In a quaint little church in San Diego, there hung an old bell that had been cherished by the townspeople for generations. This bell was more than just a bell; it was a symbol of peace and comfort. Every morning, its resonant tones would spread through the town, soothing the hearts of all who heard it. But one day, in the year 2009, the bell suddenly fell silent. No matter …
The Path of Memories Guided by Shadows
As dusk settled over Zushi Marina, I found myself walking alone along the palm tree-lined path. The sun was setting, and the sky slowly shifted from a pale lavender to a deep indigo. Though the scenery was familiar, today it felt different, as if a quiet unease had begun to spread within me, whispering in ways I could not articulate. This path, which I had walked countless times, now seemed …
Twilight Embrace at the Port
Under a twilight sky where orange and purple melted into each other, the Asuka II quietly returned to Yokohama Port. After 100 days of voyaging around the world, the passengers, each with a story etched in their hearts, descended the gangway. She, too, with a large bag in hand, slowly stepped onto the ground, each step deliberate and heavy with memories. As a journalist, she had accompanied this grand voyage, …
A Silent Stadium, A Blossoming Hope
In the heart of Yokohama, where the quiet strength of the city meets the gentle blossoming of nature, lies Yokohama Park. Once the site of Heiwa Stadium, this sacred ground of Japanese baseball hosted legends like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in 1934. Now transformed into Yokohama Stadium, it stood in the summer heat of the 2020 (2021) Tokyo Olympics, witnessing the games in solitude, a world closed off by …
This ship, the Hikawa Maru, is a symbol of Yokohama.
The Hikawa Maru, a symbol of Yokohama Harbor, stands quietly, watching over the passage of time with silent grace. Once, this ship sailed across the vast Pacific Ocean to Seattle, its steel hull brimming with tales of adventure. Now, it rests, anchoring those stories deep within its iron embrace. There was a time when this ship was more than just a vessel—it was a carrier of hope, despair, and everything …
Intersection of the Ancient and the Modern
In September 2020, the Great Buddha of Hase stood quietly in the autumn silence. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were hardly any visitors, and the tranquility enveloped the entire temple grounds. Under the overcast sky, the ancient bronze of the Buddha was softly illuminated, as if silently observing the passage of time. Amidst this stillness, two young women, clad in vibrant kimonos, appeared in the temple …
Turning Away from the Sunset
A chilly autumn breeze brought a gentle twilight to Katase Beach. People paused on the sand, captivated by the towering presence of Mount Fuji in the distance, silhouetted against a sky painted in hues of yellow by the setting sun. Yet, as if turning his back on this beautiful scene, a small boy played alone at the water’s edge. For him, the grandeur of the sunset held no meaning; his …
A City Fading into the Fog
On a summer night, Zō-no-hana Park stood in tranquil silence, the city’s hustle and bustle fading into the distance. As I sat on a bench, closing my eyes to the gentle night breeze, a faint chill brushed against my skin, soothing and calm. When I opened my eyes, I noticed the canal before me slowly being enveloped in a soft mist. Like a white veil, the fog quietly, yet steadily, …
Little dinosaurs spread their wings wide
On the anchor chain of the Hikawa Maru moored at Yamashita Park, cormorants and seagulls rest their wings.From time to time, the cormorant remembers its existence.Yes, I am the descendant of dinosaurs.Spreading its wings wide, it strikes a pose as a dinosaur.It appeals to the people walking through Yamashita Park as a proud descendant of dinosaurs. Map Yamashita park 山下公園に係留している氷川丸のアンカーチェーンには鵜やカモメが羽を休めている鵜は時々自分の存在を思い出すそうだ僕は恐竜の末裔だ大きく羽を広げ恐竜としてのポーズをとる山下公園を歩く人たちへ向けて恐竜の末裔としてのアピールをする
Motorcycles always suit the harbor perfectly.
Motorcycles always suit the harbor perfectly.I remember the nights I used to slip into the container docks, sitting next to my motorcycle, puffing on a cigarette.On this day, a young girl was taking photos of her motorcycle in the park overlooking the ships.She carefully adjusted the angles, ensuring the motorcycle looked perfect against the backdrop of the cruise ship.I wonder, did she capture a beautiful shot?Did she take a cool …
The harbor is home to many giraffes.
The harbor is home to many giraffes.On this day, these giraffes gathered in a herd, gazing into the distance as if searching for their far-off companions.And there they were, also admiring the distant Mount Fuji reflected in the setting sun.I wonder, do giraffes live in your town or in your country too?. Map Honmoku pier 港にはたくさんのキリンが生息している。この日、そのキリンたちは群れを作り、遠くの仲間たちを探すかのように遠くを見ていた。そしてまた、夕日が映し出す遠くの富士山を眺めていた。あなたの街や、あなたの国にもキリンたちはいるかな。
The old tale vanished into the past on the wind from the sea.
On a midsummer morning at Yamashita Park, the sun was relentless, scorching the ground beneath, as the temperature soared past 32 degrees Celsius. Amidst the vast expanse of grass, vibrant yellow sunflowers swayed gently in the breeze. Beside them, on a bench without shade, two elderly women, perhaps in their seventies, sat side by side, each holding a pale-colored parasol to shield themselves from the heat. Under the gentle protection …
On a chilly November evening at Katase Beach in Fujisawa City
On a chilly November evening at Katase Beach in Fujisawa City, they sat close together, watching the sunset. It had been three months since they started dating, and while they were still getting to know each other, their hearts were slowly becoming intertwined. She was a young woman from America, and he was a local university student. Overcoming language barriers and understanding cultural differences, they had gradually drawn closer. This …
Fuji can be seen through the gaps between buildings.
Fuji can be seen through the gaps between buildings.Fuji used to be visible in the past, but many buildings have been constructed, and nowadays only a small portion of the mountain can be seen through the gaps.
I have not been feeling well for about a year now, so I am taking it easy.
I have not been feeling well for about a year now, so I am taking it easy.According to the weather forecast, it was supposed to be sunny today, but it was raining after noon.
Summer is here!The long awaited summer.The sun shining.
Summer is here!The long awaited summer.The sun shining. I like daytime better than nighttime.I love the long summer days.
When I was younger I was in this area about 360 days out of the year,
When I was younger I was in this area about 360 days out of the year, but these days I don’t get to go very often.I miss it very much.
The best coffee for me to drink over the past 30 years.
More than 30 years ago, I was involved in the design of the Café Iguaçu factory in the small town of Cornélio Procópio, Paraná, Brazil. I had planned to go to Brazil for a long period on that business trip, but shortly before I was due to leave, I was in a car accident in Japan. I ended up being hospitalized for over a year and became wheelchair-bound, so I …
The Sarubia Maru arrives at the Osanbashi Pier at twilight.
The Sarubia Maru arrives at the Osanbashi Pier at twilight.
Okonomiyaki. Very tasty!
Okonomiyaki. Very tasty!