In the early 1980s, Kerry Cox, a young martial arts student from New Zealand, embarked on a journey that would unexpectedly lead to a lifelong romance. After competing in the World Pugilist championships in Hong Kong in 1982, he hitchhiked through Japan before boarding a ferry to Korea in January 1983, seeking affordable airfares. Little did he know, this ordinary ferry ride would become the starting point of an extraordinary love story.
The Fateful Meeting
While boarding the ferry, Kerry was approached by Hitomi, a strikingly attractive Japanese woman with limited English skills. She offered him practical travel advice, suggesting that purchasing a box of bananas and a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label could fund much of his Korean trip, as these items were highly sought after at the time. Hitomi and her friend were traveling to Korea to buy clothing and accessories for resale in Japan.
With Kerry knowing nothing about Korea, Hitomi proposed they travel together. They spent a week in Busan and another in Seoul, visiting local temples and landmarks like Busan Tower. Initially, Kerry perceived no romantic undertones in their budding friendship, simply enjoying the companionship of this kind stranger.
Discovering Deeper Feelings
When airfares proved expensive in Korea, Hitomi invited Kerry to visit Miyazaki, Kyushu, where she lived with her mother. Their home sat in a secluded valley surrounded by rice paddies and koi ponds, offering a simple, tranquil lifestyle. Hitomi's mother initially welcomed Kerry warmly, amused by this foreign visitor.
During his stay, Kerry and Hitomi traveled extensively around Kyushu, often visiting elderly residents and people with disabilities, with Hitomi frequently bringing small gifts. Kerry found himself increasingly drawn to her inherent kindness, consistently cheerful personality, and melodic voice and laughter. "She was beautiful on the inside and out," he recalls, noting that one local even described her as an angel.
The romantic turning point came during a visit to Takachiho, a famous mountain gorge. Due to snow and ice conditions, they stayed overnight at a local tavern. That evening, Hitomi asked about Kerry's departure plans, prompting him to confess his growing love and desire to extend his stay. To his delight and surprise, she reciprocated, saying "Me too!" Their first kiss was soft and delicate, perfectly reflecting her gentle nature.
Separation and Struggle
When Kerry's visa expired, forcing his return to Australia, Hitomi accompanied him to Narita Airport for an emotional farewell. They made plans for her to visit Australia soon, though marriage wasn't initially on their minds—this entire relationship had unfolded unexpectedly for both.
Back in Australia, Kerry realized Hitomi was "the one." They maintained contact through expensive phone calls and primarily through letters written in English. Kerry simplified his writing as much as possible, though he remained uncertain how much Hitomi understood. Similarly, deciphering her letters proved challenging but rewarding, with the closing "love you" making every effort worthwhile.
Hitomi faced significant obstacles in trying to reach Australia, primarily due to her mother's strong opposition. After a year apart, Kerry returned to Japan, hitchhiking to a business hotel in Kyushu where he anxiously awaited Hitomi after her work shift. When she finally arrived, rushing into his arms, a year's worth of pent-up emotions overflowed. In that modest setting, Kerry proposed marriage, and Hitomi joyfully accepted.
Family Resistance and Renewed Connection
Hitomi's mother disapproved vehemently, fearing this foreigner would take her daughter away. Kerry understood her concerns in hindsight but remained determined. The couple realized that if they were to be together, Kerry would need to relocate to Japan.
Returning to Australia to apply for a visa, Kerry remained unaware that Hitomi's mother was burning all his letters and hanging up on his phone calls. By the time he returned to Japan in 1988, Hitomi had entered a singing competition, won a recording contract, and was touring nationally as a professional singer. Her manager and mother actively blocked Kerry's attempts at contact, believing his presence would complicate her career obligations.
Devastated but undeterred, Kerry settled in Tokyo, enrolling in Japanese language school while working various jobs in pubs, pachinko parlors, and gyms. Years passed until a mutual friend finally connected them, arranging a meeting at Shinagawa station's coffee shop.
Their reunion revealed how both had matured—Hitomi remained as beautiful as ever with her sweet voice and manner, while Kerry's improved Japanese pleasantly surprised her. They quickly rekindled their relationship, their love burning brighter than ever. By age thirty, with her mother concerned about marriage prospects, their commitment only strengthened.
A Joyful Union and Lasting Legacy
In 1990, seven years after their initial meeting on the ferry, Kerry and Hitomi married in a picturesque old church in Thames, New Zealand. Hitomi wore a traditional white wedding dress before changing into a kimono that captivated attendees in Kerry's small hometown. Her mother, now accepting their inseparable bond, also wore a kimono to the ceremony. Kerry's parents adored Hitomi, jokingly warning him, "If you stuff this up, don't bother coming home!"
The couple built a beautiful life together in Japan, raising two sons and supporting each other through all of life's challenges. Hitomi passed away three and a half years ago, leaving Kerry with cherished memories of their four-decade partnership. He considers himself fortunate they found each other again after years of separation, always attributing their meeting to fate.
"For 40 years, I could never take my eyes off her," Kerry reflects. "She was always the most beautiful woman in the room." Their story stands as a testament to love's power to overcome language barriers, cultural differences, family opposition, and prolonged separation, proving that some connections are truly meant to be.
