Wouldn't you relish the chance to try my pickles? I'm fond of that font, it's just my type! What did the house… No, the fancy house, wear? Address.

Hello, Ai!

Sorry we're late.

Kanan, Mari! No problem. I was passing the time practicing puns! Besides, you're actually right on time.

Practicing puns?

I don't let a second go to waste! I have to practice so I'm always ready with a pun. What do you call a sad dog who likes fruit? A melon collie!

Oh, puns! Aren't they great? I've got a few myself. What's a thief's favorite metal? Steel! Turn right at every corner? You're all right!

I get “all right,” but why “steel?”

Steal and “steel” are spelled differently, but they sound the same. They're homonyms!

Grammar puns, huh? Those are pretty hard since you need to know a lot of rules in addition to having a big vocabulary.

Right. Well, let's leave the pun talk for later. You've got a job to do today, Ai.

Oh, yeah. Today, I'll be taking you on a tour through one of Tokyo's old Shitamachi districts! We're going to have a blast!

[Fade in/out.]

The old city is all about the streetscapes! The bustling markets, the charming residents, and the strange feeling that you've been here before, even if you haven't!

It's definitely lively, isn't it? But in a different way from places with train stations and skyscrapers.

It's almost as if time passes at a more leisurely pace here, especially compared to the busy atmosphere of the city center. Like you said, Ai, it's a strange feeling.

So, this is the magic of old Tokyo! My Japanese heart is positively quivering with nostalgia!

I'm glad you're digging it so far!

You can find Shitamachi districts like these all over Tokyo, each with its own famous buildings and tourist attractions.

Personally, I don't just go to see the well-known sights and buildings. I love watching the people go about their daily lives!

I think I get what you're saying. This place has a gentle feel to it.

It really does. Well, I'm sold! Old Tokyo all the way for me!

Already?! We just got here!

By the way, you said Tokyo has districts like this all over. Does that mean the word for old town, “Shitamachi,” doesn't only refer to this one place?

Nope. “Shitamachi” literally means “low town.” Historically, it referred to towns at a low altitude, but it also meant an area where craftsmen and merchants lived.

So it's always referred to these kinds of lively, folksy towns. I think the atmosphere here suits me perfectly. I don't feel out of place even as a tourist.

Oh, ho, ho? You're digging it too, Kanan? Wanna live here? Wanna be an old-town girl?

I didn't say that.

Aww, come on! Play along!

U-Umm, excuse me.

Hmm? Huh? What?