I first noticed Yuki’s peculiar habit during our lunch meetup in northern Tokyo. As we walked to the restaurant, he led us through a series of what seemed like unnecessary detours, always managing to find a pedestrian bridge whenever we needed to cross a street. At first, I assumed it was just coincidence.

The restaurant he chose was excellent. A small ramen shop tucked away in a quiet corner. As we slurped our noodles, I finally asked him about our roundabout route.

He smiled, a hint of pride crossing his face. “I know every pedestrian bridges in Tokyo.”

I nearly choked on my noodles. “That’s impossible. There must be hundreds.”

“Four hundred and twelve, to be exact” he said, stirring his broth. “Want me to prove it?”

After lunch, he offered to walk me to Ueno Station, two stops away from where we were. True to his word, he navigated us through a maze of streets, never once using a zebra crossing. Each time we needed to cross, he’d lead us to a bridge with unwavering confidence, as if following an invisible map etched in his mind.

“This is incredible” I said, watching the cars pass beneath us on our fourth bridge crossing. “But why memorize all these bridges?”

He just shrugged, his eyes fixed on the distant skyline.

…

I thought his ability was fascinating, if a bit eccentric. His girlfriend Rin (well, now ex-girlfriend), however, didn’t share my enthusiasm.

I discovered this one Saturday evening at Hamamatsucho Station. I spotted them arguing at the station entrance. Yuki stood with his arms crossed, exhaustion evident on his face.

“I can’t do this anymore, Yuki” she said. “A thirty-minute walk turned into two hours. Just because you wouldn’t cross at street level!”

I hung back, pretending to check my phone, but couldn’t help overhearing.

“You don’t understand” Yuki pleaded. “I need to use the bridges. They’re safe.”

“Safe? It’s a crossing light, not a monster!” Rin threw up her hands. “I’m done. Find someone else to go on your bridge tours.”

After she stormed off, I approached Yuki. He stood there, shoulders slumped, staring at the ground.

“Hey” I said softly. “Are you okay?”

He looked up, trying to force a smile. “Ah, you saw that?”

…

We found a quiet bench outside the station. The evening crowds flowed around us.

“I’ve never told anyone this” he said, “But I don’t like zebra crossings.”

“What do you mean you don’t like zebra crossings?”

“I’m scared of them. I don’t know why, but I cannot cross the street on zebra crossings. That’s why I memorized all the bridges. But Rin called me crazy.”

I froze for a second. I thought he was just messing with me. That’s just ridiculous. “He broke up with his girlfriend because he’s scared of zebra crossings?” I thought. I wanted to laugh but he seemed serious, as if he really was scared of them. I coughed a little bit to hide my laugh.

I patted his shoulder sympathetically. “Hey, it’s okay buddy. I’m sure you’ll find someone else who appreciates a good bridge tour. Maybe even someone who shares your… unique perspective on street crossings.”

He looked up hopefully. “You think so?”

“Well… “
“ maybe.”

Expanded from an idea I got after watching my friend Adi, become extremely overwhelmed when we visited Shibuya Crossing