Children's Day

Children's Day in Japan, known as "Kodomo no Hi" (こどもの日), is celebrated annually on May 5th. It's a national holiday that honors children's personalities and celebrates their happiness. Originally, this day was called Tango no Sekku (端午の節句), or Boys' Day, but it was renamed to Children's Day after World War II to include both boys and girls.

One of the most iconic symbols of Children's Day in Japan is the flying of carp-shaped windsocks called "koinobori." These colorful streamers represent family members, with the largest carp symbolizing the father, followed by smaller ones representing the mother and children. The carp is chosen as a symbol because it's believed to be a strong and determined fish that can swim upstream, which parents hope their children will emulate.

Families also display samurai dolls, armor, and helmets in their homes to inspire strength and bravery in their children. Traditional foods like mochi wrapped in oak leaves (kashiwa mochi) are also enjoyed on this day.

Overall, Children's Day is a time for families to come together to celebrate the happiness and health of children and to wish for their future success.

季節を彩る

通勤途中に「ふわり」と漂ってきた香りがした。

いつもなら梅雨が始まる少し前なのだけど、気の早いクチナシが咲き始めたのだ。



季節毎に楽しめるよう上手く配置されている花や木に癒されます。これも一つの都市工学なのでしょう。

GW第一弾最終日

とてもオシャレなチーズセットをいただいたので、オシャレにワインランチの用意をしています。



干しイチジクとブドウは賞味期限不明のもの。まあ大丈夫でしょう。

Eclipse in the United States

On April the 8th there was a total eclipse in the eastern part of the United States .Do you know an eclipse is it is when the sun moon covers the sun and the sky becomes dark. Have you ever seen an eclipse? It is a very rare event I have only ever seen a few .The main thing to remember is to never directly look at an eclipse without any eye protection as you can damage your eyes.

蒸すような

雨降り水曜日です。もちろん暑くはありませんけど寒さも感じません。
湿度は実に「97%」もあります。

こんな日は喉越しよく、スッキリとした味わいの「おろしそば」であります。

春の息吹【こごみ】

ちょっと今日は朝から雨降っていてお天気停滞。

早春の味覚を感じに近くの蕎麦屋さんに行き「こごみの天ぷら」をいただきました。 こごみはシダ類の植物で日本の他には中国、東南アジアぐらいしか食べる民族はいないとのこと。 インバウンド需要で、こごみの美味しさに気付いてくれるかな？

April showers

In English there is a proverb or ことわざ. The proverb is"April showers bring May flowers."
April is often a wet, rainy month which people often get tired of. So this proverb is a reminder that we need all the April rain so that we can have beautiful May flowers. It is a proverb about being optimistic. Try it with your friends.

葉桜もまたよし

夏日の赤羽～東十条です。

春をすっ飛ばして「夏」に！と言うにはまだ早いものの北海道でも25度を観測し観測史上「最も早い夏日」となったそうです。
あと2週間もすればGWでしょ？それを過ぎたら何となく梅雨に入って...あれ？もう半年過ぎたの？となるのも、あとわずか。

Cherry blossom

Finally the cherry blossoms have arrived in Tokyo after a long cold winter. Did you enjoy cherry blossom viewing last weekend? Where did you go? Was it crowded? The photo below is near my house on the river. Did you know that many other countries have cherry blossoms as well such as the United States, Canada and in the So many people can enjoy viewing cherry blossoms around the world.

春～(^^♪

東京の桜は今まさに満開を迎えていますが、桜だけではありません！チューリップや他の花たちも準備万端ですよ!(^^)!