Currently we are repairing a wall between our house and a next door on the left.
The wall made by block was 80 years old or older, and started collapsing from the side facing to the left side neighbor, so we had to rebuild as soon as possible.
It was fortunate that we were notified the situation before itās actually fully collapsed.
A wall
In Japan, maintaining a clear border around the house is important to avoid troubles between next doors.
Even if we think we are getting on well each other, when one house causes a trouble implied complaint or discontent suddenly appears.
We are sensitive to infringement of our private property, regardless of the degree and intention.
One day in last Nov, I realized my roomās hot water supply(1) was broken. I told my mom, she said I should call an appliance store man who we know quite long time, we may call him dadās old friend.
We know him for 30 years or so. He attended my dadās funeral.
He is really kind and has good footwork. I wasn’t surprised that he visited our house on the next day.
He looked around and mentioned about the other hot water supply(2) is tilted a bit to the next door.
Right. I said I know, Iām aware.
Until that moment I didnāt think much about a risk of it.
waiting for the new base to be dried.
He said itās better fix the concrete base for (2).
the water tank weighs 400kg it might fall to the next door if there is an earthquake..
Heās happened to had a similar work recently for another customer.
Based on the advice, we next called our housing manufacturer that has built our house. They investigate and provide us an estimation for a base and a water supply task, and schedule.
When they came they pointed out the wall condition is also not okay.
All checking and planning took a month.
My hot water supply (1) has been working fine.
and finally the construction has begun.
On day1, (1) removed and replaced, (2) temporary removed and a concrete base fixed.
On day2, removal of the wall.
On day3, continue the removal and a preparation of fence poles.
On the day2, Japan declared a state of emergency..
For today and tomorrow, the construction halt as the concrete needs to be dried.
the remaining work will be done on next week.
I met neighbors on our left and right in the morning of day3.
First I deeply bowed and apologized the noise and trouble we have caused so far, and asked for their patience a few more days.
This is seriously important to express that we are fully responsible for the trouble.
Straightforward, sincere, genuine word from the heart and say āsorry for the troubleā.
Otherwise they may feel ignored and our attitude will be taken ādisrespectfulā.
(we can not expect them to understand what we think without actually sayingļ¼)
I think neighborhood is one of ācommon destinyā whether like it or not.
Itās a secondary community next to family.
Unlike family, neighbors can change by changing where to live,
but once becomes adult itās not easy like it was used to be,
therefore shifting to get along with the neighbors.
Always be nice and patient, say hello whenever we meet.
I often talk to elder neighbors who live alone. we have four, five of them around.
Talking, laughing together and caring for them like I care my mom.
We do think differently, love different things, yet we can live together if we breathe before speak and speak kindly, donāt put own favor first.
Boiled apple 