Astronauci2026/02/22 03:22

Book Review
No Reply from Venus / Astronauci (Stanisław Herman Lem, 1951)

    This 75‑year‑old science‑fiction novel remains fascinating thanks to its enduring theme: “Encounter with the Unknown.”

    Humanity discovers that the Tunguska explosion was caused by an AI probe from Venus, and a crew of astronauts sets out on an atomic powered spaceship to investigate. 
    When they finally reach the planet, however, they find no alien civilization—Venusian had already perished long before their arrival.

    From today’s perspective, the description of the planet is clearly outdated, yet the sense of wonder that permeates the novel feels remarkably fresh.  
Lem’s faith in human potential and cooperation still resonates strongly even now.


Lem


Sakura in Ueno2026/02/20 18:39

Sakura Began to Bloom

    I saw wild cherry blossoms (Yama-zakura) starting to bloom in Ueno.
    They are true messengers of spring.


Shinobazunoike, Ueno
Ueno


Riku-Ryu Won2026/02/17 21:57

Major Reversal in Pair Skating

    Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, known as the “Riku–Ryu” pair, won the gold medal in pair skating at the Milano Winter Olympics. 
    Despite a disappointing performance in the short program the previous day, they delivered the highest score in the free skating program and ultimately claimed the top prize. 
    Their dramatic comeback victory ignited excitement across Japan.


Chukyo.skateclub and chukyosport


A Cavity2026/02/16 17:18

Under Construction

    I went to the dentist to have a cavity in my lower left back tooth checked. The dentist drilled the tooth to prepare it for a filling. 
    The reconstruction will start next week.


Dental Clinic


Italian Diner2026/02/15 23:50

Temptation of Wine

    A free wine‑bottle coupon drew me to an Italian diner called Salvatore Cuomo. I enjoyed meat‑sauce spaghetti, an octopus salad, and a few other side dishes along with a complimentary bottle of spumante.


Italian

Italian


Marimba2026/02/15 22:35

Spring Concert at Fureai Hall, Abiko

    Hideki Ikegami performed magnificently on marimba and percussion, perfectly in harmony with Kanna Shibata’s brilliant piano accompaniment. 
    Their rendition of Zigeunerweisen was truly impressive.


Abiko Fureai Hall


Good Omen?2026/02/14 00:01

One Small Step

    I received several positive replies from clients for my micro‑business. 
    I told myself, “That’s one small step for me, and maybe the beginning of one Frog’s Leap for my micro‑business.” 
    I feel like uncorking a bottle of white wine.


Frog


Fire Chicken2026/02/13 20:51

A New Restaurant

    I noticed a new chicken restaurant on Soccer Street and tried their chicken plate. 
    It was good.


Fire Chicken
Fire Chicken


Ume Blossum2026/02/13 15:57

Yushima Tenjin Shrine

    I saw the ume blossoms at Yushima Tenjin Shrine. 
    The white and red petals against the sky were so beautiful. 
    Spring has arrived.


Ushima Tenjin
Ushima Tenjin


10 Pals2026/02/12 20:54

Connections

    Ten old friends gathered at a Japanese restaurant in Kagurazaka. 
    Although they had worked for different companies, they once spent a short period working together in the same place. 
    Despite the brief time as coworkers, the experience left such a strong impression that they still hold a reunion every year. 
    We enjoyed dinner together and shared nostalgic memories from our golden days.


柏の葉