—JAPAN, TOKYO STATION, 2023

You’re stepping aboard the Shinkansen, the Japanese and English translations of the intercom still ringing in your ears. As you step on, you take note of how many people are in the same carriage as you, analysing them carefully.

A man in a waistcoat and suit catches your eye, his blue eyes shining as he reads a novel. Your eyes narrow in suspicion, and you look across from him to another man, bleached twists and a stubbly beard, looking at Thomas and Friends stickers.

Unusual. You sit down.