I am a cloud. I grew up in the ocean, surrounded by the gentle creatures of the Pacific – yet while I enjoyed my time swimming with the starfish in Tokyo Bay, I always knew I was destined for something more. Sure enough, that time came and one day I was chosen to leave: to rise above the water and join the skyline. Not many have such an opportunity: to experience life in the depths of the ocean and high up in the sky. I count myself very lucky. So when I get the chance I like to just sit here, watching the world go by. It’s a simple existence. Soon enough I will disappear. I won’t die, I’ll just become one with the sky. Invisible. But I’ll also become part of your life. Do you have a piece of paper near you? If you do, please pick it up. I’d like to read something to you while you are holding it.

Are you holding it? OK. Let me begin.

If you look closely, you will see clearly that there is a cloud floating in this sheet of paper. Without a cloud there will be no water; without water, the trees cannot grow; and without trees you cannot make paper. So the cloud is in here. The existence of this page is dependent on the existence of a cloud. Paper and cloud are so close.

So you see, you are holding me, and I am happy.