Inside Mirror in the Woods #5: “Facing Tokyo, Facing Herself”

"A young artist leaves home for the first time, confronting the thrill and fear of stepping into the unknown."

Miho’s high school days flew by like an arrow.

One day, her parents were summoned to Teacher Abe’s studio for a three-way meeting about her future. “While Miho has shown remarkable artistic growth, her exam scores barely meet the threshold for acceptance to her desired art schools,” Abe explained. “Still, shall we give it a try?”

Miho’s parents, civil servants with modest means, were permissive when it came to their daughter’s dreams. “Well, Miho, what would you like to do?” her father asked.

Unable to hide her anxiety, Miho spoke decisively: “I’d like to challenge myself and try.” Moved by her determination, her father replied, “Alright. Give it your best shot. But if you don’t succeed, that’s the end—you’ll attend our local university. You have one chance.” Miho expressed her gratitude, though an immense pressure weighed on her shoulders.

Months later, Miho stood at Tokyo Station, 500 miles from home, ready to take her art school exam. The enormous station, the noisy crowds, the sea of people—it was all thrillingly new.

Emerging from the ticket gate, an upperclassman from Teacher Abe’s studio waved at her. She would stay at the girl’s apartment during the exams. Meeting her, Miho felt some of her tension begin to unravel.

Stepping outside the station, Miho took a deep breath and gazed at the cityscape. Overwhelmed by the reality of actually being in Tokyo, she couldn’t help but tremble slightly.