"This year we have a class where we introduce the children to their neighbors on the island," said the principal of the Shiraishi Elementary School. "So we'd like you to come and talk to the children and tell them why you like living on the island."

"The class will have four first-year students and two second-year students."

So on the appointed day, I walked up to the elementary school. The teacher had set up a chair in front of the class for me to sit on. The students sat in a line of six chairs facing me.