*He keeps that vague smile that could be knowing, pleased or melancholy as he toys idly with the symbols in his hand and switches to Japanese himself, maintaining a neutral tone. It's almost as if he's trying to keep the depths of his emotions regarding a topic he feels strongly about hidden.*

I believe I'm starting to like this man already. A lack of the spiritual and the resulting focus on the material and personal gain is a major problem in my own time, as well. I suppose that sort of selfishness is simply in human nature, but it truly is a shame to see the beauty of the universe and the value of our history go unappreciated.

It's to the point that paper books like this are rare antiques. The feeling and smell of a real book are considered unimportant in the face of the compact size and easy portability of a virtual display.