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I am a collector, actually, I am a hoarder of all things mystical, magical and sharp.



I loathe moving as it takes boxes and boxes to pack all of my goodies. Most of my collection deals with things of a darker nature, as well as dragons, faeries, elves, druids and such.



I also am a collector of swords. Most of them of course being replicas of my favorite theme I've seen in some movie that I really enjoy.



It has been some years ago, however, that I was in my opinion, one of the luckiest individuals on the face of the earth.



I was in Denver Colorado back in 1988. I decided that I should go out to one of the finest dining establishments in Denver. I don't remember the place, however, I decided to go in style. I dressed to the hilt, rented a limo (hey if you're going on vacation, then I say go overboard) and proceeded to the resturant.



I had reservations, which I had made some months in advance as I was told this particular establishment was difficult to gain entry to.



Outside as I was exiting the limo, there was a Japanese gentleman. He had been turned away due to the simple fact that he did not realize that he needed to make reservations.



I introduced myself, and he presented me with his card. At the time, I did not realize this was a custom in Japan. We talked for a moment, and then I asked him to be my guest. He was quite elated.



We spent some hours having what he referred to as "an intelligent and most pleasing conversation."



Upon finishing up our evening, he asked me to have drinks with him in his hotel room as he wished to gift me with a small token of appreciation for the evening. I saw no reason not to accept, I figured it would be, rude.



We took the limo I had rented to his hotel, and proceeded to his room. Actually, it was the Penthouse, which took me quite by surprise.



We had a few more drinks. Saki, which I found most enjoyable. I felt I needed to explain to him that I was just a simple man on vacation. I was not someone who had a lot of money. That I was just out to enjoy myself.



He was a bit surprised, and informed me that in his country while it was custom to show respect, he was actually shocked a man of my stature would invite and unknown person, even someone not from this country to spend the time with them.



I simply explained that people are simply people, not matter what part of the world they are from, and that I enjoyed company from all those whom could have a good conversation, educate me of their world and customs.



He smiled, and bowed, then left the room for a moment. He returned with a lengthy silk container and presented it to me, saying "You are a most honerable and respectable man. Should you visit my country, I must insist that you call upon me so that I may return the kindness you have shown me.



He presented me with the container. As I unwrapped it, I was awestruck. Inside, was a Japanese Katana. The handle was inlaid with Jade and green silk wrappings. The blade is absolutely beautiful with etchings of dragons, geisha and more.



He then informed me that this "gift" was made by a master craftsman, the name of which I could not pronounce if I tried. I bowed and thanked him, and told him that I could not accept such a gift, it was too rare and valuable. He informed me that it would be most rude of me if I did not accept, so I did.



We then sat for an hour or more talking, laughing and having a good time. As I left for the evening, I asked politely if he would tell me his profession. He simply said, "I am the owner of one of the largest technology firms in Japan, the name of which is not important, but, please, keep my card, and should you come to my beautiful country, call upon me and we shall do this again."



After returning home, I took the Katana to a friend of mine, who is an expert in bladed weapons. When he opened the silk wrappings, his eyes widened. He asked me if I knew what I had. I told him it was a gift from a man in Japan, and I simply wished to know it's value so that I could treat it accordingly.



He said to me. "This is well worth close to $30,000.00 dollars. How DID you come by this?"



I related the story, to this day which I'm not sure he believes, but, it's all true. Amazing isn't it, what a little kindness and respect can do for one.



Randall





Addendum: 4-15-2011



I've had one or two email me, and request what we talked about. To be honest, it was so long ago, I am not sure of exactly what we spoke of in length.



I can tell you that I do remember asking many questions about Japan. I have always been fascinated by the culture. He too asked many questions about people here in the U.S.. I do remember, but not in detail, about how he didn't quite understand our system of ethics and working.



Most of our time was just spent talking in general. I do remember he did NOT want to speak about his work in specific detail. He just told me he was a hard working man, and that he had been groomed almost from the day he entered school to do what job he did. Very Vague. As I said above, he did tell me in general what he did at the end. But would not say what the name of the company was.



I was still a bit uncomfortable, being in this particular hotel in this particular Penthouse. Like I said, I'm just a guy, and with these digs, this guy had to have major cash. After sitting and drinking for awhile, things did relax quite a bit.



And, after getting to know him, he seemed like a regular guy to me. This though, I doubt. I'd hate to piss this guy off if I worked for him. That's the aura he seemed to put out.



He did ask me if I liked to golf, and telling him that yes, I did, he perked up and did want to know if I could go golfing with him the next day. Alas, I was headed for the airport the following day, to fly home. I have wondered what I'd have gotten into had I really taken the time to get into this gentleman's good graces.



The Katana, I still have, it sits in a glass case made especially for it, hanging on the wall. It is not displayed in direct sunlight, with it's silk cover laying neatly underneath it on the bottom of the case. I never take it out, or touch it with my bare hands. I don't want to ruin in any way the design etched upon the blade.



Yes, I DO have his card yet today, and yes, it DOES display the company name on it, but, that' s not to be revealed, it would be.....rude. I felt that I should respect his privacy, as he may still be the owner of the firm printed on his card.