Chapter 35 – Touchdown in Tokyo

The mechanical whine of the airplane softened as the wheels gently touched down on the tarmac at Narita International Airport. A chorus of gasps and sighs filled the cabin—not from fear, but excitement. Phuby looked out the small oval window, catching his first glimpse of Japan. The sun was rising, painting soft amber over Tokyo's distant skyline.

Beside him, Hana clutched his arm tightly, her eyes moist with emotion. "We're really here," she whispered.

Mrs. Wulan, seated beside Hana and Om Luky, smiled as she adjusted her hijab. "Alhamdulillah… such a smooth flight."

Om Luky gave an approving nod. "Japan, huh? Feels surreal."

After collecting their luggage, the group navigated through immigration without trouble—thanks to Hana's fluent Japanese and Phuby's prior research. Passports stamped, visas checked, international driving permits confirmed—they were ready.

As they walked through the arrival gate, Hana spotted her parents immediately. Her mother stood with both hands waving eagerly, while her father, slightly more reserved, lifted one hand with a proud smile.

"Papa! Mama!" Hana exclaimed, rushing over and hugging them tightly.

Her mother cupped Hana's cheeks, speaking in rapid Japanese, "Hana-chan! You've gotten thinner! Are they feeding you well?"

Hana laughed and nodded, then turned to Phuby and his family. "Mama, Papa, ini Phuby dan keluarganya."

Switching to English, her mother greeted them warmly. "Welcome to Japan. Thank you for bringing our daughter home, even if just for a little while."

Phuby bowed slightly. "Thank you for having us."

"Let's not talk here," Hana's father said with a smile. "You must be tired. Let's go to the motorhome you rented. We'll help you set it up and give you a proper Japanese welcome."

The rented motorhome, a sleek white vehicle parked in the outdoor lot, was spacious and well-equipped. Hana's father helped Phuby check the engine and systems while Hana's mother assisted Mrs. Wulan in unpacking some essentials.

Phuby, Om Luky, and Mrs. Wulan had taken turns driving using their international licenses, so they decided Phuby would handle the city roads, while Om Luky could take over later for the countryside.

The moment the group settled inside, Hana looked around the cozy vehicle and laughed. "Feels like a tiny apartment on wheels."

Phuby grinned. "It has a shower, toilet, a little kitchen, and beds for six. This will do nicely."

Hana's father handed Phuby a printed list. "I marked some scenic spots along the route. Temples, hot springs, historic towns—things that will give your family a full Japanese experience."

Phuby took the list respectfully. "We'll visit them all."

After an early lunch of packed onigiri and tea provided by Hana's parents, they drove through the city to check in briefly at a nearby rental apartment. It was small but comfortable and served as their home base before they started the nationwide road trip.

That evening, as dusk colored the Tokyo skyline, the families gathered for dinner at a traditional izakaya-style restaurant that Hana's father had reserved.

Shoji doors opened into a tatami-mat room, and the aroma of grilled fish, miso soup, and rice filled the air. The group sat around the low table, enjoying both the novelty and the authenticity of the setting.

"Let's toast with tea," Hana's mother said, raising her cup. "To family, and to new memories."

"To family," everyone echoed, clinking their cups.

Conversation flowed easily, switching between Bahasa, Japanese, and English as needed. Hana translated when her father shared stories from her childhood—how she used to get lost in bookstores, how she loved watching anime with her older cousin, and how she once tried to make sushi on her own and nearly set off the smoke alarm.

Everyone laughed, especially when Hana pouted in embarrassment.

Later that night, as they returned to the apartment, Hana stood with Phuby on the balcony, looking out at the city.

"I never thought I'd come back to Japan like this," she whispered.

"With a whole new family and someone who loves you?" Phuby teased gently.

She leaned her head against his shoulder. "Exactly."

Below, the city lights shimmered like stars. And for the first time in years, Hana felt at home in both countries.