Makkari Shrine 2026 !

by Kazu

At the beginning of the green season of tourism in Hokkaido, the mountains were still crowned with white snow and drape. The trekkers should be equipped amply with the necessary gears and clothes. As my norm said,"Cotton kills." 

The avalanches on the surface of the Mt. Yotei's hillside swallowed some lives in winter. Back-country skiing is popular, in particular, for the skiers from overseas. Though they need the skilled local guides, they want to explore by themselves.    

We worshiped Makkari Shrine for the first time. One Shinto priest and a staff were working in the building. They were not living in the sacred building and commute from their own houses to take care of the alter and premises. 

 

Cherry Blossoms Blooming !

by Kazu

Have you ever heard of "Kishimen" noodle soup rooted in the central part of Japan such as Nagoya City and adjacent prefecture of Japan? In the famous and popular bar-hopping area of Sapporo called "Susukino", there is a hole-in-the-wall "Kishimen" Bar.

On our way to the hot spring spa "Toukakyou" in Jasmac Plaza Hotel of Susukino district, we dropped by the noodle soup bar on that day. Beautiful cherry blossoms were blooming around Sapporo Central Whole Sale Market and Sapporo Central Horse Race Stadium.

A variety of colors created by cherry blossoms blooming without green leaves gave special pure impression to the scenery and our lives. We may have to thank enough God and our ancestors for getting over the cold winter.

 

The Ray of Hope !

by Kazu

The bright sunshine of the rising sun colored the eastern sky orange. The white and gray clouds diffused the sunlight and added some twists to the original color. The air was still cold but so comfortable to inhale.  

As the rising sun was going up higher, the traffic beside the premises of Hokkaido University got busier and the silence early in the morning was broken.

The city was also getting up and hitting the stride to the peak of the day. Early birds get more and privilege to see such beautiful and magnificent collaboration of the nature. 
 

Clouds like Seaguls at the crack of dawn !

by Kazu

I thought large seagulls were flying high in early in the morning. Actually, some seagulls were flying even in the sky over Sapporo City. But the white lines in the sky were the clouds like seagulls flying to the rising sun.

I had seen migratory birds flying to the north or the south in spring and autumn. The scenery reminds me of the birds that might bring about infectious disease such as flu.  

I had killed many chickens infected with flu in the farms four times or five before. The massacre should be done immediately to avoid the pandemic of bird flu that might infectious to the human beings.   

 

The Rising Sun on the Vernal Equinox Day in 2026 !

by Kazu

On the Vernal Equinox Day,the red sun was rising in the direction of right east. On the Autumnal Equinox Day, the same scenery can be seen from the northern end of the premises of Hokkaido University.

Other joggers were also enjoying the scenery, I think. It is one of the most energizing and inspiring privileges for early birds. It may be a little bit too difficult to share the scenery with my wife early in the morning but some day, I would like to show her such treasure of Hokkaido.

The rows of poplar trees showed us the silhouette against the backdrop of rising sun. The experimental agricultural field of Hokkaido University was covered with frost. I am so looking forward to the season of the sun. 

 

The Start of the Baseball Season in 2026!

by Kazu

"Escon Field" Ball Park seemed to be alluring the citizens of Kita Hiroshima City, Sapporo and other adjacent area as well as the tourists from other regions of Japan and on this globe. 

It can be said that Escon Field became one of the biggest draws in Hokkaido. To be honest, I've never seen such well-organized and exciting ball park in North America. In particular, the food court and vendors are so special and impressive. Have you ever visited the ball park before? I strongly recommend to visit there.    
 

At the crack of dawn !

by Kazu

The pale gray clouds made the rising sun on the horizon bright orange and more impressive. It energized us so much during my jogging on that day. It would be fine and warmer than the day before.  

No herd of sheep cold be seen in the experimental agricultural field of Hokkaido University early in that morning. I'd never seen them eating grass there yet this year.

Two lines of poplar trees had not have green leaves on their branched but the buds of leaves must be swelling even in the cold wind. They were growing when I was studying law in the university decades ago. It has been thirty eight years ago. Time flies.