Sushi and Sadako’s story >> Inspired by legend, resto manager folds origami for world peace

by CHRIS BARRY Name: Gordon Bradley Age: 37 Occupation: Manager of the Soto Express sushi fast food outlet on Metcalfe Salary: Minimum wage-plus Bio: This suave and benevolent Mile-End sexpod was employed as a technical writer in the software biz before giving it all up to work in the endlessly rewarding field of fish last summer. A talented author with a Masters’ degree in English, this former Haligonian says he’s “making way less money now but I’m 10 times happier. I really enjoy becoming part of the neighbourhood through hearing people’s stories.” Something he has recently been inspired to do: Taken by the story of Sadako Sasaki, a 12-year-old Hiroshima girl who died from leukemia in 1955, and Japanese lore, he is in the process of folding 1,000 origami paper cranes and distributing them to customers. What the hell the point is of folding up a bunch of paper cranes and handing them out to people: According to Japanese lore, after distributing one’s 1,000th origami paper bird, one’s fondest wish will be granted. What he plans on wishing for: Concerned with recent events, Gordon plans on wishing for world peace. Is he in the process of having of nervous breakdown? No. After world peace is attained, does he have any intention of folding up another 1,000 birds and wishing that he be transported back to the 19th century to work as a disciplinarian at an orphanage for sexy teens? No. Do customers ever tell him to go fuck his paper bird and just hurry up with their kappa-maki? “Oh no, it’s such a simple thing, but it makes people so happy.” How often Soto Express customers ask this 6’2” blue-eyed blond if he is Japanese or has any Japanese blood in him: Much more often than you would think. Does the question generally come up after they’ve taken a good long glance at his crotch area? No. A few Japanese things Gordon is thrilled about: Hello Kitty and her Sanrio penguin brother Bad Badtz Maru, Shonen Knife, miniaturized electronics, Japanese rockabilly boys and Kawaii girls. Best part of the job: Meeting people. Worst: Mopping the floor. Two organizations Gordon can’t say enough good things about: Doctors Without Borders and Amnesty International. Something else he does: Writes. When not stuffing California rolls, Gordon is busy writing his screenplays and short stories, several of which have been published. A creative adventure he is currently involved in: Taking a few of his short stories and animating them to “eventually put online somewhere.” Childhood ambition: To buy a Winnebago and drive around seeing places and trying out various local cuisines. Where you might find him hanging out: Miami, Sky. Favourite alcoholic beverage: Moosehead beer. Musical preferences: The Ramones, Rufus Wainwright, Liz Phair. Last book read: Swann, by Carol Shields. Words of wisdom: “Don’t be hard on yourself because there’s a whole lineup of other people waiting to do it.” :