Earl Sandwich is looking through applications for a part-time job at his auto-repair shop. He asks to see Mr. Kitamura, as his CV looks promising, though his co-worker, Frank, mentions that not only is he a student on visa, but he's unusually foreign. Earl tells him they don't discriminate and tells him to send him in. Itsuki Kitamura is revealed to be a Tanuki wearing a traditional mawashi and bearing an overtly Japanese accent.
During the interview, Itsuki reveals that most people don't know Tanuki are Japanese and that he has to get his foot in the door before they make any decisions. When Earl asks what he's doing in the states, Itsuki says his family wants to start an automobile business. But since the exams for Japanese universities are brutal, he'd thought he'd have better luck here (though he receives a fair share of discrimination for being Asian.)
Earl tests Itsuki by asking him to do an oil change and a tire rotation. Itsuki manages to do this (albeit chaotically), and ends up covered in oil. Earl commends him on his speed, but mentions his technique could use a lighter touch.
Earl hires the Tanuki, telling him while he will need a uniform, he can keep the Japanese gratitudes. Itsuki is so grateful he invites Earl and his family over to his apartment for dinner. However, it turns out all he can afford is one bowl of rice, one bowl of noodles, and a fish.
Events[]
Itsuki is introduced and is hired at Earl Sandwich's auto-repair shop part-time.
Trivia[]
Itsuki is a Tanuki, which is Japanese for "raccoon-dog." He is the only Japanese character to appear in the comic.
