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March 29, 2023

一ヶ月ぶりに横浜へ。友人宅を訪問する途上、本牧港を見晴らす「山頂公園」を歩いた。久しぶりの晴れ間に、海のかけらを眺める。今年になって初めて見る海だ。たとえ遥か彼方でも正真正銘の春の海。貨物船がゆったりと岸壁を離れていく。今では工業地帯となっている本牧港も埋め立てられる前、1960年頃までは小学校の教室を飛び出すと浜辺だったというから大変な変わりようだ。それでも、海に開ける街は解放的だ。伸び伸びと枝を広げる公園の木々も、既に新緑をまとい涼風が吹き抜けていく。心の霧も吹き飛ばして、さあ歩き出そうという気力が湧いてくる。本日の更新は表紙ページの写真（横浜山手の「山頂公園」から眺める本牧港）とこのページの写真（「山頂公園」の新緑）です。ご訪問ありがとうございます。

It has been a month since I visited Yokohama last time. On my way to my friend's house, I walked in Sancho Park (literally, "the summit park") looking down at Honmoku Bay. I caught a glimpse of the sea under the clearing sky after the rainy days. It was really a view of the spring sea! I saw a cargo ship slowly leaving the quay. Before reclaiming, the industrial district today was once a beach where children played jumping out of their classrooms in 1960s. What a dramatic change the coast line has undergone! Yet, the town open to the ocean gives us the liberating air. Trees with spreading branches wear fresh green leaves and the cool wind is likely to clear our sinking heart. Oh, let us go on! Today's update: the photo in the index page (a glimpse of Honmoku Bay) and the photo in this page (a tree wearing fresh leaves in the summit park). Thank you for your visit.

March 28, 2023

やわらかな雨が降る。菜種梅雨なら慈雨だから降るに任せておくほかはない。満開になった桜も雨に打たれて項垂れる。間もなく4月。例年なら新学期の準備にあたふたしている時期だ。けれど今年から授業は僅か二つだけとなり、どのように暮らそうか思案している。これまで忙しさにかまけて先送りしてきた数多に取り組む好機到来と計画を練るか、心身のメンテナンスに勤しんで健康志向に邁進するか、それともゆったりのんびりのその日暮らしを決め込むか。終活を始めた友人もいる。（それはちょっと人生100年時代に早急ではないか？）徹底的に趣味を追及する人もいる。（あっぱれ！）引退という言葉は辞書にないとばかり組織の重責を担い続ける人もいる。（流石だ！）私は、色々なことを引きずりながら四方八方をながめ、どこかでひょいと何かを始めそうな気がする。それが何かは実のところ皆目見当もつかないのだけれど。引き続きここに書いていくことは間違いない。（「私流加齢の記録」？「カレーのレシピ」？やれやれ、何のことやら...。）本日の更新は、短信のみにて。ご訪問ありがとうございます。

It's been raining softly. As it is the fruitful rain in spring, let it just go on! Cherry blossoms in full bloom drop their heads. April will come soon. In previous years, I was busily preparing for the new semester in this season; however, I will have only two classes a week from the new semester. I do have to think of how to live from now. Shall I start making plans to do what I've been neglecting for so many busy years? Should I take care of myself to maintain my soul and body for well-being? Or shall I live leisurely day after day? Actually, one of my friends has started her "final activity" for clearing her residence. (Isn't it too early for her to do such an activity at 70 in the era of the 100-year lifespan ? ) Another friend of mine devotes herself concentrating in her hobby. (Great!) There is a person who goes on bearing a heavy responsibility of an organization as an executive. (Awesome!) As for me, it seems I would do something new to me when a chance comes. I don't know what that is yet, but let me write about myself continuously here anyway! (Will it be "My Aging Diary"? What am I going to write?) Today's update: only this short note. Thanks for your visit.

March 25, 2023

今月は二度にわたる白内障の手術を受けたことで、心身両面にわたってこれまでにない変化を経験しつつある。眼球にメスが入るのは、思っていた以上の衝撃だった。僅か数時間とはいえ、半日の入院時には車椅子で移動し、いつも押す側だったのが押してもらう側に回って、視線の位置や前進・後退・回転時の身体への負担など、全く意識していなかったことを改めて実感した。（私は乱暴だったと思う。）片目ずつ眼帯が取れて、鮮やかな光が視界に漲る。瞳孔を開く目薬のせいで、焦点がぼやけたり足元がふらついたり。視力が定まるまでに2ヶ月程度かかるとのこと。手術したからと言って一気に回復するわけではなさそうだ。洗顔も洗髪も化粧もしない生活を最低10日間。いつしか傲慢な暮らし方をしていた自分が不自由という枠の中で、取りこぼしていた大切なものを一つずつ振り返る機会を得ている。本日の更新は短信のみにて。ご訪問ありがとうございます。

In March, I got the cataract surgeries on both of my eyes. I should say I've been getting physical and mental disturbances. It was unexpectedly shocking to have the eyeballs taken the scalpel in spite of a local anesthetic. When I was hospitalized for half a day for each operation, I was carried by a wheelchair. The change of the position from one who pushes it to the one who is pushed in it was a great difference. I found how I was rough when I was handling the wheelchair, pushing it forward, backward, and turning it round. When eyepatches were removed, brilliant light rushed into my eyesight; but due to the medicine to expand the pupils, my focus was not fixed properly and I was not able to walk steadily. I was told that it would take a few months before my visual acuity becomes stable. The two operations do not confirm the recovery of my vision immediately. At first, I have to endure 10 days without washing my face, hair nor putting make-up. I admit that I am looking back on my arrogant life so far, in inconveniences.　Today's update: only this note. Thank you for your visit.

March 21, 2023

昨日墓参しがてら、高尾にある「森林総合研究所　多摩森林科学園」へサクラ保存林を見に行ってきた。広大な敷地に8ヘクタールの保存林が含まれており、年間を通して日本全国から集められたサクラの花を見ることができる。かつて一度あてどもなく山歩きをしたが、桜の季節に訪ねるのはこれが初めてだ。未だ全山満開と言うには程遠く（もっとも多種類の桜木は必ずしも同時に咲くわけではない）、咲いているいる樹を探しながら歩くのが愉しかった。自然は放置しておくだけでは豊かに育たないし、ましてや保存しようという意思を持たなくてはヒトは自然と共生できない。植物や動物の多様性を丹念に観察し、育てていこうというこの研究施設に大いに啓発されるお彼岸となった。本日の更新は「散策」中、「郊外散策」の欄に『多摩森林科学園 サクラ保存林』です。併せて表紙の写真（サクラ保存林の景色）と今年最初の菫（同所）です。街にもいよいよサクラサク季節のピークが来た。ご訪問に感謝いたします。

Yesterday I visited my family grave in Takao for we are now on equinoctial week. On the way back, I dropped in Tama Forest Science Garden to see cherry trees. There is an institute which collects, preserves, and researches more than 500 kinds, of over 1800 Japanese cherry trees in the forest covering 8 hectares. Not all the cherry trees were in full bloom but I enjoyed walking in the forest to find beautiful blossoms here and there. I think I learned that the nature can hardly be left alone if we want it to keep rich and productive in many ways. I was very much inspired by the institute which eagerly studies the variety of plants, animals, and landscapes. Today's update: Tama Forest Science Garden in Walking in the Suburbs of Tokyo, Walking. The photo in the index page and the one here are from that page. Thank you for your visit.

March 17, 2023

桜が咲くほど暖かい日があるかと思えば、再び冬に逆戻りする日もある。「彼岸まで」は気が抜けない。彼岸過ぎにさえ寒の戻りはありうる。そんな折、外出先でマスクをつける義務はなくなり、COVID-19によって強いられていた不自由の枷が外れていく。しかしそれは我々がCOVID-19から解放されたことを意味するものではない。感染のリスクを個人の判断で避けながら、思うようにふるまうことが可能だという合意に過ぎない。感染すればそれは自己責任。2年間もオンラインのみで仕事をしていた日々を思い出すと、あれは失われた歳月だったのかそれとも厚く保護された日々だったのか、既に判別しがたくなっている。今はもうCOVID-19を、そしてマスクを、隠れ蓑にできなくなったことだけは確かだ。本日の更新は短信のみにて。ご訪問ありがとうございます。

One day it's warm enough to expect the blooming of cherry blossoms, and on the other day it's cold like in winter. As usual, we can hardly feel safe until the equinoctial week is over. Even on the week, we sometimes have snow! Now we can go out without wearing masks, getting freedom of activities eventually. Yet, it does not mean we are totally free from COVID-19. It's rather that we can behave as we like as long as we know we are responsible for our own health. Remembering the days when I worked online at home remote from workplaces for full two years, I'm not sure if I had a right choice to do so. Was I too timid in fear of infection or just self-indulgent? It's clear that we can no longer hide behind the masks and the pandemic for excuse of performance. Today's update: this memo only. Thanks for your visit.

March 16. 2023

東京にも桜の開花宣言が出たとはいえ、西郊では未だほころび始めたばかり。開花直前の模様を眺めに行ってみた。狭山丘陵の一角、八国山を背景にする北山公園のベニシダレザクラ「三春桜」もちらほらと。毎年この季節には目覚めかけた里山の風景に心が躍る。満開の桜はどこへ見に行こうか。名所が良いか、名もなき路傍の花にしようか。満開の桜を追って南から北へと旅する人もいると聞く。一年、一年を愛おしむのに、桜は何と相応しい祝祭を用意してくれることか。私は人込みが苦手なので、やはり人気のない散歩道をてくてくたどることになるのだろう。本日の更新は表紙の写真（東京都東村山市八国山）とこのページの写真（咲き初めるベニシダレザクラ）です。ご訪問ありがとうございます。よき春を！

Reportedly the cherry blossoms have started to bloom in Tokyo. In its western suburbs, however, only a few flowers are coming out. I took a walk in my neighborhood to check how cherry trees are doing. At a corner of Sayama Hills, you can see a "Miharu Sakura"(beni-shidare sakura) (literally, crimson weeping cherry tree) in Kitayama Park, in front of Hachikoku-yama, Higashimurayama, Tokyo. It is actually starting to bloom. Every year in this season, I come here to enjoy the view of the village forest Hachikoku-yama. Where shall I go to see cherry blossoms in full bloom? To famous view spots, or to nameless promenades? I've heard that some people travel following the blossoms from the south to the north. What suitable feasts cherry trees prepare for people to celebrate the preciousness of each year! As I am not keen to join the crowd of people, maybe I would walk alone along isolated trails. Today's update: a photo in the index page (Hachikoku-yama forest) and the one here in this page ("Miharu Sakura"-crimson weeping cherry tree in Kitayama Park). Thanks for your visit. I wish you wonderful spring days!

March 15, 2023

ここ数年間、動静を伝える記事が出ず全集の出版ばかりが報じられていたので、病床にあるのかと想像していた作家、大江健三郎の訃報に接した。88歳での老衰死と聞けば天寿を全うしたと納得するしかない。おそらく支持者と反支持者が最も明確に分かれる日本の現代作家の一人だったのではないか。彼は1994年のノーベル文学賞受賞をひとつのピークとして既に大御所扱いされ、ゆるぎない地位を文学史上に確立していた。しかし社会活動家としては毀誉褒貶にさらされ、この「戦後民主義者」は万人を味方につけるとは言い難かった。それでも、現実の社会や政治状況に関わり続けるという姿勢を貫き、書斎に引きこもり続ける人ではなかった。脳に障害を持って誕生した長男の光氏が作曲家として認められるまでの物語は、大きな感動をもって読者に受け入れられてきた。私自身は、高校一年生で『死者の奢り』に出会った時に、自分の中のナイーヴな文学少女が吹き飛び、言葉と切り結ぶ芸術の存在を知った。これから大江最晩年の作品群を読み、多くの神話的作品を再読しようと思う。大江健三郎が欧米や南米の（古今の）作家たちから得ていたインスピレーションを改めて辿るという課題もある。難解なようでいて、キッチリと日本語を突き詰めた文体に再び酩酊することになるはずだ。膨大な作品を残した作家に命の終わりはないような気がする。

Oe Kenzaburo passed away. Since I hadn't heard of him for years, I'd thought he might have been ill in bed. When I heard he died of age at 88, I took it in peaceful mind. I understand he was one of the Japanese contemporary authors who had clearly both enemies and supporters. He was treated as the established writer in the history of world literature especially since he won Nobel Prize in 1994. Yet, as a social activist, he was not necessarily that eminent although he kept working against reactionary conservatism. He was not closeted in his study only. His stories about his eldest son Hikari, who was born with a handicap in brain, and grew up to be a music composer, have greatly impressed numerous readers. I myself met Oe for the first time, through Lavish Are the Dead, when I was a high school student. A naive literature-lover teenager was blown away then. I realized that there existed the art of language. From now on, I would read Oe's latest works and reread his mythical works as well. I know I will have to follow his steps how he was inspired by authors new and old of world literature. I'm sure I will be intoxicated by his profound styles which pursue the boundaries of our language. I feel there is no death for an author who left enormous works behind.

March 12, 2023

コブシの花が満開になると、ああ春だと思う。ここから一気に花々の開花が続き、瞬く間に百花繚乱の季節に突入する。まだかまだかと待っていたのが嘘のように、野も街も明るい色に染め上げられる。そうなると、植物の生命力の逞しさについていけない人間はふと春憂に襲われたりするから厄介だ。素直に命のほとばしりを寿げばよいのに。訳も分からず訪れる胸の高まりや、得体の知れぬ胸騒ぎを誰かに語り掛けてみたくなるのもこの季節だ。それは年齢に関係ない。春には人の心も再生するのではないか。だから、私は宛名の無い手紙をここに書く。受け止める人がいてもいなくても。春ですね。生きていきましょう、と。本日の更新は表紙の写真（満開の辛夷・東京都小平市）とこのページの写真（都電荒川線「面影橋停車場」付近）です。ご訪問ありがとうございます。

When I find a tree of northern Japanese magnolia in bloom, I'm convinced that spring has come finally. This is the turning point that variety of flowers start blooming all at once. Unbelievably fields and towns as well are tintied with various kinds of colors all together. Then, strange enough, some people feel depressed, unable to follow the feast of the nature. Come on! Enjoy the sprash of life! It's also in this season when I'm eager to talk to someone about my heart's excitement and the disturbance. It has nothing to do with the age. Spring revitalizes us regardless of the age, doesn't it? Therefore, I write my message (to who?-it doesn't matter) here. "Hi! Spring has come. Let's survive." Today's update: a photo in the index page (a northern Japanese magnolia in full bloom, Kodaira City, Tokyo) and one here in this page (a streetcar near "Omokage-bashi" station, Shinjyuku, Tokyo). Thanks for your visit.

March 6, 2023

私にはこのところミスが多い。大切な原稿を提出した後で、肝心かなめの言葉が誤字だったのに気付き、慌てて訂正版を再送信する。誤りに気付いていながら未だ訂正できていないものもある。漢字・数字・記憶違い等、まさかこんなことを！が頻発する。もともとうっかり屋ではあったけれど、我ながら情けない。何もかも「歳のせい」にはしたくない。どこかで致命傷の地雷を踏んだら大変。気を付けよう。本日の更新は新作エッセイ、散策思索 30 「GIFTを受け取って」です。先日（February 26, 2023）書いた羽生結弦東京ドーム公演トピックの拡大版です。よろしければご笑覧ください。ご訪問に感謝いたします。

Recently I often make mistakes in writing. Usually, I realize my mistakes after I sent the typescript and send the revised version in a hurry. I know I haven't got the chance to correct my mistakes yet in Kanji, numbers, misunderstandings etc. How often I say to myself, "Oh, no way!" I don't want to explain them as the result of aging. I'm afraid of stepping on a lethal landmine. Watch out! Today's update: a new essay on GIFT which I wrote in The Llatest Note on February 26, 2023: my review on GIFT, Yuduru Hanyu's ice-skating show at Tokyo Dome on February 26, 2023. Sorry, it's only in Japanese. Thank you for your visit.

March 4, 2023

東京都東大和市を流れる野火止用水路が浅い清流となって、蛍の生育地として整備されるあたり、流れの畔にあるカフェ。中央に大きなストーブのある内装は山小屋風で、壁には大小の絵画がかかるギャラリーとなっており、専門のコーヒーはもちろん、英国製のポットで出る紅茶やルイボスティーも味わい深い。店の正面には溢れんばかりの草花の鉢が置かれ、店内の（主に欧州旅行土産と思しい）工芸コレクションと共に目を楽しませてくれる。時折音楽やアートイベントも開かれる。私がこの店に出会ったのは、例によって足の向くまま近隣を歩き回っていたある日、思い切って飛び込んだら年配のご婦人が、まるで自宅を訪れた客をもてなすようにコーヒーを淹れてくれた。何度か訪れるうちコロナ禍が襲い、休業が続いたものの、昨年後半からどうやら通常の営業が再開された。近隣の人たちが集まる場所になっているらしく、客の出入りが絶えない。本日は屋外のテラス席でランチを。流れの向こうには変電所の鉄塔が林立し、その先には電車が走る。静かで穏やかな場所なので、長居ができる。来し方行く末を思いながら、ゆっくりお茶を味わう、春先ならではの贅沢な週末。本日の更新は表紙の写真（野火止用水が流れる雑木林）とこのページの写真（カフェ、テラス席からの眺め）です。ご訪問に感謝いたします。

There is a cafe with a terrace by the stream of Nobidome Yosui Canal in Higashiyamato City, Tokyo. Fireflies are raised in the stream. The interior of the cafe is built like a mountain lodge with a large stove in the center. On the walls, there are pictures large and small to make the place like a gallery. Coffee is very tasty and tea is served in a large pot of bone China. (Most of the cups and saucers, dishes and bowls are made in England.) In front of the cafe variety of flowers and grasses are growing to please visitors, as well as the large miniature collection of European crafts do. Once in a while music and art events are held here. I happened to find this cafe for the first time a few years ago while I was taking a walk freely. When I jumped in, a senior lady served me a wonderful cup of coffee as if I had been a house guest. Then due to COVID19 the shop was closed for a few years. Only recently, it has come to open as before. As the cafe seems to be a place where neighbors come to get together, the business is quite busy. Today I had lunch at the terrace. Beyond the stream steel towers of an electrical substation can be seen and trains are going in the distance. Yet the cafe is quiet enough to relax. Today I enjoyed lunch and tea luxuriously thanks to the warm spring weekend. I was in a pensive mood looking back and forth forgetting time. Today's update: a photo in the index page (Nobidome Yosui Canal through the woods in Higashiyamato City) and the one here in this page (the terrace of the cafe). Thank you very much for your visit.

March 3, 2023

一昨日、右目の白内障の手術を受けた。眼帯が取れると、喧伝されていた通り、光が押し寄せて世界が明るくなった。10日間は洗顔、洗髪、化粧禁止を言い渡されている。開けたままの右目を手術する間中、万華鏡のような模様が絶えず変化するのを見つめ続け、医師の実況解説を耳にしていた。「濁った水晶体を取り除きます。」「レンズを入れます。」「はい、順調ですよ。」と声をかけられると、「痛い！」とは言い出せなかった。「白内障の手術なんて痛くも痒くもない、あっという間に終わる」と豪語していた先輩たちのことばは事実とは違う。「我慢しなくては」とずっと握りこぶしを固めていた。次回左目は月末に。なまじ手術の実情を知った今となっては、恐ろしい。術後に開ける視界の鮮明さを思うと「どんと来い！」という気分になるのは確かだけれど。（が、今までよく見えていなかった鏡の中の自分と対面することの方がよほど怖い。）医療従事者の皆様に心よりの感謝を！

The day before yesterday, I got the cataract surgery on my right eye. After the eye bandage was removed, the world has turned to be brighter, full of pure light. I'm forbidden to wash my face, wash hair, and make up for ten days. With my eye made wide open, I went through the surgery, watching the colorful patterns like kaleidoscope, and listening to the surgeon talking to me. She said, "I'll get rid of your murky crystalline lens." "I'll replace it with a brand-new lens." "Everything is going very well," etc. How could I say, "It hurts!" Those who had experienced it before, used to say arrogantly, "The cataract surgery is not painful at all. It finishes in a moment." That's not true. I had a hard time clenching my fist to resist the uncomfortable pain and terror. Next, the surgery for the left eye waits at the end of this month. Now that I know the reality, I'm horrified. But when I think of the brightness and the clarity of the vision, I'd like to say, "Come on, I'm not afraid at all!" (The horror is in the mirror where I can see clearly the reality of myself.") My heartfelt thanks to the health-care professionals!

February 26, 2023

初めて東京ドームに入った。野球観戦ではなく、一夜限りのアイススケートショーを見るために。ドーム内にリンクが設営され、映像とライティング、フルオーケストラとビッグバンドによる音楽演奏の渦巻く中で、プロスケーター羽生結弦が"GIFT"と銘打つソロ公演を行った。観客数3,5000人。"ICE STORY"なる自らの来し方を語る彼の独白は瑞々しくも拙く、滑舌も良くない。だがこれまでの競技会で披露したプログラムを織り交ぜ、新曲やロック調のナンバーで滑る羽生結弦の圧倒的なスケーティングは批評を封殺するような威力を発揮した。優れたアスリートが競技生活を終えた後、どうやって生きていくかを問う実験劇場にも見えた。修練を重ねて前人未踏の成果を世に問い続け、どんなに称賛と顕彰を重ねても、「僕は一人だ」という彼の呟きが耳に残った。妙技というGIFT（贈り物）を観客に差し出す彼が、天からGIFT（才能）を授かった人間の歓喜と苦悩から逃れられないことを体現していたと思う。本日の更新は表紙ページの写真（東京ドーム前でアイススケートショーの開幕を待つ人たち）とこのページの写真（ドーム内の特設リンク）です。ご訪問ありがとうございます。

I entered Tokyo Dome for the first time, not to see a baseball game, but to enjoy an ice-skating show. An ice-skating rink was settled especially for this occasion. A professional ice skater Yuzuru Hanyu gave a one-night solo performance under the title of "Gift." Its subtitle was "Ice Story 2023," in which Hanyu's monologue described how he grew up by devoting himself to the physical art of ice-skating. His words were unsophisticated and he was not articulate enough, but his outstanding skating was likely to dispel any kind of criticism. The show included prominent numbers he had demonstrated so far and new rocking ones as well. The show was almost like an　experimental theater where an excellent athlete could create his new career after retirement from his life of competitions (Olympic games as the summit.) He has practiced incessantly .to prove his capability, attained praises and medals, but he says, "I'm all alone." Hanyu presents GIFT to the audience, but as an individual who has been given the GIFT, he can never get away from his glory and agony.Today's update: a photo in the index page (people waitng for the show at Tokyo Dome) and the one here (the ice-skating rink inside Tokyo Dome). Thank you for your visit.

February 25, 2023

日常生活の様々な場面で人工知能AI (artificial intelligence)が活躍の場を広げていることが盛んに語られる。ものすごく卑近な例で言うと掃除ロボット（人気機種で言えば「ルンバ」など）が登場して既に久しい。機械の動きを観察していて面白いのは、スムーズに動くところより逡巡している場面だ。音声案内が「Xボットは充電に戻ります」と宣言した後、機械は一直線に充電ポートに戻らない。一気に動きが緩慢になり、右へ左へウロウロしながら、ああでもないこうでもないと迷いつつ、漸く方向を定めて動き始める。途中で障害物に阻まれたりしながら、目指す場所を見つけると近くまで行って、最後の直線コースでスローに慎重に「着岸」する。機械の内部で人工頭脳が忙しく計算を行っているのだろう。人間はどうしてもそれを擬人化して解釈する。そしてあたかも「思案するかのように」ぎこちなく動くところに親近感を覚える。（少なくとも私は。）だが飛躍的に洗練されたAIがいずれ感情を持つようになるのだろうかという議論がまことしやかに行われている。文学作品がこれと無縁でいられるわけがない。どんな作品が生み出されることになるのか興味深い。本日の更新はこのページの写真（掃除ロボットと猫）です。ご訪問ありがとうございます。

People talk a lot about AI as it spreads its activity in various fields. Talking about AI in our daily life, the cleaning robot such as Roomba has been very popular. It's very interesting to see the robot move hesitatingly, not smoothly, when it goes back to the charging port. Right after the voice announces its return to the port the robot can't decide which way to go immediately. It moves here and there as if it can't see which way to go. Then it decides its direction and starts moving slowly, often blocked by some obstacles, and finally finds its port. In the final direct course, the movement looks very deliberate. Evidently inside the machine the artificial intelligence is calculating the route. People tend to observe it in humanistic way: "Look, the machine is thinking and judging which way to go!" (At least I do and have the sense of affinity at its bewilderedness.) Today the discussion over the possibility of AI's having feeling. Literature can't be indifferent to the topic. What kind of works will be possible? Today's update: only this note.

February 21, 2023

都立小平霊園北口を出て新青梅街道を渡ったところに前々からちょっと気になる入口があった。思い切って入ってみると、そこは「黒目川上流域」という遊歩道へのスタート地点だった。小平霊園の中にある（普段は枯れている）「さいかち窪」を源流とし、流れ下って新河岸川に合流する荒川水系の川なのだという。鬱蒼とした樹木に囲まれた水路はうねうねと続き、やがて開けた大きな団地（東久留米西住宅）の敷地を貫く。そこで流れは「しんやま親水広場」になり、再び細い水路に戻る。流石に歩いて戻る自信が無かったので団地を出た交差点付近でバスに乗り、最寄りの私鉄路線の駅に出た。自然の景観としては余りにもささやかなものではあるけれど、多摩地区の雑木林の風情は良く残している。団地内の桜並木は花の盛りに訪ねたらさぞ見事だろう。現在は河津桜が満開だった。滅多に人とすれ違うこともなく、自分が東京の中でも辺鄙なところにいるのを実感する。地図は後から確かめてみるのも面白い。変な趣味だ。本日の更新は表紙の写真とこのページの写真（いずれも黒目川しんやま親水広場付近）です。ご訪問ありがとうございます。

I have known there is an entrance into a lane at the point where I went across Shin Ome Kaido Avenue in front of the North Gate of Tokyo Metropolitan Kodaira Cemetery. I ventured to turn into the entrance and found it was the starting point of a promenade along Kurome River. The water source of the river is a dip named Saikachi Kubo in the cemetery. The tiny stream runs through deep bushes all along to an open space in a large housing complex (Higashikurume Nishi Jyutaku), and forms "Shinyama Waterfront Plaza." Then it goes back to an ordinary stream again. Well, I didn't know how to walk back, and so I caught a bus bound for a railway station. The promenade is not so remarkable as a path in the nature, but it maintains the familiar forest view of Musashino Area. I seldom met people, which reminded me of the fact that I'm living in a very local isolated place for Tokyo Metropolis. It's interesting to check the map after walking. What a weird hobby I have! Today's update: photos in the index page and here (both are the views in Waterfront Plaza of Kurome River). Thank you for your visit.

February 18, 2023

先日92歳で逝去した伯母の家へ弔問に行き久々に従妹達と語り合った。その後私は近隣の「哲学堂公園」を訪ねた。昔から祖父や叔父たちが「テツガクドウ」と言うのを何のことだろうと不思議な思いで聞いていた。漢字を当てはめられるようになってからは、行ってみたいと思いながらその界隈から次第に足が遠のき、ついぞ行く機会がなかった。この日は既に陽が傾き始めていたため、園内をくまなく探索することは出来なかったものの、「時空間」と名付けられた古建築物のある一角をぐるりと歩いてみた。朱塗りの印象的な塔は「六賢台」。中国・インド・日本の哲学者を祀る。白い建物は「絶対城（図書館遺構）」。この庭を歩くことで哲学的思索を実践することができるという。仏教哲学者井上円了(1858-1919)の創設。妙正寺川の畔、公園の全体は新宿区と中野区にまたがる広々とした緑地だった。是非再訪したい。本日の更新は表紙の写真（「六賢台」）とこのページの写真（「絶対城（図書館遺構）」前にある石碑）です。ご訪問、ありがとうございます。

I paid a condolence visit to my late aunt's house (she recently passed away at the age of 92) where I had a chance to meet and talk with my cousins. After the visit, I went to Tetugaku-do Koen (The Temple Garden of Philosophy) nearby. When I was a small child, I used to hear my grandfather and uncles talk about "Tetugaku-do," which was a puzzling term to me. Later I learned to apply Chinese characters to the sound, I wished to visit the place. However, I stopped visiting the area gradually and couldn't venture to go there. Today when I finally made it, the sun was already starting to set and I was not able to explore the park thoroughly. All I could do was just to walk about the inner garden with old architectures named "Space of Time" There are old architectures including an impressive red tower "Rokken-dai" (literally meaning "The Tower of 6 Sages" where 6 philosophers of China, India and Japan are enshrined and a white building which was once a library and was called "Zettai-jyou" (literally meaning "The Castle of Absoluteness." The garden was constructed so that people can devote themselves in philosophical thought by walking about the place. The garden was created by Inoue Enryou (1858-1919), a Buddhist philosopher. The vast greenery park is located by Myoushouji River, at the border of Shinjyuku Ward and Nakano Ward. I would really like to revisit the park. Today's update: a photo in the index page ("The Tower of 6 Sages") and the one here (a stone monument in front of "The Castle of Absoluteness.") Thank you very much for your visit.

February 15, 2023

既に2月も半ばとなり、強風の一日だった。太陽が出るとどうしても歩かずにいられない。ほんの小一時間のつもりが、たいてい大幅に超過する。「逍遥学派」よろしく散策と思索は相性が良い―なんてわけはなく、まさに「下手の考え休むに似たり」（よく皮肉屋の義父に言われたものだ）。足の向くまま気の向くまま歩いていると、どこで切り上げるかが問題になる。「行きはよいよい帰りは怖い」の歌詞の通りだが、思いがけないところへ出たりして発見もある。これからますます徘徊癖に拍車がかかるのだろう。せめて「俳諧」と行きたいものだが。本日の更新は表紙の写真（東京都東村山市の空堀川沿いで見かけた樹木）とこのページの写真（保存された郵便局―東京都小平市「小平ふるさと村」）です。ご訪問ありがとうございます。

It's already the middle of February. It was a windy day. I can't help going out for a walk in a sunny day. I mean to walk for an hour, but usually I go on and on to find myself wandering in unexpected places. Pretending to be like a disciple of Peripatetic school, I say to myself, "Walking is good for thinking." No way! I should say "idle thinking is just wasting time." (This is what my father-in-law used to say ironically.! ) While I am walking as I like, I have to decide when to return. Outward journey is good but homeward journey is tiresome. However, sometimes I luckily happen to come across something interesting. I'm afraid I might fall in poriomania when I grow older. Let me be more poetic! Today's update: a photo in the index page (a tree by the river Karabori-gawa in Higashimurayama City, Tokyo) and the one here (a preserved historical post office in Kodaira City, Tokyo). Thank you for your visit.

February 14, 2023

バレンタインデー。いつの頃からか、チョコレート商戦の日になってしまった。でも、本当は甘くて苦い愛を伝え合う日だったはず。愛の奥深さをチョコレートが帳消しにしませんように。本日の更新は別ページにて、バレンタインメッセージをどうぞ。

It's St. Valentine's Day today. Recently it has become a day for the chocolate business. But fundamentally, it's a day to share love with your special people. I hope chocolate won't blur the real taste of love. Today's update: my Valentine message to you in a different page. Thanks for clicking!

February 12, 2023

4月並みの陽気に誘われ、思い切って薄着で外へ出た。小一時間も歩くと、汗ばんできて、手袋もマフラーも要らない。人間だけではなく様々な犬たちも散歩道を行く。彼らの殆どが衣服を着せられている。飼い主がヨタヨタしていると、大抵犬の方もヨタヨタしている。歩くのが不自由な犬は手押し車に乗せられて進む。すれ違う犬たちの種類は多種多様だ。真っ白なスピッツ、目張りも鮮やかなシベリアンハスキー、オシャレに毛を刈られたプードル、買い物袋を咥えたラブラドールなどなど、いやはや犬の品評会。ベンチの上にミニブルドッグが座り、隣に飼い主が座り、その人は片手で足元に来た野良猫を撫でている。太った猫はその犬と同じくらいの大きさ。犬と猫は互いに無関心。天気の回復と共に人も動物も外をうろつきたがる。遠くへ行く当てがなくともごく狭い範囲をぶらつくだけで、少し気が晴れるのは人も犬も同じ。飼い猫は年がら年中家の中にいて、特段文句も言わない。猫のように暮らしたいという人もいる。自足して生きたいということか？本日の更新は短信のみにて。

It was exceptionally warm for February today. I went out or a walk without a heavy coat. After walking for an hour, I felt so hot that I took off my gloves and scarf. Not only human beings but also dogs were walking along the promenade. Most of the dogs were in their nice coat. Dogs with doddering wo/men were doddering along. Dogs hard to walk were put in a cart to go. Variety of dogs were walking. A snow white spitz, a Siberian husky dog with clear eyeliners, a fashionably trimmed miniature poodle, a Labrador retriever holding a shopping bag in its mouth etc. They were like in a competitive show! I saw a miniature bulldog sitting beside a woman who was petting a big fat stray cat at her feet (as big as the dog). Neither the dog nor the cat paid attention to each other. When the weather is good, both human beings and dogs want to go out for a walk. They satisfy themselves just hanging about in the neighborhood. Cats at home never complain of being kept in a house. Some people say they want to live like cats. Do they mean to live a self-sufficient life? Today's update: this short note only.

February 10, 2023

予報通り関東地方でも雪が降った。（東京北西部）朝方は微かな粉雪だったものが昼過ぎからは牡丹雪に変わり、夕刻には霙、そして雨となった。かなり解け始めてはいるものの、通りはシャーベット状の雪で覆われている。明朝までにどれくらい消えるか、それとも夜中に凍結してしまうのか。おそらく、明日は三寒四温で道路もいずれカラリと乾くのだろう。今なお雪深い土地の方々には合わせる顔がないような俄か雪だった。本日の更新は短信のみにて。雪解け道にご用心！

Just as the weather report had warned, it snowed in Kanto Area today. In the northern west part of Tokyo, a sort of powder snow was falling in the morning, it turned to flat flakes in the afternoon, and in the evening, it went to sleet and finally to rain. The snow is melting but it covers the pavement like sherbet. I wonder how much will melt by tomorrow morning. Or will it be frozen during the night? Hopefully, however, the snow will melt rapidly tomorrow in warmth and the pavement will be dried up again. I feel sorry for those who live under the heavy snow yet. Ours was the sudden brief shower-like snow. Today's update: only this note. Please be careful not to slip on the road with melting snow anyway!

February 9, 2023

明日は関東地方にも降雪の予報が出ている。日中も快晴ながら冷たい風が吹いていた。とは言え立春を過ぎてからの光は益々まぶしい。近所の庭先で梅や桃が咲き競うのを眺めながら歩く。春遠からじを実感する。本日の更新は「新作エッセイ」に散策思索29『動と静の間で―映画鑑賞記』を載せました。前回「更新・短信」で走り書きしたアイルランド映画と、もう一つ最近見たインド映画RRRを並べてあります。映画レビューというには主観的な感想文ですが、ご笑覧いただければ幸いです。それから表紙の写真（近所の枝垂れ白梅）とこのページの写真（同じく近所の紅梅）です。ご訪問、ありがとうございます。

The weather report says it will snow in Kanto Area tomorrow. during the day, it was sunny but the wind was quite chilly. However, the light has been so bright since the beginning of spring in our traditional calendar. I feel the real spring is approaching when I took a walk in my neighborhood watching garden flowers. Today's update: a new essay on movies I saw recently, Irish The Banshees of Inisherin and Indian RRR. Sorry, the essay is only in Japanese. Another update is a photo in the index page (Japanese weeping white plum in blossom) and the one here (red Japanese plum in bloom). Thank you very much for your visit.

February 5, 2023

『イニシェリン島の精霊』という映画を見に行った。アイルランドの西の果て、アラン島を舞台にした人間と動物と「精霊」の物語だ。1920年代のアイルランド内戦の砲弾を遠く本島に聞く、何もない孤島で繰り広げられるささやかな、しかし壮絶な二人の男の諍いと、それを取り巻く人々の確執を描く。余りにもミニマムな、同時に精神と魂を鷲掴みにするような根源的な対立を、どう捉えたらよいのか観客は否応なく「渦中」に巻き込まれる。人に寄り添うロバや馬や犬の存在が、どこかユーモラスで人の世の猛々しさの毒を抜く。背景となる島の景観の恐ろしいまでの美しさはどうだろう。結論があるわけではない。それぞれの観客が持ち帰らなくてはならない幕切れに、どこか爽快な「やられた」感が付きまとう。アラン島へは私も行ったことがある。本島のゴールウェイからフェリーで一時間余り。荒海に乗客は皆船酔いした。航海の途中で海の中にかかる虹をくぐった。よくまあ一人であんなところまで行ったものだ。だからこそ見逃せない映画で、見る価値のある作品だった。本日の更新は、このページの写真（湯島天神の白梅）です。ご訪問、ありがとうございます。

I went out to see a movie, The Banshees of Inisherin. The story develops in Aran Islands in the far west of Ireland. Briefly, it's a story about human beings, animals, and banshees. In 1920s, people of the islands hear gunfire of Irish civil war from the mainland, but are not seriously concerned about the fight. Their life is quiet and monotonous. Meanwhile, two men there got confronted with each other for unclear reasons: it's such a minimal conflict but affects the small society drastically. (We the audience also cannot help getting involved mentally in their war.) Animals such as horses, a donkey and a dog, on the other hand make us relax and detox the entangling human relationship with a sort of humor. The terrible beauty of the background natural scenery is awesome. There is no clear conclusion in the story. Each audience is supposed to bring back the ambiguous ending. It's a sensation of unexpected knock-out. Actually, I've been to Aran Island long time before. It took us more than an hour from Galway in the mainland by a ferry to the island; It was a rough sailing which made almost all the passengers sea-sick. But suddenly I remember we went through under a rainbow over the ocean. How dare I went so far on my own! That's why the movie was special to me and really worth watching. Today's update: a photo in this page (white Japanese plum in blossom at Yushima Tenjin Shrine, Tokyo). Thank you for your visit.

February 3, 2023

今日は節分。本郷へロッカーの片付けに行った帰り、近隣の湯島天神と神田明神に詣でた。天神様では「梅まつり」が始まっていたものの、凍えそうな曇天の下、未だ蕾が殆どで賑わいも今ひとつ。受験生らしい生徒たちが神妙にお参りしていた。神田明神の方は境内に舞台が設けられ、豆まきの真っ最中。私が見た回は、地元の芸者さんと思しき御姉様方が日本髪も艶やかに、にこやかに、手を伸ばす人たちに向かって豆を放り投げる。背後では赤と青のコスチュームを着た鬼たちがおどけていた。賑やかではあるが（これもCOVID-19のせいか）豆まきの規模は小さく、押すな押すなの大盛況というには些か寂しかった。人が群れ集うことを忌避してきたこの年月、イベントが行われるだけでも進歩というべきか。街では海外からの観光客の一団が物珍しそうな表情で一列になって歩いていた。こちらも皆寒そうだった。それから、私は暫く聖橋の上に佇んだ。地上に出てきた地下鉄丸ノ内線が神田川を渡るところを眺めるために。若かった頃と同じように。本日の更新は表紙の写真（聖橋から眺めた神田川）とこのページの写真（神田明神の節分会）です。ご訪問ありがとうございます。

It was the end of winter season today by our traditional calendar. On my way back fromthe campus where I cleared all my belongings from a tiny locker of mine, I walked to nearby shrines. At Yushima Tenjin Shrine, Plum Blossom Festival was going on, but it was too early for the full bloom. There were not so many people in the grounds of the shrine, with groups of junior high school students praying for their successful results of entrance exams. On the other hand, at Kanda Myoujin Shrine, it was bustling with people gathering for bean throwing, a customary event for driving demons away and welcoming fortunes. I watched some geisha ladies, in kimono with their hair beautifully tied up in an old Japanese fashion, throwing beans to those who were pushing their hands up for fortune. Behind the ladies, were tow comedians in red and blue demon costumes playing around. The event was fun but (perhaps due to COVID-19) the gathering of audience was not so large. However, I should say it was good they were able to hold the event at all after repetitive cancels. In town, I saw a group of foreign tourists. They looked curious but feeling cold. Welcome to Japan, anyway! I walked to Hijiri-bashi Bridge and stood there watching the Marunouchi Subway Line appear and go across the River Kanda, as I used to do when I was young. Today's update: A photo in the index page (a view from Hijiri-bashi Bridge over the River Kanda) and the one here (a bean throwing event at Kanda Myoujin Shrine). Thank you very much for your visit.

February, 1, 2023

学期末の仕事に追われていた。試験、採点、成績登録。長年の主な勤め先が今年度で終了となり、僅かな所持品の処分をしなくてはならない。退職後の数年間は、非常勤をした。今度こそ全部撤収である。足掛け37年間、東京都文京区本郷の地に通った。勤務先も女子短期大学から共学の4年制大学に変わり、終戦直後に建てられた校舎は正面のモザイク壁画をそのままに、背の高いビルになった。大学の敷地面積に厳しい規制があった頃は、千葉県流山市のキャンパスに学生も教員も通ったものだ。子育て時期、家族の介護・看病の時期を含めて、寛容な職場だったことに感謝している。今日から二月。厳寒の中にも、時折柔らかな光が差す。契約に基づく仕事は「これでお終い」でも、人生はまだまだ続く（と思いたい）。そして、書きたいことはいくらでもある（はずだ）。本日の更新は表紙の写真（都立外山公園の花壇）とこのページの写真（河津桜）です。ご訪問ありがとうございます。

I was busy with the job at the end of a semester as usual: giving examinations, marking them, and registering students' academic results. This is virtually the very final semester for me at the university where I have worked for over 37 years. I need to clear all my belongings as soon as possible. Since I officially retired from the university, I've been working as a part-time instructor. Hongo, Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo has been the place I really engaged in. The workplace changed from a women's junior college into a coed 4-year university. The old apres-guerre building was rebuilt into a tall smart one, with the legendary mosaic facade. While the regulations of campus area was vey strict, both students and teachers went to another campus in Nagareyama City, Chiba Prefecture to demonstrate we were utilizing both of the campuses. During the periods when I was hectic with child-care and family care of all kinds, the institute was quite generous and understanding, thanks! Well, it's already February. Even in the severe coldness, we are gifted with occasional soft and bright light. Although the contract of my job is over, my life will, hopefully, go on and I believe I have a lot more to write! Today's update: a photo in the index page (pansy in Toyama Park) and the one here (Kawazu cherry blossoms). Thank you for your visit!

January 27, 2023

私は朦朧としながらその人の話を聴いていた。「コロナはそんなに凶悪な感染症ではありません。」「致死率から言ったら、肺炎の方がずっと高いです。」「後遺症のことがまことしやかに語られていますが、どんな病でも完全に回復するまでには時間がかかります、風邪でもインフルエンザでも、同じことでしょう。」「いつまでもマスクをしているのは日本ばかりです。もう二年くらい前から、マスクを外して暮らしている国の方がずっと多い。ワールドカップの後のアルゼンチンの大群衆を見たでしょう？誰もマスクなんかしていませんでしたよね。」「満員電車で空気感染する人もいるでしょうが、電車を降りた後酒を飲んだとしたら、酒場ばかりが糾弾される。」「あんなアクリル板に感染防止効果のあるわけがない。」「換気のためだとして今も電車の窓が少し開けられている。隙間から吹き込む風、寒くないですか？私はできるだけ閉めます。」終わらない話だった。おっしゃる通りのような気もするが、抗弁も反論も出来ない自分がふがいなかった。「コロナを長引かせたい人々がいるはずです」との一言には慄然とした。逐一論拠は？と質すわけにもゆかず。しかし逆さまの話を聴いてもやはり、私は何も言えないかもしれない。身近で見聞きした事例を上げるのがせいぜいだろう。私には大局的な見地から展開できる「持論」が何もないことに気付く。直接的な議論に身をさらさずに今日まで来たことの証かもしれない。そのことが一番まずい。本日リハビリ中の一場面でした。

I was listening in the foggy brain to the man talking. He said, "Talking of fatality, COVID-19 is not an infectious disease so evil as it is considered to be. Pneumonia is much worse." " People are inclined to emphasize the seriousness of aftereffects, but it takes time to recover perfectly no matter what kind of disease you suffered, such as normal cold or flu." "Japan is the only country where it is obligatory to wear masks. In most of other countries people have been living without masks for more than two years. Remember the big crowd of people right after World Cup in Argentina. How many were wearing masks there? None!" "You may perhaps get virus in a crowded train, but if you go to a pub after you get out of the train, pub is accused as the cause of COVID-19." "How can such a plastic partition prevent the infection?" "Just for ventilation, windows are not shut perfectly in a train. Isn't it cold in the train now? I dare close them as much as I can." His talk continued endlessly. I felt very often he was right but I was irritated by myself not being able to refute nor say anything back to him. When he said, "There should be a party who don't want to stop COVID-19," I was appalled. I should have said, "What is your evidence?" To my shame, I might behave similarly if I listen to the other side of the discussion. All I could do might be just to give some cases I know firsthand. I’ve found myself armless to any kind of discussion. I guess the main cause of it is that I have not exposed myself to any direct discussion over the matter so far. That's the biggest issue in me.　This was a scene when I was getting rehabilitation from a PT.

January 25, 2023

僅かばかりの空き時間に、箱根山に登った。もちろん神奈川県と静岡県にまたがる本物の箱根山ではなく、東京都新宿区にある標高44.6メートルの、江戸時代に造られた築山である。高田馬場界隈に通うようになって数年が経ち、いずれはあたりを散策してみたいと思っていた。地下鉄東西線の早稲田駅を出ると、先ず目の前に「穴八幡宮」。本殿までは急な階段を上る。「一陽来復」のお札を受けに来た人たちの長蛇の列に驚いた。お宮のある交差点を南に行くと、都立外山公園「箱根山地区」にぶつかる。鬱蒼とした雑木林があり、山道が続く。山頂まで上り詰めると息が切れた。冬枯れの木立の彼方に副都心のビル群が遠望できる！新宿区にも多彩な場所があるものだ。尾張徳川家の江戸下屋敷跡地とのこと。歴史のダイナミズムを体感した。相変わらず街歩きは面白い。本日の更新は、表紙の写真（穴八幡宮鳥居）とこのページの写真（箱根山登り口）です。寒波襲来の折、皆様ご自愛ください。

In my spare time, I climbed Mt. Hakone; not the one in Kanagawa and Shizuoka Prefecture, but the one in Shinjyuku Ward, Tokyo. It was artificially built in Edo Period. Since I started commuting to Takadanobaba, I've been willing to take a walk in this area. Today I and got out of Subway Tozai Line at Waseda Station. There I found a brilliant crimson gate of Ana-Hachiman Shrine. I climbed the steep stairs to the main building to offer prayers. Amazingly so many people were making lines to get the sacred paper charm. I turned the corner beside the shrine to south and walked to the foot of Mt. Hakone in Toyama Park. In the bush I found the path to the top of the mountain (in fact a small hilltop). It was breathtaking to walk to the summit, where beyond the bare branches of the trees, I could have a look at the skyscrapers of the subcenter of Tokyo. Wow, I was impressed to find such a landscape of Tokyo! The mountain was the remnant of the huge estate of Owari Tokugawa Family. The place made me feel a dynamic history of Edo Period. It's still very interesting to take a walk in Tokyo. Today's updte: a photo in the index page (the entrance gate to Ana-Hachimangu Shrine) and the photo in this page (a path to the summit of Mt. Hakone, in Shinjyuku Ward, Tokyo.) Thanks for your isit. It's extremely cold. Please take care of yourself!

January 22, 2023

年が明けると厳寒の中にも、待ちかねた花が開き始める。紅梅、河津桜、そしてロウバイ。近隣の公園へ行ってみたら、たくさん咲いていた。どこでも見かける花とはいえ、今年最初の花盛りに出会うのは嬉しい。赤や桃色とはまた別の色香が漂う。百花繚乱の季節はまだまだ先のこと。荒野の中に灯が点ったように咲く花は、希望の化身か。特に目覚ましいことは何もないけれど、少しはいいこともある。小さな「いいこと」を大切に守っていたら、幸いに満たされるかもしれない。花は、寒さで縮こまっている心身への自然の恵み。ロウバイの芳香を深呼吸しよう。本日の更新は表紙の写真（枯野となった東村山中央公園）とこのページの写真（ロウバイ）、それから短信です。ご訪問ありがとうございます。

In the new year, in the very middle of winter, flowers start blooming. The rose plum, Kawazu cherry trees, and wintersweet! I walked to a nearby park to find flowers of wintersweet. There they are! They are common trees we find here and there, but what a joy it is to find the full bloom in such a cold season. The yellow flowers demonstrate special color and fragrance. The flowering season is still far away. Wintersweet looks lights lit in the bleak field. like an image of hope. Although there is nothing particularly amazing in my daily life, something good happens day by day. If I cherish "something good", maybe I'll be filled with real happiness.　Flowers are the gift of nature which warm my soul and body in the bottom of coldness and darkness. Oh, let mee breathe the fragrance of wintersweet deeply. Today's update: a photo in the index page and the one here in this page, plus this note. Thanks for your visit.

January 17, 2023

これまでに読んできた旅行記（小説）のうち、日本人作家の中で特に印象深いのは沢木耕太郎の『深夜特急』だ。26歳だった青年が香港から東南アジアの国々を経てインドに至り、そこで生死観を根底から覆すような衝撃を受け、周辺諸国・中東経由でにヨーロッパに向かう。読者も彼と旅路を共にする。舞台となった70年代に、そのような長い旅をした若者はどのくらいいたのだろう。私も1979年の一人旅の途上、バックパッカーたちと出会った記憶は今も鮮明だ。私の場合は予め帰る日程もしっかり組んだ旅だったが、一人旅の孤独と緊張と高揚はその後の自分に大きな影響を及ぼしたと思う。1947年生まれの沢木の旅への情熱（作家自身はそれを「病」と呼んでいる）は衰えることを知らない。最新作『天路の旅人』を手に入れた。戦時中の「諜報員」の破天荒な旅を題材とするルポ（？）だが、読み応えがありそうだ。読書という旅への期待が高まる。

Among the travel books that I have ever read, Sawaki Koutarou's Midnight Express might be the most impressive one to me so far. A man of 26 years old went on a travel starting from Hong Kong, through south eastern countries into India, where he experienced fundamental changes in his view of life and death; then he continued his travel through Middle East bound for Europe. Readers inevitably share his travel while reading throughout the books. I wonder how many young people traveled the world like he did in 1970s? I remember meeting many backpackers while I was traveling alone in England and Ireland in 1979. In my case, I had decided my schedule back home but still I felt extreme loneliness, nervousness and excitement of traveling on my own. I think the travel affected my life greatly. Sawaki's passion for traveling has never ceased, which he calls "an illness." I've got his latest work on an intelligence person: a story following the man's extreme journey during World War II and days after that for 8 years. The volume looks worth reading. I expect an exciting journey in the book.

January 15, 2023

母方の叔母（母の長兄の妻）の訃報が届いた。コロナ禍では家族葬が定番になっているため、親戚も事後報告となる。伯母はずっと自宅で娘一家と暮らしていた。亡くなる3日前から食べなくなり最後は搬送先の病院で苦しむこともなく逝ったという。生まれた時から可愛がってくれた伯母なので寂しく悲しい。随分頑張っていた昭和一けた世代も、こうして消えてゆく。本日も更新は短信のみにて。ご訪問に感謝します。

One of my aunts (spouse of my mother's elder brother) passed away. Due to COVID-19, only her closest family attended the funeral. Other relatives were informed of the news when the funeral was over. The aunt was living with her eldest daughter's family. She stopped eating three days before her death. She was brought to a nearby hospital and deceased peacefully. As she was very kind and good to me since I was born, I’m really sad and lonely. It's quite depressing to see off the generation of 1930's. Today's update: the latest note only. Thanks for your visit.

January 14, 2023

止まったままの時計があった。近所の時計屋は店仕舞いしてしまい修理に出す当てもなく私は部屋の片隅におきっ放しにしていた。それが年初から突然動き始め、今では何事もなかったかのように時を刻んでいる。「止まっていた時が動き出す」という比喩のようで可笑しい。捨てなくてよかった。物を溜め込み、優柔不断な私は「ほらね、こんなこともあるんだから」と自己弁護のように独り言ちている。本日も更新は短信のみにて。ご訪問に感謝します。

There was a (seemingly) dead clock. As the only clock shop in my town had been closed, I had no way to mend it. It was left in a corner of my room quietly. At the beginning of this year, however, it suddenly started working as if nothing had been wrong with it. Just like a metaphor, time has resumed in my cosmos. Being indecisive, I tend to store useless things aimlessly but now I say to myself, "See? It sometimes works!" Today's update: the latest note only. Thanks for your visit.

January 12, 2023

一昨日カセットテープのことを書いた。偶然遠縁の人が秘蔵のレコードを往年のプレイヤーで毎日聴いていることを知った。団塊の世代は（若い頃）なけなしの金をはたいてでも欲しいものを手に入れたようだと改めて知る。コレクションしたはいいが、聴く暇がなくて押し入れに突っ込んでおいたのを漸く時間ができた現在、引っ張り出して聴きまくっているそうだ。「案外保存が良くて、デジタル音源とは違う味わいがある」などと蘊蓄を傾ける。そういうスノッブなところも団塊世代の特徴か。一足先に彼岸に行ってしまった団塊世代をとっ捕まえて語り合えたらと、私は甲斐ない願いを抱くこともある。

The day before yesterday, I wrote about a cassette tape. I happened to know that one of my relatives enjoys listening to analogue records with his old-fashioned player day after day. He belongs to the baby boomer generation. Many of his generation seem to have paid from their light purse to get what they really wanted. My relative person managed to buy precious records but didn't have time to listen to them while he was young. Only recently he pulled out his secret collection from the closet and started listening to them in his slow life. "Records give me sounds quite different from digital resource" says he. I feel some of the baby boomers tend to be quite snobbish to lecture on their interests to others with relish. I long to talk to one of the baby boomers who has already gone to the other world and ask him his opinion. I know well it is an impossible wish for ever.

January 10, 2023

今時カセットテープを使う人がいるだろうか。フロッピーディスクが消えて久しく、ミニディスクもどこかへ行った。CDで音楽を聴く人も激減している。最近は共用のPCにUSBメモリースティックを使ってファイルを開くことも（場所によっては）禁じられている。急速なディバイスの変化に追いつけなかったら社会生活からシャットアウトされかねない。先日市役所にマイナンバーカードと保険証を合体させに行ったら、「指導員」が手取り足取り登録方法を教えてくれた。自分で個人情報を入力する段になって初めてキーを打ったら、「あらっ、パソコン御存じだったんですね？」と言われた。キー入力も出来ない人だと思われていたらしい。さもありなん。私は今時「ラジカセ」を買う人間だ。テープにしか音源の無い資料を使うために、どうしても必要になった。あらビックリ！レトロもアナログも何でもありのネットショップ。最近レコードマニアも多いようだし、歴史は繰り返すのでしょう。本日の更新は表紙の写真（東村山市野火止用水縁の水仙の一群れ）とこのページの写真（野原の一本の木）です。晴れている日の昼間は底抜けに明るい関東地方。ご訪問に感謝します。

Are there still those who use cassette tape today? Floppy disks have gone years before. We seldom see MD (mini-disks) nowadays. Less and less people buy CDs for listening to music reportedly. Recently we are prohibited to use USB memory sticks with a PC connected to the internet for fear of the infection of virus. If we cannot catch up with the latest digital devices, we are likely to be shut out of the current social activities so easily. A few months ago, I went to the city hall to unite my personal number card with the health insurance card, an instructor at the office kindly helped me go through the procedure. Only when I started typing my personal data, she was astonished to say, "Well, you know how to use a computer, aren't you?" She seemed to regard me as someone who knew nothing about a computer. She's reasonable. I am a person who buys a cassette tape recorder today. There was no way to use one for listening to the sound source only available in the style of a cassette tape. I was impressed to find the recorder at a shopping site! They sell almost anything including analogue and retrospective appliances! Yes, there are people who love the old-fashioned records so much! History repeats itself indeed. Today's update: a photo in the index page (narcissus on the bank of Nobidome-Yousui canal in Higashimurayama City, Tokyo) and the one here in this page (a tree in a field). On a sunny day, the world is very bright in Kanto Area. Thanks for your visit!

January 08, 2023

私が義母を介護していた頃、週一回PT (physical therapist―理学療法士) が我が家を訪問し、リハビリをしてくれた。義母は立ったり座ったり、四肢を動かしたり、（可能だった頃は）近隣を歩いたり、淡々と単純な動作を繰り返していた。運動能力を高めるためというより、持っている運動機能の低下を押さえるために。数年間のうちにできることが徐々に減っていき、やがてPTとのコミュニケーションも覚束なくなった。そして特別養護老人ホームから順番待ちの呼び出しが来たわけだけれど、義母は何故施設に行かなくてはならないか、理解できなかった。施設に移って約3ヶ月後に義母は亡くなった。もし存命なら現在丁度100歳だった。6年前のこと。義母と私は30歳違い。先日初めて私は整形外科でリハビリを経験した。疲労蓄積で固まっていた（らしい）身体の要所をほぐしてもらうのは快感だった。そうか、こんな風にして人は加齢による不調と向き合うのかと妙に納得。「平気、平気！」と我が身を顧みず負荷をかけ続けてきた結果なのかと大いに反省も。しきりに義母のことを思い出す。

When I was taking care of my mother-in-law, a physical therapist visited our home to give her a rehabilitation exercise once a week. She walked with him in the neighborhood while she could, stood up and sat down repeatedly, and moved her limbs diligently under his instruction. It was not to promote her physical abilities but to keep what she was able to do as much as possible. Gradually she could do less and less; then one day a special nursing home decided to accept her, when she could hardly communicate with the physical therapist. My mother-in-law did not understand why she had to leave her own home and enter the institute. About three months later, she passed away. It was six years ago. If she were still alive, she would have been 100 now. She was exactly 30 years elder than I was. BTW, I experienced my first rehabilitation of orthopedic surgery last week. I got a pleasant sensation when hardened points of my body were relaxed by the hands of the therapist. I somehow understood how people face the discomforts caused by aging. Clearly, the discomforts come from my own negligence of my own body. All this reminds me of my late mother-in-law.

January 06, 2023

あっという間に三が日が明け、松の内も明け、おそらく一月も文字通り行ってしまうのだろう。本日から授業再開。残り少ない秋学期の締めの季節だ。ここから最終試験が始まり（社会全般を見渡せば入学試験間近）、ある意味ではストレスフルな時期となる。もっともそれは学窓に於いてのこと。キャンパスを離れてしまえば関係ない。ギリギリ引っかかっている私は、やはりそのスケジュールに翻弄されている。だんだんこういう季節労働から遠ざかて行くのであろうが。（入試にタッチしなくなっただけでも数年前までとは大違い。）ヒマになったかと思いきや、年始早々身体のあちこちが黄色信号を点し、病院通いも始まった。もう立派な高齢者。えへん！本日の更新は【更新・短信】のみにて。ご訪問に感謝します。

The first three days of the new year have passed swiftly, and so have the seven days (which we call the days of pine trees, meaning the sacred period of time at the beginning of a new year has come to an end). I started to teach in classes today. The remaining time of the autumn semester is very short. Generally speaking, entrance examinations of all levels of educational institutes will start very soon. In other words, it's a very stressful season as long as you are related to schools of some kinds here in Japan. If you are out of campus, the stress has nothing to do with you. I still have a little bit of myself related to it. Probably I will be soon away form that kind of seasonal labors. Now that I am no longer a part of the crew in charge of entrance exams, I am far more liberated than before. However, I need to spend time for going to various hospitals. I am matured enough to be called a senior citizen. Aha! Today's update: the latest notes only. Thanks for your visit.

新しい年！色々な変化の予感がする。古希を迎えた私は未知の領域に踏み込んだようだ。嘗ては抽象概念だった「加齢」が手応えある実感となり、一つ一つの選択を疎かにできない場面が増えてゆく。恐れを押さえて微笑みつつ、そろりそろりと踏み出すことになるのだろう。スリルがある！本日の更新は当【更新・短信】ページ刷新、表紙の写真（山口湖畔）、このページの写真（多摩川水源地の山々―鷹ノ巣山1737m, 雲取山2017m）です。今年もどうぞよろしくお願いいたします。

A new year has started! I expect a lot of changes in my life. Now that I'm 70 years-old, evidently, I have stepped in a new field. Once "aging" was an abstract concept, but it is reality to me; I have to choose every step carefully. Hiding my fear and smiling, I will find my way deliberately. It's thrilling indeed. Today's update: a renewal of "The Latest Notes" page, a photo of the index page (Lake Yamaguchi, Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture), and a photo in this page (some peaks observed beyond Lake Tama-Mt. Takanosu 1737m and Mt. Kumotori 2017m). Thank you for visiting this website. Looking forward to meeting you here again and again this year.