Osaka is the most densely populated prefecture in Japan, and when I walk away from our house near City Hall, I soon get into a bleak industrial and residential area by the river Akutagawa (sound familiar from the literary prize?). However, as in many areas of Japan, elderly volunteers tend a long patch of greenery along the river. Limited to four photos, I cannot show the profusion of early spring flowers, but here are some scenes that show the atmosphere of colorful greenery.
Incidentally, when I was in the hospital I talked in Japanese with a muscular man in his early 70s who had had a heart attack and bypass operation. Since he had a house, I assume he had a family, but the photos he showed me were of the vegetables he grows in a rented patch. Unlike younger people who only seem to want convenience, the man reminded me of the values the elderly volunteers along the river are trying to pass on.
Justicia brandegeeana at Sakuya Konohana Kan, Osaka, in June 2023. OM-1 + M.Zuiko 60mm f2.8 Macro.
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Gongora galeata at Sakuya Konohana Kan, Osaka, in July 2023. OM-1 + M.Zuiko 60mm f2.8 Macro.
I've just retired from 40 years in Japanese higher education. I'm happy, however, because I'm completely healthy. I just had a catheter operation that fixed the irregular heartbeat that was concerning for several months.
I still belong to the EU-Asia digital partnerships grant project, and a long presentation on Japan to students from California is scheduled for May.
I'm already back to outdoor activities, as you can see with these photos of sakura cherry blossoms in the castle ruins park near our house.
The Japan Pavilion at the World Exposition in Osaka, which will feature exhibits linked to the six-month event's theme of "designing a future society for our lives," has been completed. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/03/31/japan/osaka-expo-japan-pavilion-completed/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #2025osakaexpo #osaka #masakazutokura