This man is Koichiro, and yes, he is smoking a cigarette through his nose. Koichiro was my first friend from the 2003/2004 HTC Japanese Student Program. My friend Thor and his family were Koichiro's host family.
Koichiro is a Japanese David Copperfield. He is full of fun little magic tricks and party favors that will be sure to impress you. He is into punk rock and hardcore music. He enjoys American bands like Blink 182, Goldfinger, and Slipknot. Yeah, Slipknot. Koichiro has a bass guitar back in Japan, but isn't sure how to play it yet. I'll give him some lessons before he leaves.
Koichiro has a girlfriend who's name is Yuuka, who he spends a lot of time with. When he's not with Yuuka, he is stage diving at a punk rock concert, playing Majan games and winning hundreds of dollars, or spending his parents' money at a Las Vegas Casino. As you can see, Koichiro knows how to get things done. Good Job Ichiro!
My message to Koichiro:
Dear Ichiro,
It has been very good to get to know you, my friend. I am very glad that you say I was your first friend in America. It has been very cool for me to know you, and watch your English improve. You are very funny and smart, and I think you have done very well in your program. In August of 2004, we will go drinking and sing Karaoke together. I am looking forward to spending more time with you before you leave, and I am looking forward to spending time with you when I visit you in Japan. You are truely a very nice person.
Koichiro at Graduation!!! Graduation Picture 1 Graduation Picture 2