Peepo Choo 3 — Felipe Smith

In this final volume of Peepo Choo, Milton and Reiko begin to develop their own dialog. Milton has begun to understand that there is much more to appreciate about this culture than he imagined. He also realizes that there was nothing wrong with being who he is as long as he is being earnest. Sure that might isolate him in certain conditions, but it may also prove to be charming; as in the case with his new friend Reiko.

Reiko's views on American people also begin to change. People are who they are no matter where they hail from, and while the media and geo-political issues may influence subcontext it does not change individual personalities. She knows what she wants and she is willing to do whatever possible to achieve her goals in life. Her future might not be in Japan. They might not be in the US. But she will clearly be looking forward to a future where she is judged on her merits and talents with equity and honesty.

Together they have much of that, but they are also very young. The future has many options for these two. So when they part ways at the end of this trip, one has to wonder...Will they ever see each other's home the same way again?