“This morning, I woke to the whisper of trees swaying and dancing in the wind. At 5:00 a.m., the sun began to rise, painting the sky a glowing orange, while the moon lingered quietly above. I brewed a cup of coffee and stepped onto the deck, where Tabby, my cat, greeted me with gentle meows, urging me to join the day.”
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:
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?
Share your thoughts below—I’d love to hear them!
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.
What are your thoughts on?
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.
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.
We had about 10 cm of fresh snowfall early Saturday morning, but Sunday brought clear, pleasant weather. I took the opportunity to visit Tateshina Onsen and had a wonderful, relaxing time. It takes my mind off work, mentally and physically.
“Kosaino-Yu” offers three distinct onsen experiences:
Nestled in the forested Shirakaba Highland at an elevation of 1,250 meters in Chino, Nagano, this hidden gem offers breathtaking views that change with the seasons.
During winter, the open-air onsen is surrounded by a stunning blanket of snow, creating a magical and tranquil atmosphere. Soaking in the warm waters while taking in the snowy landscape is a perfect way to relax and rejuvenate the body from the winter chill.
I usually wake up around 3:30 a.m. and start my morning with a smoothie made from an apple, a banana, and some vegetables. After that, I brew a cup of coffee and enjoy it on my drive to work.
On my way to my workplace, I often spot a family of deer along the roadside. Other wildlife, like raccoons and minks, occasionally make an appearance as well. The scenery is breathtaking—apple orchards, rolling hills, and distant mountains create a beautiful backdrop for my commute.
The weather is beautiful this morning—crisp, clear, and perfect for getting outside. I spent a good hour shoveling snow and tidying up around my house. With over 50 cm of snow piled up, and nearly 100 cm where it had slid down from the roof, it was quite the workout! But there’s something satisfying about clearing fresh snow under the bright winter sky.
After that, I took a short walk to Lake Megami, just five minutes away. The entire surface was frozen solid, transforming the lake into a natural ice track for fun winter driving. Seeing the vast, icy expanse under the clear blue sky was a stunning sight—another reminder of how beautiful winter can be.
How’s the winter landscape in your area?
Today is the last day of the year, December 31st.
Last weekend, severe winter weather hit the Hokuriku region, prompting weather authorities to issue heavy snowfall warnings, advising people, “Avoid going out unless absolutely necessary.”
In my area, Tateshina, Yakkano, we received over 30 centimeters of snow. On Saturday morning, I spent time shoveling snow and tidying up around my house.
After finishing the snow removal, I headed to the Shioda Indoor Multiple Gym tennis courts to play some matches with my tennis squad. It was my first time playing in a month. Unfortunately, I wasn’t in good form that day and ended up losing all my matches.
Lake Megami is completely covered in ice and snow. I noticed two workers busy with a task on the lake.
It seemed they were vacuuming water from beneath the ice and snow and spraying it back onto the surface, likely to prepare an ice skating rink.
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