Gin & Rummy: Sake Intro

As I slipped the key in my front door whilst returning home last evening, I heard the soft landing of padded feet.  I spun to see a solemn figure standing in the shadows, dressed in the unmistakable garb of the Ninja.  As I've had no recent ill dealings with the Japanese Mafia, I was perplexed as to who would want me dispatched.  Clearly if I'm writing this you can deduce that I met no such end; but rather the figure bowed deeply, with hand outstretched, revealing a note.  Scrawled on the most exquisite traditional rice-based parchment was the following.  A character both enigmatic and meaningful, we beg to know more.  I raised my head to thank the silent messenger, but only shadow remained.