Ohya Festival in Tochigi

“Festa in Ohya 2006” is the official name of the festival. It was held on October 28th and 29th. I wanted to go to Nikko area but I thought it would be very crowded and I did not want to be held in traffic jam. So, I chose to go to rather closer place to my house.
Walking around Ohya area, having lunch near a river, eating snacks while walking, watching kids' performances and buying fresh vegetables in a sunny autumn day were great fun to us.

Elementary school children played Wadaiko on the stage in Ohya-Keikan park on Sunday 29th of October. Their performance was cute and excellent.




People tied an Omikuji after praying their hope in the site of Takisan-Jihouin shrine near Ohya-Stone museum.
Murasaki Shikibu, or the Japanese Beauty Berry, which produces small, round, purple berries, is in season.
Its name, literally translatable as 'purple master of the ceremonies', is said to have been named after the Heian Period writer, "Murasaki Shikibu."
The plant's 2-3 millimeter in diameter berries turn a lustrous purple in autumn.


Mountains in Ohya area are very unique. It's said that Ohya stone was formed by the volcanic eruption about 20 million years ago.

We had lunch near this river seeing the fantastic cliff view.

The final day arrived. Goodbye my car.

The car has been my companion since May of 1996. It has run 76801km for over ten years. Thanks a lot.
Sometimes, I felt you are real part of my body or a friend. You could go everywhere, even narrowest roads which other cars couldn’t go into. You were waiting for me even smallest parking space where other cars couldn’t park in.
You were not good at speeding. While going up slopes, you ran slower than fifty kilometers per hour even on the highway. I'll never forget you. Goodbye Nissan March.

Best Season For Sports.

We won Mohka Tennis Club Tournament last Saturday. It was a very nice day for any sport, especially for tennis. I live in Utsunomiya city though, I attend Mohka city tennis tournament very often. Why?
The reason is quite simple. Tennis players’ skill in Utsunomiya city is far higher than that of Mohka city.
We received a trophy, a certificate, yummy Tochigi pears and socks for tennis. No doubt, I choose Mohka tennis matches.

Back left:Mr.Souma, Back center:Ms.Souma, Back right:Mr.Nakagawa, Front right:Ms.Tajima, Front left:me!
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Another Business Trip to Mizonokuchi in Kanagawa-ken

I went to Canon Employee Training Center in Mizonokuchi, Kanagawa-ken, a half an hour train ride from Shibuya last week.
Even raining, I took a walk and took several pictures after lunch. I usually do a light exercise or playing tennis after lunch for ten to fifteen minutes in Utsunomiya. When I have to go on a business trip, walking and taking pictures refresh me after lunch.

Hijiribashi bridge in Tokyo

Hijiribashi bridge built in 1929 over Kanda river between Yushima in Bunkyo-ku and Surugadai in Chiyoda-ku is said to be one of the most beautiful bridges in Tokyo. I went to Tokyo on business last Wednesday and had a time to visit Ochanomizu after work. I walked around the town and took pictures. Though shops and Meiji university’s campus were changed, Hijiribashi bridge seemed unchanged.