Sun rises somewhere in the depths of Hyōgo prefecture. Rather overdue for a trip afield, I was glad to be given the chance to go with some friends of a relative. It was an early start. We left at five in the morning. After travelling across, down, up...

By avoiding the unusual summer rains the peanuts were planted too late. They never got established. It seems ironic that there has been little rain and plenty of sunshine at the end of the cycle. There are a few handfuls of peanuts. It hardly seems...

The plume from the paper factory provides a reliable indication of wind direction and force. Throughout the year many kite flying events are held across the country. The festival has a long history dating back to the Eiroku era. Perhaps now, the...

Snow capped Daisen The start of the week brought snow. On the news yesterday, there were many marvellous scenes from around the country; vivid autumnal leaves contrasting snow. These in turn were marred by horrific road traffic accidents. It’s likely...

The idea was to write how I survived the first month in the gym unscathed. Being near the end of my session today, I thought I’d do a few sets of barbell pullovers. After the warm-up, the weight of the bar seemed to strain more than it ought as I...