I took advantage of the four-day Golden Week holiday to return to the island.
In Kamuro, there are a series of events organized by the local community, including a "mountain cleanup" in May, a "river cleanup" in June, and a "sea cleanup" in July. I had hoped that the dates would work out, but this year the event was held on the 6th, so I was unable to attend.
This time of year seems to be the best time of year. Perhaps that's only natural as the weather is nice.... The wind was blowing from the north and I felt cold in my T-shirt. The Iyo mountain range's ridges were faintly visible through the spring haze, and the ripples on the sea created patterns. The mountains were covered in a suffocating array of new green leaves, and a pleasant time passed by.
I start drinking whiskey with a book in hand. Singer-songwriter Kazuhiko Kato sang "Afternoon Whisky is Nostalgia." This song is about love as we grow older, but for me, who has nothing to do with this world, I sublimate the poverty and hardships of the past with the drunkenness of whiskey and the comfort of words, and simply drift along, surrendering myself to the changing scenery.
I left the house to go to the pier before 4pm. I walked wherever my mind took me and found myself heading towards Homura. The head priest was at home so I decided to visit him. We talked about each other's recent situations and about Oshima. He told me that the population of Oshima is about 13,000 and there is little population decline. The other day in the newspaper there was an article about an influx of people into the island in 2024. We talked for over an hour and then headed home.
Perhaps because the weather had improved, I woke up at around 5 o'clock to the sound of fishing boats setting out. The morning sun was just shining through the Iyo mountains. The sun was shining on the waves, and the fishing boats were passing over them, spreading ripples. It was a pleasant morning.
I started weeding around my house before 7:00. It took about three hours, but I worked up a good sweat. After that, I spent the time transcribing newspaper columns, writing my diary, and reading books.
Another day passes by without any incident. This feeling is indescribable and it is a good time, very Kamuro-like.
I was informed that the next "river cleanup" will be held on June 16th. I am thinking of returning to the island at that time.
From now on, the growth of plants will gain momentum. It will be a difficult time to mow the grass. That is also natural...
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