February 4, 2026 (Wednesday) The world is enveloped in a gentle yet solemn blanket of silver as far as the eye can see. A snow-like haze drifts over the foothills of the distant mountains, and a mysterious curtain of mist gently obscures the activities at their base, creating a fantastical awakening.
On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, we will be enjoying Ehomaki (sushi rolls) from Restaurant Kazeguruma at Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen, a traditional Japanese hot springs restaurant, to ward off evil spirits and pray for the health and safety of our families. The Ehomaki, which embodies the blessings of the Seven Lucky Gods, and the luxurious Shrimp Cutlet Roll […]
Monday, January 19, 2026 A winter road stretches straight ahead. Ahead of us stands the majestic Mount Edai, covered in snow. Bathed in the sunlight, its silvery ridgeline sparkles, almost like the […]
Friday, January 16, 2026 The breath of a lightly snow-covered forest, a blue sky filled with drifting clouds, and the pure white earth that gently embraces everything. Heaven, earth, and forest. The three souls blend and resonate together to create the melody of the "Trinity," bringing to life the dignified winter […]
January 15, 2026 (Thursday) Hokuryu Town is a town where 70% of the area is covered in lush forests. During the harsh winter, the trees and fields are covered in pure white snow, enveloping them in a cloak of silence. Looking up, the sky seems to reach the depths of space. […]
Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Turning all light into a pure, transparent white, the town of Hokuryu is now quietly enveloped in a veil of sparkling snow. The air is crisp and clear. Immerse yourself in this profound silence and your heart will be […]
Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Kagami mochi, the rice cake in which the New Year deity quietly resides. The Kagami-biraki ceremony is a ceremony of gratitude to share a small portion of the deity's sacred power. Since ancient times, the vermilion color of azuki beans has been believed to ward off evil spirits, and is said to bring good health, safety in the home, and happiness.
Friday, January 9, 2026 It was early morning on Tuesday, January 6. I opened the front door to get the newspaper as usual. In the crisp, chilly air of Hokuryu Town, I looked up and saw a rainbow of light (a halo of moonlight) spreading across the sky.
Thursday, January 8, 2026 A dignified, taut world of ice. Even your breath freezes white as the silent morning arrives. The curtains of night slowly lift, revealing a new light for just a moment. The sky is deep and clear. […]
January 7, 2026 (Wednesday) The New Year's holiday has passed, and the New Year's mood has subsided a little. Today is Jinjitsu no Sekku, a day to cherish others. On a bitterly chilly morning in Hokuryu Town, steaming hot rice porridge with seven herbs […]
Tuesday, January 6, 2026: The first three days of the New Year have passed, and quiet times have returned to Hokuryu Town. While savoring the flavors of New Year's dishes, we made colorful "Kotobuki Oshizushi" (pressed sushi) to pray for good health and happiness in the coming year. [...]
On Friday, January 2, 2026, snow quietly fell, painting the world in white on New Year's Eve. As if to break the cold, tense silence, the warm spirit of Hokuryu Town was delivered to my home. Masao Fujisaki, a resident of Hokuryu Town, used his skills and […]