At the end of summer
Aug.28: Tokyo was once again hit by severe heatwaves. But the weather was unstable, alternating between periods of intense heat and heavy rain. Overall, however, it was cooler than last summer.
Earthquakes struck Kumamoto and other regions. While increasingly intense torrential rains caused enormous damage through landslides and flooding in several parts of Japan. Natural disasters linked to climate change are becoming more severe each year, not only in Japan but around the world.
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I’ve added a new piece to my collection—a silkscreen by Henri Matisse. It depicts birds flying across a blue sky. The composition is simple and light, yet it leaves a strong impression. I’ve hung it in the living room.
Aug 20: Nike Mind 001 Slides Light Pink reimagines recovery footwear with avant-garde slip-on mule styling. It is engineered to deliver supportive cushioning after training or daily casual use. This is a gift from my son. What a thoughtful present! I use this at home, and I like its futuristic closed-toe Nike Mind 001 recovery mule silhouette, lightweight seamless molded EVA foam.
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Aug 12: The weather is mostly cloudy, and it’s continuing to rain on and off in Tokyo these days due to the influence of a typhoon. The weather this week is expected to be cloudy, with temperatures below 30℃, unusually cool in mid-August.
This year, Hiroshima and Nagasaki commemorated the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing, and August 15 marks the end of WWII. Although the global situation regarding nuclear weapons is severe, we should not give up conveying the message to the next generation.
“Nomiyama Gyoji Posthumous Exhibition” is being held at Mizoe Gallery.
Mr. Akihiro Uekuzu, Artist. Director of Nomiyama Gyoji General Incorporated Foundation, talked about Nomiyama Gyoji’s origin from the end of WWII to his study in France. It started on a high note with a lot of audience in a living room. It has already been three years since Nomiyama Gyoji passed away. The exhibition exhibits 35 pieces, including oil paintings, watercolors, and prints, from his early works to his last years.
August 8 – August 30, 2026, closed Aug. 13 – 15 for summer recess.
Venue: Mizoe Art Gallery
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Aug 8: “Okamotoya” is a time-honored stationery shop in Toranomon. I went there to buy a mechanical pencil. We call it sharp pencil. The wooden, stylish pen is now very popular among young students, especially boys for a great writing feel! They said there were 20 in the morning, but only 4 left in the afternoon. It sells quickly!
Aug 2: After the earthquake in Kumamoto, evacuation continues in the scorching heat. Living in the gymnasium, without air conditioning, must be unbearable. In Japan, it is common to sleep with a bunch of people on the floor, while in Europe, a simple bed is prepared for everyone to rest. It seems a big difference in terms of physical recovery and privacy.
It reminded us that misfortune could happen to anyone, and we are living in an extreme climate, and the situation is getting worse every year around the world.
Every summer, a small bird comes to the magnolia tree in my small yard to hatch. This is the third summer for them! I’m excited to see the babies fly away from the tree again.
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