The audit, which I nervously dealt with, has concluded. Upon receiving the report from the inspector, I am confident that the efforts we have undertaken so far have been effective. I believe such audits won’t occur again for a while. Everyone in the company will continue with ongoing improvement activities. After returning home, I spent time with my friend Kurumi. I really enjoy this time.
Yesterday marked Risshū, officially signaling the start of autumn on the calendar. As evening fell, the sound of cicadas began to fill the air. Additionally, the typhoon season has arrived. Typhoon Number 7 is currently located to the south of Japan, with forecasts predicting it will make landfall on Honshu next week. We can only hope for the avoidance of any disasters. As for Kurumi, his condition is still a bit under the weather today. My wife and I are considering consulting a veterinarian for him this coming weekend.
In the morning, the cherry tree-lined street in front of the station was filled with the vibrant chorus of cicadas, creating a symphony of their cries. Amidst the rush of commuters, I also walked to the station. The ginkgo tree avenue near my workplace was deserted and tranquil. This contrast made for an interesting morning. The first time I walked along this ginkgo tree avenue was a decade ago. I hope it remains forever. Now days, Kurumi has been taking longer to finish his meals. He peers into his food bowl and seems to ponder for a while. It’s been a while since we switched to this dog food, so he might have grown tired of it.
I have been performing interpreting duties at the company for an audit last week and this week. U.S. inspectors have come to the company to ensure that the organization is operating in compliance with regulations. As we manufacture and sell medical devices, it is essential that our products are safe and effective for U.S. citizens. Similar audits are also conducted in other countries. As Friday is a holiday this week, I will be busy with the audit for the next three days. It means I won’t have much time to spend with Kurumi. He seemed energetic today as well.
78 years ago today, the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. With the decreasing number of “narrators” who pass down the stories of that time, it seems that there are now individuals who are willing to listen to and inherit the experiences directly from the survivors. I can’t help but worry about the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. I pray that the atomic bomb will never be dropped again. Today, I tried cleaning the air conditioner installed in the dining area. Lately, there has been a smell of mold coming from the air vents. Although I’ve been told that it’s not recommended for amateurs to clean it, I decided to give it a try. It has been in use for 13 years now, so I plan to make it the last time this season. Today, we had occasional heavy rain. I thought the temperature might drop a bit, but after the rain, the humidity became unbearable, making it a very uncomfortable afternoon. As usual, Kurumi was clingy today. He manages to cleverly take his medicine out of the food.
台風 6 号は沖縄地方を襲って一度は過ぎ去ったのですが、また戻ってきました。まるで U ターンをするように動く台風です。来週はこの台風の影響が本州にもあるようです。海水温度が高いために台風も巨大化してしまいます。今日も強い陽射しの暑い一日でした。午後には南風が強くなり、睡蓮鉢の金魚たちに影を作っていた傘が壊れてしまいました。クルミくんは食事に薬が混ざっているとすぐには食べ始めません。小さな薬の錠剤なのですが、彼には匂うのでしょう。今夜は妻と蕎麦屋で夕食をいただきました。
Typhoon No. 6 struck the Okinawa region and initially passed over, but it has returned again. It behaves like a U-turning typhoon. Next week, it appears that the impact of this typhoon will also be felt in Honshu. The typhoon is growing in size due to the warm sea temperatures. Today was another hot day with intense sunlight. In the afternoon, the southern wind picked up strength, breaking the umbrella that was providing shade for the goldfish in the lotus pond. Kurumi is hesitant to start eating when there is medicine mixed with his meal. It’s a small pill, but he must be able to smell it. Tonight, my wife and I had dinner at a soba noodle restaurant.
As soon as I left my bedroom and stepped into the hallway in the morning, the heat hit me. It’s another hot day with the sun blazing down relentlessly. The term ‘New Normal’ has become more prevalent, and this abnormal weather might just become the new norm. Japan has always had its ever-changing four seasons, which is a wonderful thing, but it’s possible that we might end up with just two seasons: summer and winter. Today, I had plenty of time to spend with Kurumi. We played with toys until he got tired, and then he would sleep, repeating this cycle.
Today was my last day working at the factory. During lunch break, I took a stroll around the factory premises. It was scorching hot, and there were many cicadas around. I could hear the croaking of frogs from the pond at the back. It’s a peaceful place. I don’t have any plans to come back here again. I expressed my gratitude to the people who took care of me at the factory and started my journey back home. By the time I arrived home, it was already 10 PM, and my dog, Kurumi, was eagerly asking to play with his toys together as soon as he saw me.
In summer, various festivals are held all over Japan. The Tanabata festival in Sendai will take place on August 7th next week. This week, the entrance of the factory where I work is also decorated to celebrate Tanabata. Festivals are gatherings where people come together to celebrate and pray for peace and good health. Despite the abnormal hot weather continuing, I hope that people remain healthy and happy.
It rained heavily with thunderstorms this afternoon. However, after about 30 minutes, the strong sunlight returned once again. I thought the temperature might have dropped a bit, but the brief rain seemed to only increase the humidity. After finishing work, I took a short walk today as well. Beautiful summer clouds were floating in the sky. As evening approached, I could hear the cicadas singing.
