【病院あちこち２日間全４軒 「結膜炎」で赤目行脚】

　一昨日親族が簡易な外科手術で短期入院することになり、その保証人として署名する必要もあったので入院介添え役として同行しておりました。
　なんですが、その移動運転車中で左目側に「ゴロゴロ」感が感じられ、それが見る間に左目の白目部分に広がる事態になってしまった。健康な介添え役なのに「その赤目、大丈夫ですか？」と他から気遣われるありさま。わたしには行きつけの眼科医があるのですが、その日はあいにく火曜日定休。で、親族が入院するその病院には残念ながら「眼科」がなく、入院立会いが終わったあと今度はその近隣で眼科を探し回ることになった。
　家人が大きなショッピングモールにある眼科医を発見。そこで１時間近く待ったあと、ようやく受診できた。ただし、かかり付け医がたまたま休みで応急的に診てもらって翌日にかかり付け医に行きます、と告知しての臨時的受診。診察結果としては急性「結膜炎」で、悪性のウィルスとかの症状ではないとのこと。ひと安心。
　しかし左目側は完全に「赤目」状態。要接触関係者は家人・家族だけなので早々に帰宅して安静に。
　で、翌日のきのう朝１番で、まずは「血液サラサラ」系の薬を投薬されている糖尿のかかり付け医を受診。その関係性について確認したうえで、すぐ近所のいつもの眼科医をようやく受診できた。
　見立てはやはり「結膜炎」で特段の「投薬」も不要だけれど、自然に赤目が引いて行くにはそこそこ１週間以上程度はかかります、という結論。やはり専門医の、いつも診ていただいているお医者さんのコトバは安心感。
結膜炎というヤツは若いときからときどき受患していたのですが、血液サラサラ系の薬の所為か、こころなしか赤目の面積が多いように感じられる。また加齢で完治にも時間が掛かるかも知れない。見てくれはちょっと異常とはいえ、運転視力などには医者さんからも影響がない大丈夫と言われ、ほぼ日常生活を営んでおります。　　
　まぁテーマ追求編ブログは小休止。「病院あちこち元気な行動型高齢者」であります。

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[Visited four hospitals over two days for conjunctivitis]
The elderly patient had no vision problems and only mild discomfort in terms of appearance. However, his concentration was somewhat lacking. He was advised to lead a quiet lifestyle. ...

　The day before yesterday, a relative had to undergo minor surgery and be hospitalized for a short period of time, so I accompanied them as their caregiver and had to sign as their guarantor.
However, while traveling in the car, I felt a “gritty” sensation in my left eye, and before I knew it, it had spread to the white part of my left eye. Even though I was a healthy attendant, others were concerned and asked, “Is that red eye okay?” I have a regular ophthalmologist, but unfortunately, it was Tuesday, their regular day off. Additionally, the hospital where my relative was admitted did not have an ophthalmology department, so after the admission process was completed, I had to search for an ophthalmologist in the surrounding area.
　My family found an ophthalmologist at a large shopping mall. After waiting for nearly an hour, I was finally able to see the doctor. However, my regular doctor was coincidentally off duty, so I was told that this was a temporary visit and that I would need to see my regular doctor the next day. The diagnosis was acute conjunctivitis, and it was not caused by a malignant virus or anything like that. That was a relief.
　However, my left eye was completely red. Since the only people I had been in contact with were my family members, I returned home immediately and rested.
The next morning, I first visited my regular doctor, who prescribes blood-thinning medication for my diabetes. After confirming the relationship between the two conditions, I was finally able to visit my usual ophthalmologist in the neighborhood.
　The diagnosis was indeed “conjunctivitis,” and no special medication was needed, but it was concluded that it would take at least a week for the redness to subside naturally. The words of the specialist, the doctor who has been treating me all along, were reassuring.
I have occasionally suffered from conjunctivitis since I was young, but I feel that the area of redness is slightly larger than usual, possibly due to the blood-thinning medication. Additionally, due to aging, it may take longer to fully recover. While the appearance is slightly abnormal, the doctor assured me that it does not affect driving vision, so I am able to maintain my daily life as usual.
Well, the theme exploration blog will take a short break. I am a “healthy, active elderly person who visits various hospitals.”

●Notice
My book “Writers and Living Spaces” has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available for purchase on Amazon.

【日本独自「記念館」文化で人気最高の芭蕉／七五日本語の旅-3】

　さて本日から再び松尾芭蕉さんの「奥の細道」に随行するかのような俳句作詩旅の探訪。
　松尾芭蕉さんの全国の「記念館」は全国にあって、その人気の高さがうかがえる。
１　芭蕉記念館（東京都江東区常盤）　
２　山寺芭蕉記念館（山形市大字山寺）　
３　芭蕉翁記念館（伊賀市上野丸之内）　
４　奥の細道むすびの地記念館（岐阜県大垣市船町）　
５　黒羽芭蕉の館（栃木県大田原市黒羽）
　ひょっとするとこの他にもあるかも知れませんがわたしが知ったのは以上の５箇所。１人の人物に対してここまで地域自治体の公共的予算を掛けてその名を冠した「記念館」を建設し、しかも維持管理をし続けるというのは、非常に興味深い令和の今日に至る日本の「文化」痕跡。
　芭蕉さんについては、その人生自体が「旅」そのものでもあったのでこのように５箇所にまで及ぶのですが、一方で海外の作家などは日本のこういう「文化への拝跪・大衆性」とそれへの公共支出に非常に驚き憧れると言う。こういったことへ社会的な許諾認識が広くあることは、一度研究すべき日本の特徴的な社会テーマ。
　わたしのように、住宅・建築とこうした「作家」の関係性を興味分野にしていて、これらの施設を目的的に探訪する人間もそう多くはないけれど、一定数いると思われます。
　芭蕉については、日本文学史上の最有名人でありまたその作品が日本人の精神性に深く沈殿していることから、日本人的文化「観光」の大きな領域になり得るのでしょう。そういうなかで写真をあげた５黒羽芭蕉の館は、奥の細道の道中で「いちばん長く滞在した」ということが、その機縁とされて建設されたもの。案外縁は薄いかも（笑）。
　この地で詠まれた詩文・俳句もそう有名なものとは言えない〔失礼）かも知れません。
　しかしこういった沈思型の観光行動というのは、日本人に広く根付いている独特の文化性なのかも知れません。とくに七五調の基本音律の日本語文学のわかりやすさは、日本人に有無を言わせず迫ってくるものであるのかも。
　いま日本は海外観光客の大洪水ですが、さて、こういった「文学館」にまで及んでくるかどうか？とくに「ひらかな」というワケわかんない文字文化を見つめる中国のみなさんの反応が興味深い。

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[Basho, the most popular figure in Japan's unique “memorial hall” culture / 75 Japanese Language Journey - 3]
According to my research, there are five Basho memorial halls nationwide. The fact that public funds are invested in and used to maintain such cultural facilities is very “Japanese.” ...

　Today, we will once again embark on a journey to explore haiku poetry, as if accompanying Matsuo Basho on his journey along the “Oku no Hosomichi” (Narrow Road to the Deep North).
There are many “memorial halls” dedicated to Matsuo Basho throughout Japan, which shows how popular he is.
1. Basho Memorial Hall (Koto Ward, Tokyo)
2. Yamadera Basho Memorial Hall (Yamadera, Yamagata City)
3. Basho Memorial Hall (Ueno Marunouchi, Iga City)
4. Okuno Hosomichi Musubi no Chi Memorial Hall (Funamachi, Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture)　
5. Kuroha Basho Museum (Kuroha, Otawara City, Tochigi Prefecture)
There may be others, but these are the five I am aware of. It is fascinating that local governments have invested public funds to build memorial halls named after a single individual and continue to maintain them, reflecting Japan's cultural legacy in the modern era.
　Regarding Basho, since his life itself was a journey, this extends to five locations. On the other hand, foreign writers are often surprised and envious of Japan's “veneration of culture and its mass appeal” and the public expenditure allocated to it. The widespread social acceptance of such matters is a distinctive social theme in Japan that deserves further research.
　There are probably not many people like me who are interested in the relationship between housing, architecture, and such “writers” and who visit these facilities for that purpose, but I think there are a certain number of them.
Basho is the most famous figure in Japanese literary history, and his works have deeply penetrated the Japanese spirit, so he could become a major area of Japanese cultural “tourism.” Among these, the five photos of Kuroba Basho's House were taken at a place built because it was said to be the place where he stayed the longest during his journey along the “Oku no Hosomichi” (Narrow Road to the Deep North). The connection may be rather tenuous (laughs).
The poems and haiku composed in this place may not be particularly famous (my apologies).
　However, this kind of contemplative tourism may be a unique cultural trait deeply rooted in the Japanese people. In particular, the simplicity of Japanese literature, with its basic 7-5 rhythm, may be something that irresistibly draws Japanese people in.
Japan is currently experiencing a flood of overseas tourists, but will this trend extend to “literary museums”? I am particularly interested in the reactions of Chinese people, who are unfamiliar with the “hiragana” writing system.

●Notice
My book “Writers and Living Spaces” has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available for purchase on Amazon.

【〝設計道場〟で活躍・井端明男「建築談義」のご案内】

さて、日本語の基本音節七五調を松尾芭蕉さんの「おくのほそ道」旅路から、その迷宮に入り込みたいシリーズ。ようやく少し、手掛かりの萌芽が見えて来つつあるところ（妄想）ですが、知人から緊急の「告知依頼」を受けました。知人は札幌で活躍されてきた建築家の藤島喬さん。
　藤島さんとはもう付き合いが長くて3-40年近くでしょうか。かれのコンクリートブロック造の自邸を取材して以来のお付き合い。最近はまた別の知人を介して、わたしどもも夫婦共々交遊させていただいています。
　その藤島さん、たくさんの「後輩」も輩出されて北海道の建築シーンにとって大きな足跡を残されてきていますが、高齢期を迎えやや落ち着いた活動に軸足を移されているようです。「物件のメンテナンス、相談位の業務になりました。」というような近況とのこと。しかし傍目にはいろいろその「影響」が感じられると思っています。
　設計事務所の利用面積も縮小してきたようで、そのスペースなどの「空間の再活用」ということで、名付けて「琴懇館」ギャラリーとして各種の「ミニイベント」会場として利用されているようです。
すでにこれまでも「猫スケッチの猫展」「スペイン旅行記」「琴と尺八の邦楽」「建築家中井和子の〝建築談義〟〜都市の色編」「藤島さんお得意のJazzライブ」など、イベントを次々とされてきたようです。そんなのやっているんなら見たかった、というところ（笑）。う〜む。
　で、今回8/30の土曜日夕方17時から、最近「設計道場」と名付けた家づくり・建築運動的な取り組みをされている建築家・井端明男さんの「建築談義 ２ ひとりよがり」と題して10人程度のミニセミナー開催とのこと。
　急に知らされたので、告知を依頼されたわたし自身も夫婦旅の予定が入っていて参加できないのが恐縮なのですが、他でもない藤島さんの依頼ということでご案内させていただきます。

　琴懇館ギャラリー（地下鉄東西線　ひばりヶ丘駅　下車　徒歩2分）
　セミナー後懇親会を行いますので参加費3000円。人数、日程共に迫ってますので、参加希望の方はお急ぎご連絡下さい。建築家たちのホンネトーク爆発は一見の価値があると思います。
　連絡先は TAU設計工房　藤島喬　090-5074-0411まで。

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English version⬇　

[Active in the “Design Dojo” - Announcement of Akio Ibata's “Architectural Discussions”]
The true feelings of architects who have been active in Hokkaido reveal the essence and reality of living. The schedule is tight, but it is definitely worth seeing. ...

Now, I would like to delve into the labyrinth of the basic Japanese syllable pattern of 7-5 syllables, as seen in Matsuo Basho's “Oku no Hosomichi” (The Narrow Road to the Deep North). I am finally beginning to see some clues (in my imagination), but I have received an urgent “announcement request” from an acquaintance. This acquaintance is Mr. Takashi Fujishima, an architect who has been active in Sapporo.
　I have known Mr. Fujishima for about 30 to 40 years. Our relationship began when I interviewed him about his concrete block house. Recently, through another acquaintance, my wife and I have also had the opportunity to socialize with him.
Mr. Fujishima has produced many “junior architects” and left a significant mark on Hokkaido's architectural scene, but as he has entered his senior years, he seems to have shifted his focus to more relaxed activities. He mentioned that his current work involves “maintenance of properties and consultations.” However, from an outsider's perspective, I feel that his influence is still very much present.
It seems that the office space has been reduced, and the space is now being reused as a gallery called “Koto Kankikan,” hosting various “mini-events.”
Previous events include “Cat Sketches Cat Exhibition,” “Spanish Travelogue,” “Japanese Music with Koto and Shakuhachi,” “Architect Nakajima Kazuko's ‘Architectural Discussion’—Urban Colors Edition,” and “Fujishima's Signature Jazz Live,” among others. I wish I could have seen those events (laughs). Hmm.
　This Saturday, August 30, at 5 PM, architect Akira Iida, who has recently launched an initiative called “Design Dojo” focused on homebuilding and architecture, will host a mini-seminar titled “Architectural Discussions 2: Self-Indulgence” for about 10 people.
I was informed of this suddenly, and unfortunately, I cannot attend due to a planned couple's trip, but since it was requested by none other than Fujishima-san, I will share the information.

　Kotokankakan Gallery (2-minute walk from Hibari-ga-oka Station on the Tozai Subway Line)
There will be a reception after the seminar, so the participation fee is 3,000 yen. The number of participants and the schedule are limited, so if you wish to participate, please contact us as soon as possible. I think the architects' candid talk is worth seeing.
For inquiries, please contact TAU Design Studio, Takashi Fujishima, at 090-5074-0411.

●Notice
My book “Writers and Living Spaces” has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available for purchase on Amazon.

【松尾芭蕉「おくのほそ道」の道行き】

　わたしのような戦後生まれで戦後教育で育った年代からすると明治期以降の散文・長文の文学作品、具体的には夏目漱石などの年代以降がその後の日本文化の基本のように受容してきていた。そういう人間からすると「おくのほそ道」やその構成要素である七五あるいは五七の音節の余韻文化には、古語という感覚が大きかった。たぶん明治以降の脱亜入欧気分、近代化現代化という日本社会の基本的な「右肩上がり志向」が人間のこころに大きな干渉を与え続けていたのだと思える。しかしその夏目漱石は無二の友人として正岡子規がいて、四国松山で同じ住居で同棲（笑）までしていた肝胆照らす関係だった。根っこの表現が生まれてくる「波動」的な部分でお互いに共鳴し合っていたに違いない。
　俳句にしろ短歌にしろどれもが「５と７」の音の組み合わせで構成されている日本語の詩文。その由来については一般的に以下のような説が強い。
●大和言葉は、二音節の単語（例: 花、月、雪）と三音節の単語（例: 命、心、力）を基本としていて、これらの単語を組み合わせることで、自然と五音と七音のリズムが生まれる。
●英語のような強弱のリズムではなく、音節の数でリズムを刻む。そのため五音と七音の組み合わせが、日本語話者にとって心地よいリズムとして認識されやすい。
●ほかにも稲作が広まり人々の生活に根付いたことで、二拍子や四拍子のリズムが自然に受け入れられたとも。
　こういう詩文の日本文化のなかで、1644ー1694年という50年間を生きた松尾芭蕉さん。
　「おくのほそ道」という最高傑作で民族を代表する文学者として記憶されてきている。日本の近代以前の「文学者」として西行と並ぶほどの存在感を示している。50年の生涯のうち1675年にこの詩文文学での本格的活動を江戸で開始した。30歳前後。そこから1689年44歳の時にこの「おくのほそ道」取材＆現地での「興業」旅は行われている。この旅から４−５年でかれは世を去っているワケだから、まことに儚い。やはりその後の作品の無数の出版が、かれの事跡を大きく評価させていったということなのだろう。
　日本においてこういう詩文文化がどのように経済的に「あり得ていたか」も非常に興味深い。現代社会では出版と言うことは一般化して、またテレビという情報拡散に圧倒的なツールもあるけれど、そうではないメカニズムの中ですらこの作品は圧倒的に存在感を示し続けてきた。
　
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English version⬇　

[Matsuo Basho's journey in “Oku no Hosomichi”]
This journey took place four or five years before his death. The meaning of life had changed, but that is precisely why I am attracted to the spirit of literary creation and its stylistic nature. ...

　For someone like me, born after the war and raised under postwar education, literary works of prose and long-form writing from the Meiji period onwards—specifically those from the era of Natsume Soseki and later—have been accepted as the foundation of Japanese culture. From such a perspective, the cultural resonance of the seven-five or five-seven syllable structure in “Oku no Hosomichi” and its constituent elements evoked a strong sense of archaic language. I think the Meiji-era mindset of “leaving Asia and entering Europe,” along with Japan's basic “upwardly mobile” orientation toward modernization and industrialization, continued to exert a significant influence on people's minds. However, Natsume Soseki had a close friend in Masaoka Shiki, with whom he shared a residence in Matsuyama, Shikoku, even living together (laughs). They must have resonated with each other in the “wave-like” part where the root expressions were born.
Whether it be haiku or tanka, all Japanese poetry is composed of combinations of “5 and 7” sounds. The following theory is generally accepted as the origin of this.
●Yamato words are based on two-syllable words (e.g., flower, moon, snow) and three-syllable words (e.g., life, heart, strength), and combining these words naturally creates a rhythm of five and seven syllables.
●Unlike the stress-based rhythm of English, Japanese rhythm is based on the number of syllables. Therefore, the combination of five and seven syllables is easily recognized as a pleasant rhythm by Japanese speakers.
●In addition, as rice cultivation spread and became rooted in people's lives, two-beat and four-beat rhythms were naturally accepted.
Matsuo Basho lived during this 50-year period of Japanese cultural poetry from 1644 to 1694.
　He is remembered as a literary figure representing the nation through his masterpiece “Oku no Hosomichi.” He demonstrated a presence rivaling that of Saigyo as a “literary figure” in pre-modern Japan. He began his serious literary activities in Edo in 1675, at the age of 30. He was around 30 years old at the time. From there, in 1689, at the age of 44, he undertook the research and “performance” journey for “Oku no Hosomichi.” He passed away four to five years after this journey, which is truly tragic. It is likely that the numerous publications of his works afterward greatly contributed to the evaluation of his achievements.
　It is also fascinating to consider how such poetic culture could have economically sustained itself in Japan. In modern society, publishing has become widespread, and television serves as an overwhelming tool for information dissemination. Yet even within such mechanisms, this work has continued to exert an overwhelming presence.

●Notice
My book “Writers and Living Spaces” has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available for purchase on Amazon.

【日本人オリジナルな「五七調」詩文文化の深み】

　先日「書道」の展覧会を参観させていただく機会があって、すっかり興味を深めています。
　筆ペンをあれこれ買い込んできてはヘタな「書」を書いてその「表情の奥行き」に我がことながら、なぜここまで「心情」が表現されるのか、とワクワクさせられている次第。
　で、筆ペンで書いていると、自ずと俳句とか和歌とかの「短文表現」文化に引き寄せられてくる。写経というような日本に根付いた伝統文化もあるけれど、それ以上にこういった文章文化に思いが至る。
　70代になるまで主に仕事上の必要性・必然性から写真表現や長文文化の世界にどっぷりと浸かってきて、こういう文化世界に初めてと言っていいほどの遭遇感。主に「住宅建築」的な視点で近現代の作家の足跡をたどることをライフワークと考え始めて、たしかに正岡子規とか、さらに時代を遡って松尾芭蕉などの短文文学者の足跡機会も持ってきている。
　そこから一歩進めて、短文文化自体の興味分野にも分け入ってみたいと思っています。
　写真はそんな思いを脳裏に浮かべながら、日頃の散歩道で遭遇した明治天皇の「御製」。北海道神宮境内の「手水舎」ヨコにそっとあって、これまで気付くことがなかった。日本人は、こういう場でも短文表現で心象を相互に「通わせ」て、一種の行動規範として生かしてきている。
　寄る年波ということでしょうか、いろんな場所で「御製」とめぐり会うことが増えてきているけれど、今更ながらその社会的コミュニケーションのありように内心、驚愕する思い。「よき友に　まじはりてこそ　おのづから　人の心も　たかくなりけれ」。
　こういう日常的ななんでもない習慣性空間で、ふとこういう「深み」に気付かせられる文化というものはやはり世界でも稀有なものだと思わされるのですね。
　その機縁のありがたさに導かれてみたいです。

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https://amzn.asia/d/eUiv9yO


English version⬇　
　
[The depth of Japanese original “5-7-5” poetry culture]
A text quietly placed as a “coincidence” in a place of Japanese customary behavior, the hand-washing basin at a shrine. A unique area of Japanese culture where one can enjoy its connotations. ...

　I recently had the opportunity to visit a calligraphy exhibition, which has deepened my interest in the art form.
I've been buying various brush pens and writing my own clumsy calligraphy, marveling at the depth of expression in the strokes and wondering why they convey so much emotion.
　When I write with a brush pen, I naturally feel drawn to the culture of “short-form expression” like haiku and waka poetry. While there are traditional Japanese cultural practices like copying sutras, I find myself more drawn to this kind of literary culture.
　Until my 70s, I had been deeply immersed in the world of photographic expression and long-form culture primarily out of necessity and inevitability for work. This encounter with such a cultural world feels almost like a first. I have begun to consider tracing the footsteps of modern and contemporary writers from a “residential architecture” perspective as my life's work, and I have indeed had the opportunity to explore the footsteps of short-form literary figures like Masaoka Shiki and, going further back in time, Matsuo Basho.
　From there, I would like to take a step further and delve into the field of short-form culture itself.
While pondering these thoughts, I came across Emperor Meiji's “imperial poem” during my daily walk. It was quietly placed next to the “hand-washing pavilion” within the grounds of Hokkaido Shrine, and I had never noticed it before. Japanese people have used short-form expressions to convey their inner feelings to one another in such settings, and have incorporated them into a kind of behavioral norm.
　Perhaps it is due to advancing age, but I have been encountering imperial poems in various places more frequently lately, and I am inwardly astonished by the nature of this form of social communication. “By associating with good friends, one's heart naturally becomes elevated.”
　Such a culture that subtly reveals such “depth” in everyday, ordinary, habitual spaces is indeed rare in the world.
I would like to be guided by the gratitude for such an opportunity.

●Notice
My book “Writers and Living Spaces” has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available on Amazon.

【北海道道庁「赤煉瓦」旧本庁舎・改修工事】

　14日に道庁裏手の老舗旅館・中村屋で行われていた高校同期会の準備会＆麻雀会の帰路、くだんの工事完了した赤煉瓦庁舎を通りすがってみた。ちょうど時間が17時直前で、内観の参観には時間もないし、またなによりも「ボロ負け」状態の麻雀結果で精神的に疲労感がMAXだったので（笑）外観参観のみ。あ、友人一同そこそこの分別盛りですので賭け麻雀ではありません（キッパリ）、念のため。
　知人の札幌市立大の羽深先生のSNSなどで情報は知っていたのですが、どんな工事内容だったのかなど詳しくはまだ未調査。なんですがわが家の新築当時、北海道人として「北海道らしさ」にささやかなこだわりを持って、ほぼ地域独自と言ってもいい「コンクリートブロック造」でなお「外断熱」仕様とした上で、外断熱にするとブロック以外の素材でも「外皮」が構成できることをメリットと捉えて、その一部分を赤レンガの壁にしたかったのですね。
　やはり北海道らしい素材として赤レンガ、そしてそのシンボルとしての建築・道庁赤煉瓦庁舎への地域住民的な「愛着感・プライド」があったのです。実際に積み上がっていくわが家の赤煉瓦壁を見ていると「家を建てている」という施主としての強い実感を持つことが出来た。
　煉瓦壁工事を担当してくれた事業社の社長さんも自ら仕上げを確認してくれて「いい壁できたね（笑）」とうれしそうに言葉を掛けてくれたことが深く思い出される。個人によって家づくりの意味合いはそれぞれでしょうが、わたし個人としてコンクリートブロックと赤煉瓦仕様には思い入れが強い。
　煉瓦建築からは白濁のように外皮に斑紋が表れるのですが、それは積層させていくときにつなぎ材として使うモルタルからアルカリ成分が浮き出てくる。普通はそれは「見たくない」と思われるのですが、わたしはそれもなにかの痕跡のように思えてキライではない。道庁赤煉瓦庁舎でも、築137年以上（1888年建築）経過していてなお、その斑紋が浮き出ているのを見て、かえってうれしく思えている。
　ということで今回は外観参観だけでしたが、ほぼ無限の建築生命感に打たれていました。・・・
　
●お知らせ
拙書「作家と住空間」幻冬舎から電子書籍で発刊
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https://amzn.asia/d/eUiv9yO


English version⬇　
　
[Renovation of the former Hokkaido Government Office Building, known as the “Red Brick Building”]
The Japanese government entrusted its strong feelings toward the new frontier of Hokkaido to this building. We pray for the longevity of this red brick building so that the message from our predecessors will live on forever. ...

　On the 14th, on my way home from a preparatory meeting and mahjong game for a high school reunion held at Nakamuraya, a long-established ryokan behind the prefectural office, I happened to pass by the red brick government building where the construction had been completed. It was just before 5:00 p.m., so I didn't have time to look inside, and besides, I was mentally exhausted from losing badly at mahjong (laughs), so I just looked at the exterior. By the way, my friends and I are all of a certain age, so it wasn't a gambling mahjong game (to be clear), just to be sure.
I had heard about the construction through my acquaintance, Professor Habuka of Sapporo City University, but I hadn't yet investigated the details of the construction work. However, when our house was newly built, as a Hokkaido native, I had a small obsession with “Hokkaido-ness,” and opted for a “concrete block construction” that could almost be called regionally unique, with an “external insulation” specification. I saw the advantage of being able to use materials other than blocks for the “exterior envelope” with external insulation, and wanted to use red brick walls for part of it.
　Red brick is a material that embodies the essence of Hokkaido, and there was a sense of attachment and pride among local residents toward the Hokkaido Government Red Brick Building, which serves as a symbol of the region. Watching the red brick walls of our home being built gave me a strong sense of ownership as the homeowner.
　The president of the construction company responsible for the brick wall work personally inspected the finish and cheerfully remarked, “What a nice wall!” That moment remains deeply etched in my memory. While the meaning of home construction varies from person to person, I personally have a strong attachment to the combination of concrete blocks and red brick.
　In brick architecture, white spots appear on the exterior surface, which are caused by alkaline components from the mortar used as a binder when layering the bricks. While this is typically considered undesirable, I find it reminiscent of some kind of trace and do not dislike it. At the Hokkaido Government Red Brick Building, which has been standing for over 137 years (built in 1888), I was actually delighted to see those patterns still visible.
So, this time it was just an exterior tour, but I was deeply moved by the almost infinite sense of architectural vitality. ...

●Announcement
My book “Writers and Living Spaces” has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available for purchase on Amazon.

【はじめて取得「敬老パス」で「運動歩数」確保へ】

　昨日書いた「ヒグマ」関連情報ですが、不安なニュースがふたたび。・・・【捜索中断】北海道斜里町・羅臼岳HBCニュース北海道〜ヒグマに襲われ20代男性が安否不明…付近の山中には下山できていない登山者十数人も　15日早朝から捜索予定〜。登山者の安全を願うのみですが、こうした状況に対して現代の地域行政総体は試練に直面している。現実に野生の「暴力性」をコントロール出来るのは人間社会の「防衛力」猟銃免許を持ったハンター組織の活用しかあり得ない。安全確保にはこれしかないけれど、それを阻む要素をどう制御するのか、それが試されつつある。昨日書いた美唄の北側の砂川市では昨日も４件のヒグマ痕跡確認・目撃情報があった。北海道の未来を考えれば不可欠な安全性テーマですね。
　さて写真はわたしのためにカミさんが手配してくれた札幌市の「敬老優待乗車券」。
　この制度は以下のような概要：札幌市の70歳以上を対象に外出を支援し老後生活の充実を図るため1,000円～17,000円の自己負担で、10,000円～70,000円分の公共交通機関の利用ができるもの。1975年に札幌市電と札幌市営バスなどを対象に始まり翌年に地下鉄にも拡大し、バス路線も順次対象となったと制度。
　古くからあるそうで、うかつにもまったく知らずに過ごしていた（泣）。その制度が改変されつつあってちょうどわたしのカミさん年代では受給は５年ほど繰り延べされることになり、またわたし年代でも徐々に制度上の利得性が薄れる寸前時期に。カミさんが気付いて手配。自己申告で発注して郵便局の窓口で現金を支払って有効にしていただきました。
　わたしの場合「移動」についてもほぼクルマ一択で市営の公共機関を利用することがマレだったことから気付いていなかったのですね。今回申請することにしたのは、夫婦で高齢期の健康管理のために「歩け歩け」習慣を実践しつつあって、またそれがある程度健康面で実ってきているので、クルマから公共交通利用〜歩いて市内めぐり、という機会を積極的に作ろうという狙い。
　昨日さっそく夫婦で札幌市西区の「琴似」地下鉄駅から「大通り」駅間を往復して初使用（笑）。わが家では当面1000円で購入して10,000円分の利用権を得た。目的地となった友人たちとの「同期会」準備会議でさっそく「どや」と披露したら、東京在住で参加している友人から「東京にもそういうのあって、ずっと前から使いまくっているよ（笑）」との初耳情報。
　これはまったくわたしが情報遅れしていたようで、みなさん多いに利用されているのですね。ようやく常識に追いついたので、徐々に利用を拡大していき健康増進に活用を心がけたいです。

●お知らせ
拙書「作家と住空間」幻冬舎から電子書籍で発刊
お求めはAmazonで。
https://amzn.asia/d/eUiv9yO


English version⬇　

[Securing “exercise steps” with my first “Senior Citizen Pass”]
I've always been a person who lives by information, but I didn't know about this “great deal.” Better late than never, I want to make the most of it and work hard with my spouse to live a long and healthy life. ...

　Regarding the information I wrote yesterday about brown bears, there is more worrying news. ... [Search suspended] Shari Town, Hokkaido, Mount Rausu HBC News Hokkaido - A man in his 20s is missing after being attacked by a brown bear... A dozen climbers are also unable to descend from the mountains in the vicinity. A search is planned for early morning on the 15th. We can only hope for the safety of the climbers, but the regional administration as a whole is facing a challenge in this situation. In reality, the only way to control the “violence” of wild animals is through the “defensive capabilities” of human society, specifically the utilization of hunter organizations with hunting licenses. While this is the only option for ensuring safety, the challenge lies in how to control the factors that hinder it. In Sandakan City, north of Bibai, where I wrote about yesterday, there were four reports of bear tracks and sightings yesterday as well. This is an indispensable safety issue when considering the future of Hokkaido.
　The photo shows the “Senior Citizen Discount Pass” for public transportation in Sapporo City, which my wife arranged for me.
This system is summarized as follows: Targeted at those aged 70 and over in Sapporo City, it aims to support outdoor activities and enrich senior citizens' lives by allowing them to use public transportation worth 10,000 to 70,000 yen with a self-burden of 1,000 to 17,000 yen. The program began in 1975 targeting the Sapporo City Tram and Sapporo City Bus, and was expanded to include the subway the following year, with bus routes gradually being added as well.
It has been around for a long time, but I had no idea about it until now (tears). The program is currently undergoing revisions, and for my wife's generation, eligibility has been postponed by about five years. For my generation, the benefits of the program are also gradually diminishing. My wife noticed this and made the arrangements. We submitted the application ourselves, paid the fee in cash at the post office counter, and had it activated.
In my case, since I almost exclusively use a car for transportation and rarely use public transportation, I hadn't noticed this either. The reason we decided to apply this time is that we are practicing the “walk, walk” habit for health management in our elderly years, and since it has started to show some health benefits, we aim to actively create opportunities to switch from car use to public transportation and walking around the city.
Yesterday, we immediately used it for the first time, walking back and forth between the “Kotoni” subway station in Sapporo's West Ward and the “Odori” station (laugh). At our home, we purchased it for 1,000 yen and obtained 10,000 yen worth of usage rights. When we proudly showed it off at the preparation meeting for the “class reunion” with our friends who were the destination, a friend living in Tokyo who was participating said, “There's something like that in Tokyo too, and I've been using it for a long time (laughs),” which was new information to us.
It seems I was completely behind on the information, and many people are already using it extensively. Now that I’ve finally caught up with the norm, I’d like to gradually expand my use of it and make an effort to utilize it for health promotion.

●Announcement
My book, “Writers and Living Spaces,” has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available for purchase on Amazon.

【ヒグマ注意看板で「即・退散」の北海道人・・・】

　ことしの札幌は異常な高温で推移していますが、それ以上にオドロかされるのが「ヒグマ」情報の爆発ぶり。札幌市は市民の安全最優先という姿勢を見せているのか、スマホへのLINE情報提供で、ほとんど毎日「ヒグマ目撃・痕跡情報」を発信しています。札幌は地形的に南方を山並みが囲んでいるので、かれらの生息域と完全にニアヒアなのですね。
　一方ここ数年、ヒグマのそれも若い個体が増えてきて、それらは「人間社会を怖れる」という認知機能が減衰してきているのも事実のようです。ことしの高温はどのように影響するかまだわからないだろうと思いますが、確実にヒグマとの接近遭遇状況は深刻化してきている。先般は道南・福島町で新聞販売員さんがヒグマに襲われ痛ましい死を遂げられましたが、その後くだんの個体をハンターのみなさんが殺処分出来たのに対して、公共団体の電話窓口に執拗ないやがらせ電話を掛けてくるという、悲しい人もいる。ご本人たちは自分は「自然保護」の神聖な行動者だと思われているのでしょうか？
　北海道に暮らす人間としては、まことに悲しい思い。
　わたしのような一般ピープルはこういう状況を受けて、とにかく避難、逃げる一択の行動選択を心がけております。昨日は、札幌から１時間半ほどの美唄市のアルテピアッツァ美唄で美術鑑賞と思って移動していた。ですが、その彫刻作品の多くは自然道のなかに点在しているために、その通路入口付近にごらんのような注意看板。
　行政側の注意看板設置はよく理解できる。一方、こういう状況でなお、彫刻作品を見に行こうと考えるかどうか、ユーザー側としては非常に微妙。わたしとしては、作家の安田侃さんには申し訳ない気もしたけれど、やはりここは退散一択でした。数年前までなんども参観はしているので、ま、再会はいいや、となったのですね。離れて行動していたカミさんにもすぐにケータイで即情報共有・即撤収。
　たぶんこういう行動パターンは北海道民に増えざるを得ないでしょうね。
　
●お知らせ
拙書「作家と住空間」幻冬舎から電子書籍で発刊
お求めはAmazonで。
https://amzn.asia/d/eUiv9yO


English version⬇　

[Hokkaido residents immediately retreat upon seeing bear warning signs...]
In response to the killing of a bear that had killed a person in Fukushima Town in southern Hokkaido, there was an outpouring of criticism and angry phone calls based on the idea of “nature conservation” (tears). As a Hokkaido resident, I just feel sad. ...

　This year, Sapporo has been experiencing unusually high temperatures, but what is even more surprising is the explosion of information about brown bears. The city of Sapporo seems to be prioritizing the safety of its citizens, as it provides information via LINE to smartphones, issuing “brown bear sighting and trace information” almost every day. Sapporo is surrounded by mountains to the south, so it is very close to the bears' habitat.
　On the other hand, in recent years, the number of young brown bears has increased, and it seems to be a fact that their cognitive function to fear human society has been declining. While it is still unclear how this year's high temperatures will affect the situation, it is certain that encounters with brown bears are becoming more severe. Recently, a newspaper delivery person in Fukushima Town, southern Hokkaido, was tragically killed by a brown bear. While hunters were able to euthanize the bear in question, there are also sad individuals who persistently make harassing calls to public agency hotlines. Do these people believe themselves to be sacred guardians of “nature conservation”?
　As someone living in Hokkaido, this is truly heartbreaking.
As an ordinary person, I am mindful to prioritize evacuation and escape as the sole course of action in such situations. Yesterday, I was traveling to Arte Piazza Bibai in Bibai City, about an hour and a half from Sapporo, intending to enjoy some art. However, many of the sculptures are scattered along natural paths, so there are warning signs like the one shown here at the entrance to the pathways.
　I understand why the administration put up the warning signs. On the other hand, as a user, it is very delicate to decide whether to go see the sculptures in such a situation. I felt sorry for the artist, Yasuda Kan, but I had no choice but to leave. Since I had visited many times before, I thought, “Well, I'll just skip the reunion this time.” I immediately shared the information with my wife, who was acting separately, and we evacuated.
　I suppose this kind of behavior pattern is inevitable for Hokkaido residents.

●Notice
My book “Artists and Living Spaces” has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available on Amazon.

【隣地境界にフェンス施工で「地形」修正完了】

　昨日はお盆の墓参りと親族での朝食会など。
　で、わが家2.0は札幌の「里塚霊園」にもほど近いので、そちらに集合しておりました。
　義父の代から地形（じがた）に難があって、写真左側の市内幹線道路「厚別東通り」への接道が５ｍしかなかったのですが、昨年からの交渉経緯でようやく整理整頓が付いて約３倍の15mほどに拡張。その境界仕切り線として、隣地利用者の工事で今回フェンスが設置された次第。
　親族が集合するのにも、クルマの駐車場として優に５台程度は確保。
　隣地は交通の要衝角地に位置しているので、土地所有者である全国企業は、これも全国企業のフードビジネス企業に土地をレンタルして、その店舗が工事進捗中。工事は順調で目視的には外観形状は完成し、これから外装、そして内装工事が始まりそうな段階ということ。その企業の中でラーメン店チェーンが選定されて開業するとのこと。
　わが家としては当面は様子を見ながら、親族の集合可能なわが家2.0として活用しつつ、であります。
　しかし土地形状での「地形」というのは非常に重要だとあらためて認識させられた。住宅には土地は非常に大きな要素、というか、ほぼすべてを規定する「与条件」。それが整形されるということは、その土地が生きて活用出来るかどうかの分水嶺でしょうね。そしてその整形にはやはり近隣との「良い関係づくり」がなにものにも最優先する条件。
　仕事人生では戸建て住宅の情報の世界で生きてきたのですが、その延長戦的で興味深かった。
　なんにせよ、きれいにフェンスが造作され、また隣地も店舗利用として整地が進んできて、クルマ交通での要衝的な立地環境が確定してきた。ゆっくりと利活用を考えて行きたいところです。

●お知らせ
拙書「作家と住空間」幻冬舎から電子書籍で発刊
お求めはAmazonで。
https://amzn.asia/d/eUiv9yO


English version⬇

[Terrain correction completed with fence construction on neighboring property boundary]
Land beautifully expresses its environmental characteristics. In this context, beautiful terrain is an important requirement for “utilizing and making use of” the land. ...

　Yesterday, we visited graves during Obon and had breakfast with relatives.
Our house 2.0 is close to Satotsuka Cemetery in Sapporo, so we gathered there.
　Since my father-in-law's generation, there have been issues with the terrain, and the access road to the city's main artery, “Atsubetsu East Street,” on the left side of the photo was only 5 meters wide. However, after negotiations that began last year, the area was finally organized and expanded to approximately 15 meters, about three times the original width. As a boundary line, a fence was installed this time as part of the neighboring property owner's construction work.
　The parking lot can easily accommodate five cars, which is sufficient for family gatherings.
The neighboring land is located at a key transportation hub, so the national company that owns the land has leased it to another national company in the food business, which is currently under construction. The construction is progressing smoothly, and the exterior shape is already complete. The next phase will involve exterior and interior construction. It is reported that a ramen chain will be selected to open a store there.
　For now, we will monitor the situation while utilizing it as a gathering place for family members, our “Home 2.0.”
However, this experience has once again made me realize how crucial the “topography” of the land is. For residential properties, the land is a crucial factor—almost the sole determining condition. Whether the land is shaped appropriately is the dividing line between whether it can be effectively utilized or not. And for that shaping, building good relationships with neighbors is the top priority.
In my professional life, I've been immersed in the world of single-family homes, so this was an interesting extension of that.
In any case, the fences are neatly constructed, and the adjacent land is being prepared for commercial use, with the location now confirmed as a key transportation hub. We'd like to take our time considering how to make the most of it.

●Announcement
My book “Writers and Living Spaces” has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available for purchase on Amazon.

【新米まであとひと月 備蓄「古米」とわが家の十二穀米】

令和の「コメ騒動」、わが家は一応、蚊帳の外で過ごしてきました。わが家では知人で宮城県でコメ農家を営む方から「ひとめぼれ」を一括直接購入し続けてきていて、その「備蓄」が数ヶ月分買い置きしてあったのです。ただし、わが家ではそのお米に黒豆・小豆や十穀米をブレンドして楽しんでいまして、基本は夫婦ふたり用で、なおダイエット的食習慣なのでブレンド米としても１日２合程度の分量。
　最近は以前の会社スタッフのための「お寿司」握りもご無沙汰しているので、コメ騒動とはほぼ無縁で過ごしてきておりました。ただ、そうは言っても８月に入ってついに備蓄米は心細くなってきた。ことしの新米はもうすでに農家の方にお願いはしているので、ほんの少しの「予備」として、２枚目写真のように「古米」を購入してきました。まだ未開封で食べておりません。上写真は冷凍保存を解凍したわが家の「ごはん」。
　購入してきたカミさんによると５kgで2,000円を切って販売していたということで、どういう食味であるのか、一種楽しみにしています。どうなのかなぁ。
　わたしは大勢に順応する素直な性格（笑）なので、日本人としてお米に対しては四の五の言うのではなく、ただひたすら農家のみなさんに感謝して食べさせていただく、という心理一択。なので、値段の高低で差を付けて考えることには否定的。むしろいちばん低価格なお米にも、感謝を込めて食べさせていただきたいと思っているところ。ただそれも普段の暮らし方最優先で、いよいよ底を突いた段階でと思っております。この古米にはいまのところ、米びつのそばで備蓄としてひっそりとしてもらっている。
　やがて食べさせていただくわけですが、食感感受性を総動員して、真剣に吟味したいと考えています。
　それにしても、農家の表情がわかっていて食べさせていただくというのはありがたい。日本人は長い年月、こういう「関係性」を大切にして生きてきたのだと思います。日本人にとってはそういう規律的な「生活文化性」がはるかに意味が大きい。

●お知らせ
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English version⬇

[One month until the new rice harvest: Storing old rice and our family's twelve-grain rice]
Rice culture and the Japanese people are the foundation of a way of life that will never end. Regardless of price, it is the spirit of gratitude that matters most. ...

During the rice shortage in the Reiwa era, my family managed to stay out of the fray. We have been purchasing Hitomebore rice directly from a friend who runs a rice farm in Miyagi Prefecture, and we had several months' worth of rice in stock. However, we enjoy blending this rice with black beans, azuki beans, and ten-grain rice. The basic amount is for two people, and since we follow a diet-conscious eating habit, the blended rice is about two cups per day.
Recently, we haven't been making sushi for former company staff, so we've been largely unaffected by the rice shortage. However, even so, by August, our stockpile of rice had started to run low. We’ve already requested this year’s new rice from the farmers, so as a small “reserve,” we purchased some “old rice” as shown in the second photo. It’s still unopened and we haven’t eaten it yet. The top photo shows our family’s “rice” after thawing it from frozen storage.
According to my wife, who purchased it, it was sold for under 2,000 yen per 5 kg, so I’m curious about the taste and looking forward to trying it. I wonder how it will be.
　I have a straightforward personality that adapts to the crowd (laughs), so as a Japanese person, I don't nitpick about rice. I simply feel grateful to the farmers and eat it with a single-minded mindset. Therefore, I am opposed to distinguishing between rice based on price. Instead, I want to eat even the cheapest rice with gratitude. However, this is also a priority in my daily life, and I plan to do so only when we've run out of options. For now, I'm keeping this old rice quietly stored next to my rice bin.
Eventually, I'll eat it, but I want to seriously evaluate it by mobilizing all my sensory perceptions.
Still, it's wonderful to be able to eat rice while understanding the farmers' expressions. I think Japanese people have lived for a long time valuing such “relationships.” For Japanese people, such disciplined “lifestyle culture” is far more meaningful.

●Announcement
My book “Writers and Living Spaces” has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available for purchase on Amazon.