/ -2024)

This concept of steadfast action and integrity resonated deeply with me, and I felt it perfectly captured the spirit of my story. Truthfully, I was almost finished reviewing my autobiography when I saw 'Nothing but the Truth' on Amazon Prime Video. The term 'water-walker' struck me deeply, and I knew it was the perfect title. It also sparked a desire within me to identify with that concept, albeit as a maverick rather than a figure like Rachel.

I've lived a life that, frankly, has caused my family hardship. While most people seek comfort and stability, 'water-walkers' feel constrained by conformity. Some people tend to instinctively step outside the 'comfort zone,' often without fully realizing it. This isn't about being good or bad; it's about a fundamental disconnect with conventional thinking. Of course, this path carries risks. Without discipline, it can lead to anti-social behavior.

Thankfully, my parents instilled a strong moral compass in me. Most people understand the dangers of straying from the norm, pursuing education and stable careers. I, however, never grasped that mindset. I couldn't comprehend why anyone would willingly confine themselves to a 'comfortable' life. Consequently, I've stumbled through life, bearing the scars of my choices. I understand that I might be perceived as an unappealing outsider, a 'smelly, unattractive, outcast water-walker.' It's a harsh assessment, but it feels accurate.

In my subjective view, Saigo Takamori embodies the 'water-walker' ideal. He famously said, 'A person who does not need life, fame, position, or money is a person whom no one can control.' I believe he was describing himself. I'm a far cry from Saigo Takamori, a free spirit adrift from societal norms.

While it's somewhat comforting to see myself this way, the constant financial struggle is a burden on my family. I often apologize to my wife, acknowledging my shortcomings. I know I'm not 'normal.' I simply find the term 'water-walker' more fitting, more evocative.

I hope you, my readers, can understand my perspective. My life is filled with indelible, often painful memories. Writing them all down would be an endless task. Therefore, I'll select key events, both the challenging and the cherished, to share with you. My memories are etched with pain, a chronicle too vast for any single account. Even I, with my limited sense of convention, understand readers wouldn't endure such length. So, I'll share several symbolic events, weaving in the good memories they evoke...