Yesterday's New Year's party was a really enjoyable time.
Due to COVID, we hadn't met for several years (as we are all seniors or close to that age, we took precautions and didn't meet).
When we met after several years, it felt like we had returned to the time before the pandemic
The venue was a ryotei, a traditional Japanese restaurant. It was retro, but it seemed to have been carefully maintained over the years.
We had a pleasant conversation in a private room there.
There were various conversations, including talks about English interpretation,
but what struck me the most was their deep love for their hometowns.
One of them was from Onomichi, a warm place facing the Seto Inland Sea.
She recommended wonderful places to visit if I ever go to Onomichi.
Another was from Kyoto, mentioning that Shijo is the most bustling area there. She shared various insights about Kyoto.
As for my hometown, it's Tokyo, Saitama?
I thought about it in my heart, but...
Unfortunately, I don't have as strong a sense of hometown love, but I do have a deep love for Japanese culture,
which can be my spiritual home.
Since childhood, I've been familiar with Japanese culture and have my own opinions.
In Kado (flower arrangement), Sado (tea ceremony), and Shodo (calligraphy),
I believe it's fine not to stick to a specific school and just enjoy the moment.
When you're a beginner, it's necessary to join a school and master the basics,
but after decades of learning the basics and advanced techniques, I think it's okay to develop your own style.
I receive guidance once a week.
After decades of such experiences, I think it might be time to shift towards finding my own joy in daily life.
Anyway, I'm moving to Nakagun, Kanagawa in early summer, and I'm looking forward to it becoming my second hometown.