2026-07-10: Perspective
- Log: Perspective
- Cast: Hana Fukami, Julian Marlowe
- Where: Shibuya Station - Buchiko Exit
- OOC Date: July 10, 2026
- IC Date: December 07, 2012
- Summary: Hana reaches out to Julian about a possible interview--and to set it up, she arranges to talk with him at a cafe in Shibuya. Julian is there first, but this isn't about that. They talk youth and understanding!
(|====================== Shibuya Station - Buchiko Exit ======================|)
-====================================================== Tokyo/Shibuya Ward ====-
Day in, day out, throngs of people choose to pack themselves inside shining
metal behemoths called "trains" that then hurtle them towards a set destination.
They then get out at these "station" nodes, acting as if it were entirely
normal! This particular one is a confusing, winding labyrinth that seeks to
distract them from escape with underground malls, juice stands, and offers of
gainful employment. Eventually, one solves the maze and ascends to see the
sunlight once more.
The square above is just as full of humanity, from down-on-their-luck teen
buskers looking for their big break, politicians in front of restored train cars
making speeches that speak to the history of this place, and even smoky booths
cordoned off by glass to make certain no one should suffer from their vice. A
statue of the loyal pup Buchiko stands here enshrined like a local god,
surrounded constantly by tourists. Go further, and you'll see the busy checkered
crosswalks and looming screens above that demand the attention from all who
pass, showing them what the powers that be demand they focus upon.
Welcome to Shibuya.
<Pose Tracker> Hana Fukami has posed.
Hana Fukami got a few interesting tips about a certain school in Hirasaka in Sumaru--Kasugayama High School. Once a boys' reform school, now co-ed, with an increasingly active student life... and a counselor who really seems to care about the student body, while so many seem not to. If Hana were a journalist, she might wonder why this Julian Marlowe cares so much--but she's an entertainer primarily, and so her concern is not why but how. It'd interest her audience to hear about it, and it'd interest her to learn, too.
Is he just a good guy? Maybe, maybe not. She'll find out. But a school turning its fortunes around...! That's potentially very good, both for the students and for her audience.
Not that she's thinking in such mercenary terms when she reaches out to ask Julian to meet with her. She mentioned she was with a TV show called Flower Talk, and interested in discussing an appearance on her show about his hard work in Sumaru.
Now, she's at a lovely little cafe in Shibuya. It's got a nice set of pastel colors, some plants. Hana herself is in an ankle-length pink dress, with light boots and a nice jacket that's over the back of her chair at the moment.
She's looking down at her phone with a slight smile, and waiting. She happens to have come early, regardless of whether Julian does.
So, this afternoon/evening, she waits!
<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.
Julian Marlowe seemed amicable enough over the phone. Overly polite if anything, which may be his way, or the quirk of a foreigner who'd rather err on the side of caution in that regard, trying his best not to accidentally offend. Not the worst quality in a counselor, either way.
There may well be plenty of interesting 'why's involved here, too. What indeed brings someone from England all this way to ply his particular trade in that school of all places, so far away from his home? 'Why's are definitely what concerns Julian the most right now. As in, why would a TV personality be interested in speaking to him, of all people? He supposes he could see the human interest angle, but even so...
Hana may not know it, but it was actually Julian who was here first. There would undoubtedly be many more questions if she did notice him, given he was doing so from atop one of the higher buildings in the area, watching her arrival through a pair of binoculars, scanning the immediate surroundings to make absolutely sure that she was alone.
Paranoia? Maybe. He has his reasons for it. Reasons he would obviously prefer not to discuss; once he makes his way back to street level, his bearing will be perfectly casual, approaching the cafe as if he just got there. He's still a little early, in spite of everything.
"Fukami-san," he addresses her with an overly formal bow, dressed in a crisp brown suit as he commonly is. He's easy enough to recognize, rather standing out for several reasons, even aside from being one of the few people who'd still wear a monocle in this day and age. Still, it's only polite to confirm, "Julian Marlowe. A pleasure. Would you mind if I join you?"
That too wasn't really necessary when they arranged things in advance, but politeness remains key, with him waiting for confirmation before sitting down, wearing a calm, friendly smile. "I was rather surprised to receive a call from you, I must say. I do not watch too much TV, but I do have a slight bit of passing familiarity with your show. I had not considered myself of interest to the point of warranting its attention."
<Pose Tracker> Hana Fukami has posed.
Polite is normal! It's fine. Less normal is observing from rooftops, but Hana doesn't know anything about that. Indeed, she shows no Resonance, gives no sign that she's anything other than an ordinary woman working in TV. A little early... That's nice!
Hana rises to bow in return. "Marlowe-san," she answers, and despite the difficult pronunciation she nails it! She speaks English, too. But she sticks to Japanese because that's where Julian has gone. "It's nice to meet you," she agrees. "Please do!"
She takes a seat back; when the server comes she'll get tea. For now, though...
She smiles back. "It's fun to surprise people sometimes," Hana answers. "My show is mostly on when you'd be at work," she passes 'not watching too much TV', "But it's nice to be recognized. But you are of interest!" she says.
"A man all the way from England, choosing to spend his time on students often neglected by others--and a school that itself is interesting, though overlooked for reasons I'm sure you already know." People don't tend to care about reform schools. "...But then, I'm usually on the lookout for interesting situations and people, and I have people to turn me onto new things, too."
"But before we get to business--how are you? Can I get you anything? And..."
"I like your monocle."
<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.
In a way, Julian worries more about people without Resonance than with. Dealing with 'that side' changes a person, in a way that shifts their priorities away at least partially from the mundane world. Those unaware, whose focus lies fully in making their way in society... after everything he's seen, there's certainly more reasons to fear for them, but also, at times, to be fearful of them, in his estimation.
Not something he'd wanted to have to worry about today, but thankfully that doesn't seem to be necessary. From what he can tell, Hana's intentions seem to be limited only to what she told him. In that case, some casual conversation at a cafe will be nice.
Julian doesn't struggle with the Japanese language, answering after a polite chuckle, "To give you an example - I'm not the sort who tends to enjoy surprises overly much. I prefer routine in my life where I can establish it, which has admittedly been a bit of challenge. In my line of work, this is what I strive to make easier for others as well. To see to the concerns that are preventing them from settling into a comfortable rhythm in their life. Most especially difficult in the turbulent teenage years, but I do what I can."
Sitting back, he presses the fingers of his hands together, as Hana indirectly questions the details. "...As for that, well. That would be a long and unpleasant story. I hope it suffices to say that there's not much left for me in England. I came to this country hoping to make a fresh start - and as great a difference as I am able. Thus I looked specifically for a school where the need for someone in my field seemed greatest, and I landed upon Kasugayama." He gestures as if to say 'see?', like he isn't able to see what's interesting about himself.
He self-consciously rubs the rim of his monocle between two fingers when attention is called to it. "Ha ha... thank you. I suspect most find it silly, but I'm rather attached to it." Literally, just about, a long chain running from the eyewear down into his breast pocket. His calm smile never wavering, he gives a faint shrug.
"Ah, but already you subject me to a dilemma. Rejecting your offer would not be very gentlemanly, but should it not have been me who offered in the first place? ...If you wished for an insight into the workings of my mind, there you have it. It's mostly a trite affair, I'm afraid." Having apparently decided on the most proper course of action, he does go on to reply, "Just a simple cup of tea would be lovely, thank you."
<Pose Tracker> Hana Fukami has posed.
Hana indeed has no untoward intentions--but one never knows, when dealing with a new eprson.
"Hmmm, I see!" Hana smiles. "Yes, for teenagers that's all the more difficult--but much as my friend Emisa is encouraging me about surprises lately, I find I like a good routine, too. If that's what you want to give people... Then that's not os bad."
However...
"Then I won't ask," she says of the long and unpleasant story. "It indeed suffices. We won't worry about the past--just the present, and maybe the future? After all, our young people are our future. I'm sure especially at a school like Kasugayama High, you have that chance."
Some may find it silly, but Hana is still smiling. "It's distinguished," Hana decides. "And distinctive."
But a dilemma? Hana laughs politely. "I see. Yes, that does track. Ordinarily I'd be glad to allow a nice man to buy me a cup of tea, but as I asked you here, I'm glad that you seem willing to allow me to show a little hospitality."
The server comes; hana is fluid about this, ordering for both of them though she glances Julian's way in case he wants to add anything or change anything.
And soon...
Tea!
"So," Hana says. "Please, tell me about Kasugayama, then. I understand it's only recently co-ed, and it's starting to have a few more clubs of interest?"
<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.
Julian chuckles. "Of course, I realize that the matter of surprises is one of personal tastes, and I am rather dull in that sense. I generally do not discourage thrillseeking, or indeed much of anything - more than anything else, my job is about helping others to figure out what it is they want for themselves, and how they may attain it. I cannot do the hard work for them, but I hope to make it somewhat easier."
Some, like himself, may have past regrets they wish to leave behind. Others struggle in the now, failing to even see any sort of future. But even the most put-together individuals can never truly know what the future will bring. But while the individual circumstances may differ, he can nod firmly at Hana's assessment there.
"Quite right, the young are indeed the future, and all deserve equal opportunity at a bright one. Adults are supposed to guide the way towards that, but..."
He pauses, assessing his phrasing. One may surmise there's much he could say about the state of Kasugayama. But that isn't exactly the only variable. He ultimately decides to put it in more general terms.
"It is the sad reality that many children are overlooked, even downright neglected. A lack of proper guidance may well cause them to feel ill-prepared for standing on their own two feet, when the time comes that society expects them to be capable of such. As glad as I am to assist on an individual basis, I only wish there were more I could do to change that in a general sense."
The matter of hospitality resolved, Julian doesn't object nor change anything about his request. Just as he said, a simple cup of tea will do just fine for him. But before taking a sip, a question.
"Thankfully so. Student initiative is on the rise as of late in general." Which is to say, the faculty isn't doing much to supervise, but he'll leave his gripes about that out of it.
What he will say is, "There were concerns about the move to co-ed, but Kasugayama's student culture has a way of policing itself. I'm not sure how much you're aware of there... some frame the various groups that formed as little more than criminal gangs, but I have seen how they can contribute positively to student mental health. Of course, I try what I can to stimulate that side of things... I find rewarding positive behavior far more effective than harshly punishing negative behavior."
<Pose Tracker> Hana Fukami has posed.
He doesn't discourage much? Hana seems pleased to hear that. "That's a wonderful way of living," Hana says warmly. "People want very many things... But it can be hard to understand what those things are, without a little help."
Supposed to--but don't, always. Hana inclines her head. She won't force the amtter--but she knows adults don't always do. So, when he continues...
Hana thinks of a girl not overlooked, but almost exploited--and then considers the others. "Yes," she says. "It would be good if we could find a way in general. ...My audience is primarily housewives; I like to think that by empowering them, we can help their children, too... But not every child is lucky enough to have the regard of his parents."
Tea! Hana takes a moment to enjoy the scent of her own as she listens. Student initiative... "That's wonderful," she says. "I'm glad to hear it. Maybe that 'individual assistance' can roll into something greater?"
But concerns... Hmm. "I've heard that they organize in gangs," Hana says. "That it's a school overrun by a criminal element. That's part of why it was so interesting me to see someone really caring for the student body. I'm glad to hear that they can contribute positively, instead of only as the rumors say."
"Yes, I can see where such a strategy would pay off. ...Are there any particular lessons have have stuck out to you? Or for that matter, anything your students have been able to teach you, in turn?"
<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.
"Exactly my point," Julian adds with a hand gesture. "My policy is, if it causes no bother to others, and you fully understand what you are doing, there's no cause for objection." He chuckles. "Sometimes, I broaden the policy to 'if it should cause no bother to others'."
Julian's aware that he's seen as too lax by many of his peers. There may be many among the students who see him as a softie, too. But he's ok with that. He wouldn't get anywhere by antagonizing people, intentionally or not. And the best way to convince anyone you're not an enemy is to appear generally unthreatening.
"Sounds to me as if you feel the same," is his conclusion in regards to Hana's motivations. "Each of us may be limited in our own way, but many of like mind together can affect great change. ...That's what I like to believe, in any case."
It's not enough for his liking. Not at all. But he prefers to frame things optimistically when talking to others, even when his actual thoughts can be a fair darker at times.
He takes a moment to sip his tea, closing his eyes as he does so. It is said the English enjoy tea quite a bit a well, and anyone who knows Julian at all would agree that he's doing nothing to refute the stereotype.
"There's nothing quite like a student who feels encouraged and motivated to follow their dreams. One day you hear about an interest in journalism, the next you are asked to sponsor a school newspaper venture. Remarkable, wouldn't you say?"
And to think the student he's thinking of is a 'Boss', as well. Makes for an easy segue. "The leaders of these groups are looked up to by those under their wing, which is not always a good thing, but I'm happy to say that there are quite a few that do set a positive example, providing a place to belong. And that's something I can't do. I can provide guidance, but in the end, I'm still a teacher, an adult. Hardly what most teenagers would see as a suitable role model."
He scratches his cheek, seeming embarrassed. "This could be considered a 'lesson' of sorts... but I suppose I feel validated, more than anything else. 'Support others, and you will be supported in return,' is a philosophy I try to teach. Only to find that the students had learned that lesson long ago, creating a culture all their own based around that very thing. Remarkable, don't you think?"
<Pose Tracker> Hana Fukami has posed.
"'Should', hm?" Hana thinks of the many things that 'should' cause no bother to others, and yet tend to. "I'm on board with a broader policy, I think."
And she does feel the same, on this much. "I think it's a good start."
Hana of course has no idea there are other ways--what small ways she can take, she does to make things better, but... It's not as if she holds the power to stand up against the entire system.
She's glad he likes the tea, at least; she picked this place for good tea.
"Oh, my," she says. "That's really something! A whole newspaper venture... That's more than just an idle dream."
The leaders are looked up to... for better and worse. "Hmm... Yes. When I was that age, there weren't many adults who I felt really 'understood'. And I was at a different kind of school!"
A lesson... and validation. Hana smiles. "Remarkable," she agrees. "With that in mind..."
"I think this is plenty of material for a proper interview. Do you think you'd consent to come on the show? You could talk about your students and your work, and I'd limit myself to those subjects."
<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.
"I'm not surprised to hear that," Julian responds to Hana's agreement on the broader policy. No telling whether he meant anything more by that. How much does he know about Hana, really?
His frustration about the inability to change anything in a meaningful enough way is how Julian got where he is today. Is it a better place than before? He couldn't possibly think otherwise, when he sees the positive developments it's led to.
But that's not what this is about. This is about the quality of the tea! ...Well it's part of it, at least. Obviously he has high standards there.
"Sadly, I find that most of the adults I deal with seem to have forgotten what it's like to be a child," he offers as a final insight upon finishing his tea. "One needs to be able to shift perspectives accordingly. Every individual is different of course, but on a deeper level, many share the same sorts of concerns." If there's one thing that he'd like to impress upon others, it's that while he may not always succeed, he always tries, really tries.
He'd almost forgotten what this whole conversation was for, until Hana mentions the 'proper interview'. Right, this wasn't supposed to be that just yet, was it? Sobering up somewhat, he rubs his hands along the sides of his tea cup, taking a moment to respond.
"Would you mind if I take some time to think it over? A television appearance is..." Possibly problematic, depending on who might be watching. He'd like to think no one outside Japan would, but given recent developments... Well. If he's completely honest with himself, recent developments might actually be more cause for consent. Even so, careful consideration beforehand is never a bad thing.
"...rather nerve-racking to think about," is how he actually finishes the sentence. "Quite a bit larger an audience than I ever thought I'd need to speak in front of." That's a lie, but he's adept at telling those convincingly. He sure looks every bit of uncomfortable at the thought as he claims to be.
Given what he said earlier though, it's a foregone conclusion that he'll likely end up agreeing. He was definitely not lying when he was talking about doing whatever it is that he can, to reach as many as he can.
<Pose Tracker> Hana Fukami has posed.
Not surprised. Hana's identities are, at least partly, a matter of public record these days--thanks to that leak from some studio or another. But Julian hasn't made a matter of it yet, and Hana appreciates that. She just accepts his lack of surprise with a little nod.
But sadly... "True," Emisa replies. "I think being able to change perspective is a valuable trait. A lot of people can only really understand their own."
But Hana does have to attend to business!! This is the preliminary interview, where they deicde if there's more worth talking about--she'll get him some questions in advance of the real one, if it happens... though there is the matter of her audience, too.
The studio audience, that is.
"Not at all! I don't mind a bit. I think that's probably a good idea." A television appaearance could easily be nerve-wracking; it's at least a plausible lie. "But I hope you'll come around to saying 'yes' in the end."
She smiles again. "And either way, it would be nice to make a friend."
She won't stick on business while she finishes her own tea, but won't leave immediately, either; enough for a little chitchat, and a polite exit.