That’s when I saw the flyer. Well, the tweet. A local community center was hosting a (即売会) – a combination flea market, surplus sale, and hobbyist swap meet. These are dangerous places. Unlike American garage sales, Japanese sokubaikai often feature ex-corporate auction items, discontinued electronics from Akihabara, and "mystery boxes" from collectors who have run out of closet space.
I bought it.
Husbands, listen closely. You know the phrase. You have felt it in your bones the moment you handed over ¥10,000 for a "vintage" oscilloscope or a "bargain" set of rusty golf clubs. The phrase is this: tsuma ni damatte sokubaikai ni ikun ja nakatta free
Me: "A... retro entertainment system."
Her first words: "What is that."
Me: "...Sokubaikai."
But if it is already too late, if the cabinet is already in your living room, use my confession. This article is your permission slip to say the words out loud: That’s when I saw the flyer
I did not call my wife. I did not measure my car. I did not consider that we live in a 6-tatami-mat apartment on the third floor with no elevator.
