Today, a man wearing a mask and leather coat, covered in tattoos, came onto the local train bound for Mitaka and started gesturing to all the foreigners for money.  He didn't speak to anyone, just stood in front of me, grunted, and opened his hand, which already held a 100 yen coin. As he walked away, he spit on the floor. He moved on to two men from South Asia.

The passengers who witnessed this were all noticeably disturbed, but who exactly did everyone think he was? Well, he did get on the train from Shinjuku station, so there is a chance that he is some sort of gangster. But why would he be trying to collect money from foreigners? And why did he seem so frustrated by it? Could it be that this was a challenge he was tasked with, and by not giving him money, we were preventing him from finishing his punishment? Well in that case, I do feel some sympathy for him. Everyone, no matter who they are, has some sadness, guilt, or pain in their heart. 

And then, because I am who I am, I wondered, is he really human? Could he not be a 餓鬼? This kind of beggar, he looked quite different than someone who lives on the fringe of society or someone who lacks the means to support themselves. Although, it may not be fair to pass judgement based solely on appearance, I feel confident that I have met a sufficient amount of homeless people and beggars in my life to be able to identify their core traits. How long has it been since he was satisfied? Will he be spending the rest of his days wandering up and down the sobu line?

Or maybe he is not even a 餓鬼. He could just be a ghost... Today I met a ghost. I'm sorry I could not help relieve your suffering in anyway. At the very least, I could have given you ferry fare. I will pray for your soul.