You're invited to celebrate

Caleb and Miyu met at a craft beer shop called Scissors in Akiharaba, Tokyo on January 25, 2024. Miyu showed up after work by herself – what would prove a powerful decision for the soft spoken, shy Japanese IT system engineer of 28 years. Ever a craft beer lover, she was determined to check out that night's Teenage Brewing tap takeover, despite the packed house. Having just arrived minutes before and standing alone at a small table, Caleb saw a gorgeous shortie struggling to open what should have been an automatic door, shut out against the cold night. He walked over and pried open the door to welcome Miyu in. (In hindsight, thank you door, for being broken.) Miyu joined Caleb at his table, the only space left, and they began chatting over pints. Caleb had just read the novel Babel by R.F. Kuang – a scintillating tale of empire, language, translation and life-altering incidents – and feeling inspired and full of liquid confidence, went on a long-winded monologue about the book, how it had moved him deeply, and the undeniable power of literature in our lives. Somewhere along the way he spoke of Kenzaburo Oe, the Japanese novelist and Nobel laureate for literature (1994) who was the most formative author of his younger years. Then, it happened – Miyu immediately and excitedly declared her own love for Kenzaburo Oe, who had actually passed away at age 88 in March, 2023. She noted how powerful his work was to her, and that she actually cried when he passed. Caleb was floored – never did he dream a gorgeous, young, cute girl who adored Oe and literature (not to mention good beer) even existed, much less would appear in front of him. The stars had never aligned so precisely in the sky, and Caleb asked Miyu for her number, very quickly. Needless to say, the connection was immediate, apparent and undeniable. Caleb and Miyu share the day they met as their anniversary – now engraved inside their wedding bands – and after dating for 1.5 years and making many memories traveling within Japan and to the US in September 2024, Caleb proposed last year on August 11, 2025. After moving into a new apartment together in September 2025, they were married in a civil ceremony at Taito Ward Office in Tokyo on November 9, 2025. Caleb is still pinching himself – that such a girl, full of intellect, curiosity, passion and love – would commit to him, and put up with his decidedly Western ways, despite almost 20 years in Japan learning to love and assimilate Japanese ways of expression and cultural norms. This is how the journey of a lifetime began, and Caleb couldn't be more blessed. He thanks Miyu often, for committing to him, and promises to stay by her side, through thick and thin, in any language. We'd be honored if you could celebrate with us in September 2026. Thank you! Caleb and Miyu