I’ve seen some YouTubers and posts saying Japan will create a special immigration visa for African countries, letting people move into four Japanese cities.
Some even claim “this is an international exchange program, seemingly, but actually an immigration policy.”
But according to JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), that’s not true.
The real story is the “Africa Hometown Program,” which connects four Japanese cities with four African nations:
Imabari ↔ Mozambique
Kisarazu ↔ Nigeria
Sanjo ↔ Ghana
Nagai ↔ Tanzania
The purpose is friendship, cultural exchange, and cooperation—not immigration or labor programs.
Some rumors also say Japan wants to bring workers from Africa for low wages or to solve labor shortages, but JICA and the government have officially denied this.
👉 So, what do you think? Should Japan expand international exchange like this? And how do we stop such misinformation from spreading so quickly?
Today, August 15, marks 80 years since Japan’s surrender in World War II, a day remembered in Japan as Shūsen no Hi (the End of the War). The atomic bombings of Hiroshima on August 6 and Nagasaki on August 9 claimed the lives of an estimated 140,000 and 70,000 people, respectively, by the end of 1945. These tragedies became decisive factors in bringing the war to a close. As we reflect on this solemn anniversary, it is a moment to remember the devastation of war and to reaffirm the importance of peace for future generations.
Remembering August 15 is not only about looking back on history, but also about asking ourselves what kind of future we want to build. The stories of Hiroshima and Nagasaki remind us that peace is fragile and must be protected through dialogue, understanding, and cooperation. As individuals, even small acts of compassion and respect can contribute to a more peaceful world.
Before setting out, I checked the latest weather updates. At the time, the weather authority reported that a typhoon was approaching Japan, and a heavy rain alert had been issued for the Kyushu region in southern Japan.
Despite the distant storm, the forecast for the Northern Alps remained favorable for the next few days at the moment, so Sachi and I decided to proceed with our plan. However, originally, we intended to camp on both nights, but considering the possibility of sudden bad weather, we decided instead to stay at mountain huts for safety.
” This particular weekend was a three-day holiday, as August 11th (Monday) is Yama no Hi—Japan’s national “Mountain Day.” Because of the long weekend, both Sawando Parking and the Kamikōchi area were expected to be especially crowded, so arriving early is the best way to secure a parking spot.”
We arrived at Sawando Parking before midnight and were surprised to find more available spaces than expected. After parking, we took a short nap in the car until the first shuttle bus at 5:00 a.m.
5:00 a.m.ー the bus terminal was already crowded, with a long line of hikers waiting to buy tickets to Kamikōchi. We joined the queue and, after about 20 minutes, finally had our tickets in hand. We started off on time at 5:00 a.m.
6:00 a.m.ー we arrived in Kamikōchi and began our hike, following the crystal-clear Azusa River. The trail led us through the peaceful Myōjin Pond area and onward to Tokusawa Hut, where we took a short break before continuing toward Yokoo-Sanso.
Myojin Pond
Torii of Myōjin Pond: In Japan, a torii is a traditional gate that marks the entrance to a Shinto Shrine. Meaning, it is a spiritual gateway, passing through a torii means you’re leaving the ordinary, human world and entering a sacred, divine world.
9:30 a.m.ー we reached Yokoo-Sanso, a key junction where the trail splits toward Mt. Hotaka, Mt. Yari, and Mt. Chōga-dake. The mountain rescue station here requires all hikers to register their itinerary, group size, and equipment before entering the high mountains. Staff were warning hikers about tomorrow’s weather, saying heavy rain and strong winds could cause hypothermia. “Tomorrow, it’s one hundred percent going to rain,” they told us. “Today is the only good weather you’ll get.”
Since we still had time before checking in, we decided to take advantage of the clear skies and hike toward Karasawa.
A Bear!
12:30 p.m.ー as we crossed a bridge over the Azusa River and walked through moderate forest terrain, the pace suddenly slowed. The hikers ahead had stopped. Then we saw why—there was a bear, right on the trail ahead! Everyone froze, keeping a safe distance, as the bear strolled along the path before disappearing quietly into the forest.
A stanning Viweing
Once the bear was safely out of sight, we continued along the trail. The climb took about three hours over steep, rocky terrain with almost no breaks before we finally arrived at Karasawa Hut. There, Sachi and I enjoyed lunch while viewing the stunning peaks of the Hotaka mountain range, rising sharply against the clear blue sky.
After returning from Karasawa in the late afternoon, we finally checked into Yokoo-Sanso Hut. A relaxing bath and a warm meal were just what we needed after the day’s hike. Over dinner, we made the difficult decision to cancel our plan to stay at Mt. Chōga-dake Hut, as a storm was forecast for the next day, and get back home.
Karasawa Cirque, 2500 meters
A Chance Encounter at Yokoo-Sanso
Earlier that morning, I had received an email from Mr. Deepak Y, an avid hiker from India who now resides in Tokyo for business. By chance, he had come across our Mt. Chōga-dake hiking plan on Meetup and expressed interest in meeting us. I suggested we meet at Yokoo-Sanso. After returning from Karasawa, we spotted him at the campsite, busy setting up his tent. We exchanged greetings, and I found him to be a warm and friendly person. It was a pleasant surprise to meet someone new in such a remote and beautiful place, and we enjoyed a short but lively conversation before heading back to the hut for the night.
Afterword
Thanks to Sachi for joining me on this adventure. Unfortunately, we had to change our original plan due to the weather, but we still enjoyed hiking Karasawa and taking in the stunning scenery. Meeting the friendly Mr. Deepak was an unexpected and pleasant highlight of the trip. Looking forward to our next adventure—see you on the trail!
Yesterday, on August 5th, I attended an online workshop hosted by the Nagano Prefectural Board of Education. The session focused on deepening our understanding of sexual exploitation and digital sexual violence, especially as these issues affect young people.
The workshop explained how sexual exploitation can occur both in-person and online—often targeting vulnerable individuals through manipulation, pressure, or threats. It also highlighted the growing risks of digital sexual violence, such as the non-consensual sharing of private images, sextortion, and online harassment.
What stood out was the strong emphasis on prevention through education—teaching students about consent, respect, and the responsible use of digital devices. The speaker stressed the importance of creating safe, supportive spaces where students feel empowered to speak up and seek help when needed.
As educators, it was a powerful reminder that we play a key role in raising awareness, setting clear boundaries, and protecting students from these forms of harm.
📅 Duration: August 9th – 11th 📍 Destination: Chubu Sangaku National Park, Japan’s Northern Alps
🌄 Overview
This three-day hiking adventure explores the dramatic landscapes of Japan’s Northern Alps, one of the country’s most iconic mountain ranges. The route winds through the lush Kamikōchi valley, up to alpine ridgelines, and culminates with a summit of Mt. Chōga-dake (蝶ヶ岳, 2,677m)—famous for its panoramic views of the Hotaka Range and Mt. Yari.
🗺️ Route Itinerary
Day 1 – August 9:
Start Point: Kamikōchi Bus Terminal
Hike along the Azusa River to Tokusawa-Sanso
Continue to Yokoo area
Overnight: Camp at Yokoo Campsite
Day 2 – August 10:
Early start and steep ascent toward Chōgadake-Hut
Optional sunset hike to the summit of Mt. Chōga-dake
Overnight: Stay at Chōgadake-Hut
Day 3 – August 11:
Early descent via the same trail
Return through Tokusawa
End at Kamikōchi Bus Terminal
🧭 Trail Info
Total Duration: 3 Days
Highest Point: Mt. Chōga-dake (2,677m)
Distance (Approx.): ~30–35 km round trip
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ (Intermediate)
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Best For: Hikers with moderate experience, comfortable with elevation gain and long hiking hours
🎒 Packing List Essentials
⛺ Tent & Sleeping Gear (for Day 1 campsite)
🥾 Hiking boots (broken-in, waterproof)
🧥 Rain gear / windbreaker
🧢 Hat, gloves, sunblock
🍱 Lightweight food & snacks (for all days)
🍼 Water bottles or hydration system (refill at huts)
💡 Headlamp (especially for early starts or if sunset hiking)
🧻 Toilet paper & trash bag (pack in/pack out rule)
🆔 Cash for hut fees and emergency expenses
📱 Offline maps (YAMAP or Gaia recommended)
💡 Tips & Reminders
Reservations for Chōgadake-Hut are recommended, especially in summer season.
Kamikōchi is car-free—take a shuttle bus or taxi from Hirayu Onsen or Sawando Parking.
Check weather forecasts for mountain conditions; storms can form quickly.
Start early each day to avoid afternoon clouds or storms.
Respect nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles, and don’t feed wildlife.
We’ll hike, camp, and climb our way through one of Japan’s most iconic national parks. I’ll be documenting the trip with photos and videos, which I’ll share in a full trip report shortly after the hike. Stay tuned!
This early morning, around 3:30 a.m., Tabby and I were awakened by the sound of strong winds howling through the trees. The sky was a soft gray, and sunlight filtered gently through the trees, casting faint golden patches on the swaying ground. Branches moved restlessly and leaves danced in a frenzy, as if the whole yard had been stirred from a deep sleep. The air was cool and crisp, a welcome change from the heavy heat of the past few days.
Despite the bluster, it didn’t feel like bad weather—just nature putting on a dramatic show. I felt oddly calm, watching the scene unfold with quiet appreciation.
Tabby stood by the door, ears twitching and tail flicking, clearly torn between curiosity and caution. After a moment of hesitation, he stepped outside, crouching low as the wind tousled his fur. I followed, walking through the gusts to check the outdoor furniture—table, chairs, and parasol—to make sure nothing would be carried off by the morning’s wild breath.
This morning is a bit windy. The trees are swaying gently in the wind, as if they’re whispering to one another. It feels noticeably cooler than yesterday, with a refreshing breeze brushing through the leaves. Summer still lingers, but today carries a touch of early autumn in the air.
Tabby is especially playful this morning, happily exploring around the deck and garden. His curious steps and flicking tail add a bit of life to this peaceful, breezy start to the day.
Yesterday, I spent time doing yard work, cutting weeds with a weed cutter. The buzzing sound of the machine as I worked under the summer sun. It was a bit tiring, but seeing the garden clean and neat afterward made it all worth it. There’s something satisfying about clearing out overgrown spaces and making everything look fresh again.
This morning began with a soft layer of fog around my area, wrapping the trees and hills in a gentle gray. As the fog lifted, the air turned calm and peaceful. The cicadas sang in the background while I sat on my wooden deck, sipping a warm cup of coffee. It was a quiet, slow start to the day―just the way I like it.
In the afternoon, friends came over after we enjoyed some fun matches at the Tateshina Public Tennis Court. I cooked teriyaki chicken and beef burgers for everyone. It was a simple gathering, but full of laughter, good food, and warm company― a perfect way to end the day.
Mt. Norikura (乗鞍岳): An Accessible 3,000-Meter Peak Adventure
Mt. Norikura（乗鞍岳） is locared on the border between Nagano and Gifu Prefecturers. It’s a part of the majestic Chubu Sangaku National Park. The area is known for its dramatic alpine secenary, rich ecosystem and easy access to high elevation, making it a perfect destination for both experienced hikers and beginners looking for a mountain adventure.
Day 1 Timeline: Monday, July 28th
3:30 a.m. – Departed for Norikura Kogen Center in Nagano, which operates a shuttle bus service to Norikura Sancho Bus Terminal (Tatamidaira).
5:30 a.m. – Arrived at the Norikura Kogen Center parking lot. The drive was smooth, with little traffic, and there were plenty of parking spaces available.
7:00 a.m. – The first shuttle bus of the day departed. The ride to Tatamidaira, the trailhead, took about an hour. As the bus climbed higher into the mountains, the scenery gradually changed, with misty forests and mountain views welcoming us along the way.
8:00 a.m. – We began our hike with a walk through a field of wildflowers. Many different kinds were in full bloom, painting the landscape with vibrant colors. The scene reminded Sachi and me of Mount Cook National Park in New Zealand, bringing back fond memories of our time there.
During the hike, we conquered several peaks around Mt. Norikura, including Mt. Fujimi (2,817 meters), Mt. Daikoku (2,772 meters), and Mt. Mao.
We were especially lucky to encounter a family of Raicho (rock ptarmigan)—a rare and special moment in the Japanese Alps. Many photographers come hoping for a glimpse of these elusive birds, but sightings are rare and truly feel like a gift from nature.
12:30 p.m. – We arrived at Katano-Sanso (肩の小屋) mountain hut, where we checked in, had a quick lunch break, and took a short nap to rest up before heading to the summit of Kengamine, the true peak of Mt. Norikura at 3,015 meters.
1:10 p.m. – We reached the summit of Kengamine! Standing at the highest point of Mt. Norikura, we were rewarded with stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. It was a short but exhilarating climb from the hut.
This photo captures several of the main peaks in the Norikura mountain range.
Day 2 Timeline: Tuesday, July 29th
3:30 a.m. – We woke up early and set out toward the summit to watch the sunrise.
The sky was filled with countless stars, and the weather was perfect for sunrise viewing.
We were lucky to witness truly stunning moments—the first light breaking over the horizon, the sky slowly changing color, and the surrounding peaks glowing in the morning sun. It was an unforgettable experience.
7:00 a.m. – We had breakfast at the hut, then packed up and began our journey back down the mountain.
On the way home, we made a stop at Shirahone Onsen (白骨温泉)—a famous hot spring known for its milky-white water and healing properties.
Soaking in the warm spring water was incredibly relaxing and the perfect way to relieve our tired muscles after the hike. It was a peaceful and refreshing end to our mountain trip.
Afterward
A big thank you to Sachi for sharing this two-day adventure with me.
We had so many memorable moments—including laughing at an elderly man, probably around 80 years old, who piled an enormous amount of rice into his bowl, then went back for two more rounds! It was unbelievable, and we couldn’t stop laughing.
