The ominous statistics had been news for some time, but, being a slippery freelancer, I never thought Japan's worsening economic situation would affect me directly. The year 2001, however, proved this assumption wrong, as the mean old cutback beast reared up and hit me where it hurt the most -- right in the opening party buffet.
Whatever happened to sumptuous smoked salmon, dotted with French capers, beckoning from a bed of glistening, shaved onion? Likewise, lobsters and crabs? And Champagne, sweet friend, whither didst thou wander?
It was, of course, money (or rather the lack of it) that stole these delights away from Tokyo art receptions this year, replacing them with cheap red wine, cans of beer and even -- how low can we go? -- nachos. Now, it's not that I go to opening parties for a taste of the bourgeois life; I go to opening parties so I can see art and do my job. Speaking frankly, though, I sure did miss those delicious perks.