mistwalker

Hometown Scenery　　2009.4.22

I had a chance to go to Kumamoto on business. I got to visit my hometown after a long period of time. I was born in Hitachi City of Ibaraki, but my parents were from Kyushu and I often went to Kumamoto and Kagoshima during summer vacation as a child.

By car, it takes about an hour and a half from Kumamoto city. There is a small town in the valley called Hitoyoshi. My grandmother who, during the turbulent postwar times and managed to feed four children on her own, owned a pottery shop there. There is also a family grave in a temple where the aging main hall looks like 100 years have passed. I visited my ancestors' grave after not doing so for a long time.

In the area, there is a building with a small hot spring, named "Motoyu," where my grandmother often brought me. A remaining part of Hitoyoshi castle was also there. I remember after taking a bath in this spring, she often bought me grilled squid from a street vendor and walked home while eating it. Since it was always summer, the sound of crickets overlapped all around me. The world felt more vast at the time. It was an adventure just coming home from the hot spring...

People say "Memories are beautiful," but the scenery of my hometown during this visit after so long felt miniaturized. I feel the town did not change, but the fresh feeling of excitement had been worn. I felt a little sad.

Everything passes on. Including myself. I felt again, as time passes, wanting to experience more things with my heart.

Kumamoto castle