PostSalaryman's Journal

Princess Mononoke

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 20:50:32 +0900

Theater Report Princess Mononoke: The Super Kabuki Play

I enjoyed a live-action kabuki adaptation of the popular anime Princess Mononoke at the Shinbashi Theater. The terrific performances by the kabuki actor-dancers, the beautiful stage art, and the well-known theme music of Princess Mononoke successfully brought the anime’s fantasy world into a modernized kabuki spectacle. The aerial stunts, a signature feature of the Super Kabuki series, were also magical.

Lost & Found

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 20:49:40 +0900

A Mascot May Help You

I realized my house keys were missing when I came home from a short walk yesterday. I had to retrace my walking route. First, I went to a nearby one‑coin shop where I had popped in and bought a small item.

When I asked a shop clerk whether they had found any lost keys, the clerk asked me to describe their features. I told them my key had a rabbit‑shaped lucky charm. The clerk checked the shop’s safe box and fortunately found my lost key.

I learned two things from this incident. First: Keep your essential items in a zipped pocket to prevent them from falling out. Second: Attach a distinctive mascot or charm to important items so they can be easily identified as yours.

Earthquake

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 20:31:54 +0900

A Strong Earthquake in Kumamoto

Kumamoto Prefecture experienced a strong earthquake with a seismic intensity of shindo 7 again, ten years after the previous one.

Freeways, railways, and Kumamoto Castle were damaged. Active faults near the center of the prefecture appear to have been the epicenter. After the main shock, a large shopping mall collapsed. The full extent of the damage is still uncertain.

May I Say...

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 01:18:37 +0900

Book Report “May I say my present life is the result of the former life?” 「この人生、前世のせいってことにしていいですか」 Nameko Shinsan, 2026

This book is a collection of essays on spiritualism.

The author participated in various spiritual events, including lectures by spiritualists, gatherings of UFO enthusiasts, fortune‑telling sessions, and exhibitions of power stones.

Her accounts of these experiences are humorous and engaging.

Although it is hard to tell whether she is a devoted believer, her affection for power stones is interesting.

Air Conditioner(2)

Sun, 26 Jul 2026 15:03:38 +0900

Spontaneous Recovery?

I realized that the malfunctioning living‑room air conditioner had come back to life when I returned from a four‑day trip. After resting for four days, it started working as usual again.

So, I canceled the repair order to the manufacturer and began observing what was going on. Has the unit really fixed itself spontaneously?

Air Conditioner

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 23:59:57 +0900

A Nightmare on an Extremely Hot Day
-Air Conditioner Died-

The air conditioner in the living room suddenly broke down.

The ten‑year‑old unit had worked well despite a minor issue, such as a small drip caused by a clogged drainpipe. But now its outdoor fan has stopped, and the heat exchanger no longer works.

I can’t endure the coming severely hot days without air conditioning, so I called Daikin’s customer service to have it repaired.

I’m waiting for their visit.

Murder in Kashiwa

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 23:59:20 +0900

A Frightened Night

Tonight’s TV news frightened me a lot.

According to the report, a nurse was arrested for murder at KT Hospital. She is suspected of putting an excretory substance into an IV dip to kill an elderly patient.

What truly scares me is the crime scene: I once stayed at that hospital with a broken bone. In other words, I might have been a potential victim.

Asakura Museum

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 23:22:55 +0900

Asakura Museum of Sculpture

I visited a small museum dedicated to the Japanese sculptor Fumio Asakura in Nippori, Taitō. He was one of the pioneering artists who introduced Western-style sculpture to Japan during the Meiji and early Shōwa periods.

Although his major works—such as the statue of President Shigenobu Okuma at Waseda University—are highly regarded, I prefer his charming cat sculptures.

Van Gogh

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 22:58:40 +0900

Grand Van Gogh Exhibition

I saw the Grand Van Gogh Exhibition at the Ueno-no-Mori Museum.

Van Gogh is one of the most popular painters in Japan, so there were an enormous number of visitors. I had to view his works through gaps in the crowd. There was especially a long line to see the well‑known masterpiece depicting a yellow café at night.

Despite the terrible crowd, the exhibition was truly magnificent.

Reunion Party

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 20:00:28 +0900

Company Reunion

About sixty of us, all former coworkers, gathered at a hotel.

I met many old huckleberry friends and enjoyed chatting and drinking with them.

Everyone feels that staying healthy and being able to see familiar faces again is one of the essential joys of life.

Jazz Concert

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 19:45:34 +0900

Jazz in a Storm:

Although a typhoon was hitting the Japanese islands, I went to Amuser Kashiwa Hall to enjoy a jazz concert.

Satoshi Yoshihara’s quartet and the guest pianist Masami Shimma performed jazz standards including “Take the A-Train,” “So What,” and “Spain.”

Since both the bandleader and the pianist are from Kashiwa, they didn’t mind the rain at all. I enjoyed their terrific performance and only regretted that the audience was so small.

Hydrangeas

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 20:24:38 +0900

Rainy Season

Hydrangeas are in bloom,

while a lotus bud waits for her moment.

A riddle

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 23:56:20 +0900

A Blossom Across the Ocean

Q: What is the most popular historical blossom in the U.S.A.?
A: The Mayflower.
The flower carried about 100 English immigrants to Plymouth Colony in North America.

Michael

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 23:44:29 +0900

Movie Report

Michael (USA, 2026)

A biopic about Michael Jackson.

From his days as a genius child in the Jackson 5 to becoming the King of Pop, the film portrays the rising star’s achievements.

Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, plays the lead role.

Although his dancing is terrific, he doesn’t quite seem like the real Michael—Michael is simply too great to portray. The child actor who plays young Michael is particularly impressive.

East Izu Travel

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:50:09 +0900

Abalones & Gators

Thanks to the resilient Izukyu Railroad, I was able to reach Inatori in East Izu comfortably on the Odoriko Express just after the typhoon had passed.

I enjoyed a seafood dinner at a seaside ryokan, including an abalone steak, an assorted sashimi platter, and the well‑known local specialty—boiled kinmedai.
The next day, I visited the Atagawa Tropical & Alligator Garden on my way home. The gators and other animals were charming, and the tropical flowers were spectacular.