In Asakusa on Tuesday night we drew fortune chopsticks. Mitsuru reliably informs me that the one I drew is just about the best there is.

Bad old things will turn into happinessThe bright lights of Asakusa
New hope appearing, you will get treasures
You can find hope on the cloud in the sky
Just like dead trees bloom flowers when spring comes
Everything will be prosperous

Apart from the fact that this translation is quite beautiful and the future is so positive, these were encouraging words to read as we all face the melancholy truth of our impending departure. Both Yuko and Mitsuru suggested that a clearer translation of the third line is to "aim high" (for the sky - beyond the clouds) which is also very uplifting.

We wandered about, ate food (fantastic again, of course), watched people, took photos, and there was a guy playing beautiful music near the temple. I'm not sure what the instrument was (could it have been a shakuhachi ?) but the music was peaceful and soothing. He was not busking - there was no hat, or bag or box - he was just playing. I wanted to thank him, but it did not seem appropriate.

Then we made off for dinner, followed by more farewells. By this point I had more or less given up trying to control my tear ducts when saying goodbye.

The following day some of us returned to Miraikan (and Cathy went off to buy 4 lovely Vivienne Westwood jackets). Miraikan had been our host organisation, but we had actuallyHiromi and the GFP - Shimomura-san, Chalfie-san and Tsien-san would be pleased spent precious little time looking at its exhibitions. It was great to watch Hiromi doing a GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein presentation. I know we made her nervous, but she did a sterling job nonetheless.

Patrick and I did a bit of shopping in the Miraikan shop, had fun in a virtual robot and had a closer look at the internet exhibition and the senses exhibition (excellent). We also enjoyed a super-conductor demonstration show and had a closer look at and the health and medical research section - also very good.

Through a bit of shared bungling and probably over-tiredness, we managed to mis-inform Yuko about or departure time, so she was unable to make it back for a final goodbye. That was a pity and Hiromi had to bear the burden of the final farewell, but we all know this is not the end. There are already emails flying about and all manner of plans to look up, hook-up and link-up. We can find hope - and fun - on the cloud in the sky.