In this chapter, we are introduced to a new character, Thomas Griffin keppel. He is a glass trader who has been living in Otsuya, Japan, and he has just returned from a trip to the U.S. We learn that he is a member of the "hippy generation," a group of people who grew up in the United States and Europe, and who believe in peace and harmony. He tells us that the recent earthquake in Japan reminded him of how important the radio and cell phones are, and that he has spent all of his points on a battery. He also tells us how he was shocked when he heard his voice coming on the air. He says that he thought to himself that it was too soon for the earthquake, but it seems that his worries were unfounded. As far as he knows, all the people who covered the earthquake were above normal and abnormal, he says. He adds that he saw a dream in which he was married to kakuryu. He asks if he can tell him who gets "hammered" before meeting a new person. He wonders if it would kill him to shield his precious employee from "grabby hands," or if he should "stop me from straight-up assaulting a guest."