60: Observing Myself

 I recently bought a set of Japanese colored pencils at Seria, a 100-yen shop. The pencils are small and adorable, and the colors are rich and vivid — I fell in love with them right away. Now I’ve started using them in my journal to create what I call my mind weather map. Each color represents a different mood or level of satisfaction for the day. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to reflect on how I felt. ① Kincha (Golden Brown): Warmth, abundance, nostalgia. Suggests human connection and comforting memories. ② Anzu-iro (Apricot): Youthfulness of spring, vitality, lightness. A color of energy and hope. ③ Beni-iro (Crimson): Strength, passion, symbol of life. Suited for important matters and emotionally stirring events. ④ Botan-iro (Peony Pink): Glamour, femininity, elegance. Perfect for things you love and take delight in. ⑤ Ayame-iro (Iris Purple): Intelligence, dignity, quiet strength. Reflects learning and respectful admiration. ⑥ Ruri-iro (Lapis Lazuli): Truth, deep wisdom, ser...

 Dear readers, I hope this message finds you well.  Today, I would like to share something personal—about elderly care and financial hardship in Japan, especially among people in difficult life situations. Before I begin, let me say this: what you’re about to read is a long story about Japan’s pension system.  It may sound boring, and it might not be useful at all to someone without Japanese citizenship.  So if you want to skip it, I won’t blame you.  But if you’re curious about what daily life is like for some people in Japan, especially those facing financial and emotional struggles, please read on. In Japan, the amount of pension people receive varies greatly depending on their work history.  For example: Self-employed people, like small business owners, receive only the National Pension.  The average amount is about ¥130,000–¥140,000 for two months (about $840–$900 USD). Company workers receive the National Pension plus Employees’ Pension (Kōsei Ne...

Yesterday, I made a summer vegetable curry, filled with potatoes, carrots, zucchini, eggplant, and onions.  I took my time sautéing everything gently, letting the flavors melt together.  The texture turned out soft and kind on the teeth, and every bite had a comforting depth to it.  It was rich, colorful, and nourishing—just the kind of food that makes you feel grounded. On my way home from the market, I picked up a few things: honey, lemon, and fresh ginger.  I usually drink my coffee black, but this morning I tried something different.  I added just one teaspoon of honey into the pot while brewing, and that small touch turned my ordinary cup into something a little luxurious.  It felt like giving myself a small reward for simply showing up and trying my best today. I also made a jar of homemade ginger-lemon syrup. I love the spicy clarity of ginger—it wakes me up and clears my thoughts.  I added lemon for brightness, and just a pinch of salt, thinkin...

 In early May, we usually see colorful koinobori (carp streamers) flying in the wind to celebrate Children’s Day in Japan. But this year, I didn’t see a single one. I feel that some old traditions are slowly disappearing. It makes me a little sad, though I understand that times are changing. This spring, I’ve started growing flowers like petunias and calibrachoas, and vegetables such as cherry tomatoes and bitter melon (goya). For the first time, I’m also growing basil, a lovely herb with a fresh scent. I’m also taking care of 40 strawberry plants! Watering them every morning takes time and effort, but the reward is sweet. I can harvest around ten ripe strawberries every day. It brings me quiet joy. I pick the strawberries when they turn bright red. But I recently bought a new variety called “Angel Eight,” which produces white strawberries. I’m still learning the best time to harvest them—maybe when they become slightly glossy or soft? It’s an exciting little mystery. The weather h...