Our final correspondence:
石西: 明日の事はわかりませんが
とりあえず楽しくておつきあいをいただいたこと
ありがとうございました
me: BEST FRIEND
石西: ゆーつー
This might not be the most appropriate memorial photo for my friend Isonishi-san. But it is my favorite of the many photos I took of him over the years. I like to think it captures a lot about who and what he was: gregarious, friendly, funny, intelligent, informed… He adored his wife, his cats and dogs, the Beatles, trying to speak English and the Hanshin Tigers.
Isonishi and his wife ran a coffee shop in Tenri city in Nara prefecture called “Apple.” Apple was a very important place and space for me, family, friends and many others. Isonishi taught me a lot and influenced me in many ways. There were so many good times. But now I find that words escape me. I put together a small album of photos I took to give to his wife and family. I feel that this is a time when photos can evoke memories and feelings better than words. At least my words now.
Isonishi-san passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 78. For now, may he rest in peace. But I have a feeling that I will be reunited with him again.
