INSPIRATION
The Endearing Produce Vendor of Our Neighborhood
This charming, lively man will forever hold a nostalgic place in our hearts
He was affectionately known as “Crazy” Charlie. But, unfortunately, we would never know his real name. He was the owner and proprietor of a produce stand on a street corner in Yokohama, Japan.
We were posted in Yokohama as American ex-pats in the mid-aughts. It was a three-year posting, so we had a chance to get to know Charlie reasonably well during that time.
Expensive Produce in Japan
We would purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from Charlie once a week, usually on Saturdays. He had the best prices for produce of anyone in town, which accounted for some of his popularity.
Fresh produce is notoriously expensive in Japan, and a good deal is hard to find.
My mother-in-law visited us often during our posting in Yokohama. She was a very clean eater, and we used to joke around that her weekly purchases from Charlie were enough to feed a small country.
“Crazy” Charlie
I can still picture Charlie vividly in my mind. He must have been in his early 50s at the time. He was of average height and build with a full head of hair.
Charlie was quick on his feet, and his personal motto was “time is money.” He had weighing scales hanging all over the produce stand.
He would weigh and bag the produce in a huge rush and deal with multiple customers at a time. Hence he earned his nickname “Crazy Charlie.”
Charlie always had a twinkle in his eye and greeted everyone with a broad, open smile.
He was known for his charm, quick wit, and playful silliness. In addition, Charlie was a big flirt with the ladies.
He knew the right words to say to make you smile. He was great with small talk, and we would always exchange pleasantries before I made my purchases.
I recall one particular exchange where he asked in a jocular tone if my mother-in-law and I were sisters. When she vigorously shook her head at him, he laughed and replied that he was only kidding.
He then proceeded to compliment me on my looks and inquire about my ethnicity.
Closing Thoughts
Charlie’s English was decent, considering he was Japanese and had most likely never traveled outside the country.
There is something to be said for the strong work ethic he always displayed. Charlie did the same thing day in and day out, but he never seemed jaded or apathetic. Indeed, his enthusiasm and positive attitude towards his work was to be commended.
I often wonder how he is faring now. We never went back to Yokohama after we relocated to the States in the mid-aughts.
Perhaps someday, our paths will cross again if we make a trip to those parts.
We will never forget this lovable, efficient, and animated man.
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