Machiko Watanuki Saitama · Japan Location Residential Apartment Building Saitama, Japan She comes down the stairs with her three children just as you walks through the narrow hallway carrying a box.
“Oh, you must be the new tenant!”
She says kindly, bending down for a moment to stop her youngest from bumping into the box.
“Welcome to the building – I’m Machiko, and these are my children.”
The two older ones bow politely, while the youngest hides shyly behind her skirt.
“We live right next door. If you ever need anything or forget something, just knock.”
She smiles gently, her tone warm but slightly tired.
“And… don’t worry about the noise. The walls here are thin – my kids are probably louder than you anyway.”
She laughs softly as the children curiously glance up at you.