Iwate Prefecture, Miyako City. It's my hometown. There's an event called 'Taimatsu-kashi' (torch lighting). We make bonfires in the garden or in front of the house. We also buy fireworks and set them off. The reason is that during Obon, our ancestors are said to return home, so we light fires to mark the way so they don't get lost.

At first glance, it might sound a bit like a horror story, but since it's an old custom, I didn't really mind it. Especially as a child, I would say 'Fireworks!' and look forward to it.

So, when it came to fireworks in my hometown, it was normal to 'light fireworks with the fire from a bonfire,' and I had no idea about lighting them with a 'lighter.' I thought lighting fireworks with a bonfire was the basic way.

And that Taimatsu-kashi event, it happens an awful lot.

August 1st, August 7th, August 13th, August 14th, August 15th, August 16th, and August 20th, I think. Throughout August, there's a whole week of bonfires and fireworks. On these days, we have bonfires and fireworks every day. I hadn't properly returned to my hometown for about 10 years, so I realized anew that it was an event held daily.

As a child, I must have enjoyed having fireworks every day. Obon felt like such fun days that passed in an instant. Now, I've started to think that doing it every day is quite tiring… I've gotten old, haven't I?

But it's not like I dislike it. It's actually quite nice. Bonfires. Around 7 PM in the evening, I go out into the garden, stack pine branches and other wood, and light a fire. Then, I drink beer while enjoying the bonfire's flames. I sit on the veranda, or by the bonfire, gazing intently at the flickering flames. I talk with my grandma. If it's clear, the starry sky spreads overhead, which is very pleasant.

Sometimes, we also have barbecues. We haven't done it this year yet. I've also thought that perhaps the charm of rural areas lies in these local customs, or in the worldview that I took for granted as a child but wasn't actually common. After all, if you live a normal life, you don't often get the chance to have a bonfire. I truly feel that there are some interesting cultures out there.

By the way, my full return to Tokyo will be a bit later. Until then, I hope to fully experience the good things about my hometown and be able to report on them.

Also, a new project has started. Next, overseas, it will be around Malta, Croatia, and Spain. And in Japan, it will be a project closely related to depopulated areas and abandoned villages. If anyone is knowledgeable about those regions, please do share information. The launch itself will probably be a bit further off, but we are gradually moving forward, so please look forward to it.