Charmed

These are the charms I got on New Year's day in Tokyo, when I visited shrines.

The black one is called "Must Win," apparently, and will allow me to have great, sweeping victories at mahjong.

Which I will need during CNY, my traditional mahjong marathon week.

The pink one will supposedly ensure the discovery of my true love, or whatever version of that you get for Y600.

The last time I struck a bargain like that, she only tolerated me for half an hour, and said that if I wanted to stay longer it would cost more...

I'm still single, but maybe it only works on Japanesewomen.

Maybe the amulet needs to be made by Gucci or Prada to work on Hong Kong women.

Then again, maybe it isworking. I got an email in Japanese today.

The third one I've gotten from this particular person.

A woman, even.We had dinner once.