At the age of 18 — and on his third attempt — Takamichi Saeki finally extricated himself from Japan. He escaped Tokyo for New York City, but it could have been London or Paris — anywhere, really, as long as it was abroad. He just wanted out.
Even since kindergarten Saeki says he didn't really feel comfortable being in Japan, which explains two previous attempts to get away. But, at 18 he was ready, or "fearless" as he recalls — and he set off across the Pacific, with his family's blessing.
"They understood that I wanted to be out as soon as I could, and they were supportive. 'Take care of yourself,' they said," Saeki recalls.