In July, the sun rises before 5:30 in Miyazaki, and my day starts early. By 7 o’clock, Momo (my 5-year-old Papillon) and Yuki (my 2-year-old Japanese Spitz) have had their morning stroll by a … read more

December is the time for traditions, celebrations, and expressing gratitude. It is also time for reflections, hopes, and positive thoughts.We have had a busy year, thanks to every single one of you. A … read more

Autumn has just arrived in Japan, and the mystical, other-worldly looking higanbana (red spider lily, Lycoris radiata) is in bloom. It's time for the Japanese to return to their family homes fo … read more

April 7 marks the 102nd birthday of Satsue Mito (April 21, 1914 – April 7, 2012). I had the good fortune of meeting Mito-sensei, as everybody lovingly called her, in 2007. She was a tender wo … read more

It felt not that long ago when we had the honor of celebrating the 94th birthday of Fumi-san, the grandmother of our Ms. Yuri. A year has gone by so fast. Fumi-san just turned 95. She still lives b … read more