Akashi Kaikyo Bridge Akashiyaki with a view of the bridge lights

On a winter night, I stood on Maiko's promenade and looked out at the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. Its lights stretched across the sea; following them with my eyes made me want to go all the way to the other side. But first, a bite of the Akashiyaki I was holding. Once I dipped it in the dashi, it turned soft and pillowy.

I lifted it with my chopsticks and brought it to my mouth. It was hotter than I expected. I had to wait a moment, cheeks puffed out. I must've been so caught up in the view that I couldn't wait to take a bite. When I could finally taste it, the mild egg flavour and chewy octopus made me smile.

After finishing that bite, I looked up at the bridge again. The cables curved in a broad arc from the nearer tower to the farther one. I could make out the bridge's shape much better than when I'd been following only its lights. And here I was, eating as I admired that enormous bridge from the shore.

For my next piece of Akashiyaki, I dipped it in the broth and let it cool for a moment. I lifted it with my chopsticks just like before, but this time I brought it to my mouth slowly. Yes, this is just right. I kept glancing between the bridge lights and my food, and taking one bite at a time turned out to be much more fun than I'd expected.

Facing the winter sea, I felt comforted by the broth. If I could hold on to the feel of that soft Akashiyaki, I'd have one more way to remember this night. It wasn't just a beautiful bridge; even the way I'd puffed out my cheeks at the first bite had become part of my trip.

After finishing the last piece of Akashiyaki, I felt a little reluctant to leave. I'll watch the bridge a bit longer before heading back. I want to send my driving friend a photo of the bridge and say, 'Next time, let's have Akashiyaki too.' I plan to take my time next time, though I'm just as excited about that first bite.