Although the last few days were filled with pouring rain – it doesn't keep me from doing my daily walks.Again, just as I used to do walkies in all kinds of weather in England – the same goes for Japan.Narrow roads swirling around rice paddies, cliff sides, little villages (some abandoned), numerous tunnels through hill sides – that often feel very Ghibli – numerous shrines and temples dotted along the landscape, and many small roads that lead to some houses, a small dock with some fishing boats – often cramped between cliffs – overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Shopping was never really a thing for me...until I got to Japan. One can find things here - that 2 minutes prior, ya didn't even know existed - and you suddenly feel you can't live without anymore. Malls, shopping centers, stores, supermarkets, so big and packed with useful stuff. And what's more; decent quality and very fair prices. I strongly feel that the Japanese people don't get - at all, shafted, like the people in Europistan do - by their government. Apart from Switzerland, it must be the only place where tax money seems to be spent more wisely too. My shopping sprees are mainly focussed on buying antiques for the house. And my Antiques man in Mobara gives me ridiculous low prices for amazing items. Quite a joy to be able to fill your house with various items, most over a hundred years old - for the price of a decent meal.

Late on Monday night (local time), a strong earthquake struck off the northeast coast of Japan (near Aomori Prefecture), with magnitude initially reported as 7.6, then revised to 7.5. Authorities are urging everyone — especially along coastal regions — to check evacuation plans, secure emergency kits, and prepare for possible aftershocks or sudden tsunami risk. I live in a coastal area (south Chiba), so here too some preparations and precautions were taken. And although I hope nothing serious will occur - I sincerely hope that, if something does kick off, it won't be during the night time. It seems ever so more eerie and scary, should a major quake and the follow up tsunami - happen at night. In any case, the people around here and therefore also my housemate, are very well prepared. Here in the garage is a stack of all kinds of dry and canned foods, rice, water, fuel, generator, torches, tent, etc. - ready to be loaded into my mate's Hiace van - should anything happen - and move onto higher ground.Having to be alert for natural disasters gives life an edge that is actually a good thing, I find.One seems to have more respect for life in general because of that "edge" that has a constant presence in people's lives here. It makes one - to not take everything for granted in life. Something that people in western Europe seem to do a tad too much. Or perhaps I'd better call it Europistan, since European culture is disappearing like snow in the sun. Planned a small shopping trip to Tokyo tomorrow. Hopefully things won't start shaking whilst on some 12th floor of some shopping center though. Have a good'n ya'll. 🙏

While shopping for groceries yesterday I nearly bumped into a big stack of boxes filled with strawberries. Since it's one of my favourite fruits - I got myself some. Reminds me of the years I spent in India - Usually around this time of year there too - lots a strawberries. I used to drive specially from Arambol to Mapusa to a milkshake-bar named "Cold Corner" for their strawberry milkshakes. I wonder if it's still there. Anyway - that bad weather I mentioned in my previous post - only lasted for a day. And although the temperature has dropped a few degrees over the last few days - it's still blue skies and sunny. Perfect for walkies. Wanted to visit Tokyo tomorrow for a wander around - but then my girlfriend reminded me that it's Sunday (tomorrow).So I'm gonna postpone that idea 'till later, midweek or so - just a tad less busy. Another reason I wanted to go; apparently, Johny Depp has an art show going at the moment in Tokyo, wanted to have a wee peek. And need to check some "Stranger Things" merchandise for my daughter (btw - Season 5, so far, has been a real f-ing banger, especially the last episode :).Furthermore, did some shopping at my mate's antiques shop in Mobara. Found some lovely century old statue of Ebisu/Yebisu - for the living room. And other nice bits and pieces to take to Europe, to flog it. Well, that's enough lines put in for today. Need to work on some tunes before going to bed.So, to anyone reading this dribble - cheers!Have a great time - wherever you may find yourself - and have a gud laugh occasionally - life's too short not to. 🙏

Finally, a rainy day. The last couple of weeks, the weather has been magnificent. Every day sunshine with temperatures around 20°C. So (little) daily adventures were prioritised above writing, filming, editing, producing (music), etc. As stated before, the vlog thing remains a bit of a struggle. Due to a few things, but mainly — I don't like walking around filming everything I see and commenting on it. It looked appealing to do — but on many occasions I find it more of a drag and I'm certainly no "natural".

Good morning from sunny Japan.The writing and posting have been slacking a bit over the last few days. I’ve had a nasty cold, and although I haven’t been very ill, my mood for writing/posting/making vids just wasn’t there. But posting or not posting doesn’t really matter. Apart from one soul (you know who you are ;) ), I don’t think anyone reads this. I guess by “anyone,” I mean people I know from back home. Family, “friends,” mates—none of them engaging or offering encouragement, as is typical for the lot I hail from.