Cherishing Family – and the People Around Us

Okaasan ShimbunLeave a comment

The “sen” in “Senri” means “May your life be rich and fruitful, filled with many encounters,” and the “ri” means “May you be warm, lovable, and well-liked by all.” I feel that time spent together as a family is very precious and flows slowly. Although it can be confusing as it is my first time raising a child, I try to hold my son tight and shower him with love. I think that the environment in which people such as fellow moms and dads, neighbors, and people I meet on the train or in stores talk to me and laugh with me is something that is only possible now while…

I enjoy my days devoted to my family

Okaasan ShimbunLeave a comment

I was born in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, and spent my childhood surrounded by verdant nature. I’ve loved to be active since I was little, and my main hobby is watching martial arts such as karate and ball games such as table tennis on YouTube. I have two mischievous boys, one year apart in age. Before my first son was born, I honestly wondered if I could really become a father. It was awkward raising children, with so many things being new to me… Just as I was slowly getting used to life with my children, I was blessed with my second son. When they were born, it was much harder…

Oyoko Day Essay Vol.4

Columns, Oyako StoriesLeave a comment

We will introduce some works from the collection of works in past Oyako Day Essay contest.   LAYING POSSUM The little girls’ batteries begin to run down after eight at night. You can measure the younger one’s fatigue by how much she cries. As for her full of energy older sister, she survived today’s kindergarten, but now she’s run out of juice and is sleeping on the sofa. Mom’s the one who’s supposed to get them both upstairs to bed. After a 10 kilo and then a 17 kilo freight transfer to the second floor, Mom’s ready to give it up, but when she comes back to the living room,…

Oyoko Day Essay Vol.3

Columns, Oyako StoriesLeave a comment

We will introduce some works from the collection of works in past Oyako Day Essay contest.   I COULD HAVE PICKED A BETTER MOTHER Always at work, never at home; oh, how I hated my mother. When I thought I heard her at home, I’d find her standing there at the kitchen sink with her back to me. By middle school, I was fed up with everything. One day something happened at school that bothered me and everything went haywire. At home, I blew my top and turned on my mother. “If only I could have chosen my mother ! I would’ve picked a better one !!” I could see…