Beware of Oshima’s Cats!

You should be careful of the cats this area. They don't run out onto the road. They are just there on the road all the time. They aren’t scared of cars. I make it a point to slow down when I pass through this place. As expected, there were two cats there today, too. I honked at them. Even then, they wouldn't move. I gave up and I drove onto the oncoming lane to avoid them. 

Please be careful, too!

It’s a Fruit and Vegetable Store Called “Buratto House”

It’s one of my favorite places. They sell vegetables produced in Oshima. I’m happy that there are vegetables unique to the island, such as ashitaba, green chili, and passion fruits. They are irregular in size, but they look cute! When I look at them, it feels fun. Most of them will sell out quickly, because they are popular among both islanders and visitors. I tried getting up early to go there today. So, there were many different vegetables! I was excited and I bought too much. What should I do?

Have You Been to The Desert in Japan?

These days, my friend from Tokyo is in Oshima. So, We’ve been to many kinds of places here. Let’s take a look at one of them. 

Actually, Oshima has the only desert in Japan. We set foot on it called, “Ura-Sabaku”. It’s a black gravel desert, and has great landscapes! It's like you're in another world. No one was there besides us. It was really exciting! 

When I looked at the ground under my feet, all the stones were shining. I learned that they are the result of volcano magma that quickly cooled down after an eruption. 

It’s wonderful! Next time, I want to chill out here alone all day.

A Small Fireworks Display on Oshima

I saw the Oshima fireworks festival yesterday, which I'd been looking forward to for a long time. It was just the fireworks, and there were no stands this year. It couldn't be helped. The fireworks were shot off from the port. Nothing shut out the view. I was impressed, because I could see fireworks going off from the ground. Also, it was good that the fireworks don't go up high and are compact. I remembered I saw the Sumida River Fireworks Festival from my balcony last year. I love both the fireworks of the city and countryside.

First Snorkeling at Akinohama on Oshima

I finally went snorkeling today! It was the first time since I moved to Oshima. I felt a sense of wonder wearing a wetsuit. Akinohama is famous for being a great snorkeling and scuba diving location. The water was a little cloudy, but there were many fish, such as schools of fish, some squid, and a myriad of small, young fish. Anyway, It was amazing, and I was excited! Actually, I don’t know most fish names well. And I can’t swim underwater. I was originally not good at swimming. But being in the sea is now one of my favorite things, because while traveling to many islands, I woke up to the fun of snorkeling. I’m satisfled just look at the undersea world.

It’s a sea creature called “Umeboshi (Japanese salt plums) anemone”, whose name even I know. It's a perfect Japanese name! I found it on the beach!

It’s actual Umeboshi.

It’s shutting and looks like Umeboshi! 

The little creatures that came to my house on Oshima 01

 Huh? I couldn’t believe my eyes. Recently, when I was drinking with dinner at home, I happened to look at the carpet. Just then, a pill bug passed by me like it was busy.

The pill bug is a usual creature in the city of Tokyo, too. But I've never seen them in my home. So, I was really surprised! 

I hope my cat doesn’t find you! 

Oshima Doesn’t Have a UNIQLO!

 You may not know this, but Oshima doesn’t have a Uniqlo. That’s why I didn’t know that Uniqlo started to sell T-shirts of Fujita’s paintings! But unfortunately, they are already sold out! I heard that a friend, who is also a fan, got two of the T-shirts. And, she gave me one of them. She took the trouble to send it to me by post. I’m really happy! Thank you my kind friend! So, I really liked the T-shirt. The cat Fujita painted is really wonderful. It's lively and like a real cat!

 

When I was taking pictures it, my cat got jealous and disturbed me.

It’s a scary face.

This is his usual face.

No problem Kuri-chan, You are my favorite!

 

The Beginning of My Oshima Life

Four months have already passed since I moved to Oshima. Time flew by so fast! At first, my new life was really hard. Even though I'm unfamiliar with driving I have to do it, there are no convenience stores, and it’s really humid. I suffered from culture shock every day. Still, what wonderful of nature here! When I walk outside, I can sometimes see the sea. And then I feel happy and I realize, “I live on an island!”. Actually, I love islands. Until now, I’ve been to many of the islands in Japan, such as Yakushima, Iriomotejima, Miyakojima, Tsushima, and Ogasawara islands. But I never imagined that I would live here. I’m really lucky. Although I will live here for a limited time, I will enjoy this life!