December 2025
Tora-san's Town and the Town of Movies
"Tora-san" is more than just a movie. To put it dramatically, he has become part of my flesh and blood. So when I heard that Kiyoshi Atsumi, the actor who played Tora-san, had passed away, it was more than just waking from a long dream. I also experienced a physical pain, a stinging sensation as if my chest had been gouged out.
Visiting the Former Residence of Yoshiya Nobuko: A Sukiya-Style Building in Kamakura
I visited the former residence of Yoshiya Nobuko (Yoshiya Nobuko Memorial House) in Kamakura. It is open to the public in the spring and fall. Of all the rooms, I particularly enjoyed viewing the study that faces the north garden. There, a desk and a chair are placed. I naturally recall her famous verse, "秋灯机の上の幾山河," and think of her life devoted to literature. I am encouraged.
Visiting the Western-style House in Kamakura: The Former Residence of Kachonomiya
I visited the special autumn opening of The Former Residence of Kachonomiya, a Western-style house located in Kamakura. It's a magnificent estate. Being in such a place makes me truly happy. The estate is tucked away deep in the lush green Takumagayatsu Valley.