Daily Life, Travels and Events in Reiwa

January 3, 2026: On a lightly snow-flurried afternoon, I took a walk to Minoh Waterfall in Osaka and was able to spot a single monkey. The monkeys there are completely wild and not fed by humans, and since there is no resident troop, I was lucky to see one on this occasion. The monkey never came near us, spent about five minutes eating persimmons, and then returned to the mountains. The mountains of Minoh are blessed with rich natural surroundings, and in addition to monkeys, the presence of deer, wild boar, and Asiatic black bears has also been confirmed. https://tetsuyasogo2021.blogspot.com/2026/01/january-3-2026-encounter-with-monkey-at.html?m=1

January 1, 2026:  This year, I welcomed the New Year by watching the first sunrise of the year at Osaka South Port. It was a quiet and reflective moment to reset my mindset and look ahead.  Wishing you and your families a healthy, fulfilling, and successful year ahead. I look forward to staying connected in 2026. “Happy New Year 2026!!” https://tetsuyasogo2021.blogspot.com/2025/12/january-1-2026-first-sunrise-of-year-at.html?m=1

Video summary of my photos in 2025 by Google Photos. I am grateful for having stayed healthy throughout 2025, for being able to visit many places, and for meeting so many wonderful people along the way.

November 15, 2025: Had the chance to see the illuminated autumn leaves at Katsuoji Temple (勝尾寺) in Minoh, Osaka, on Saturday night. It was incredibly magical and beautiful! https://tetsuyasogo2021.blogspot.com/2025/11/november-15-2025-had-chance-to-see.html?m=1

July 28, 2025: Visited the Toei Kyoto Studio Park in Uzumasa under the blazing midsummer sun. https://tetsuyasogo2021.blogspot.com/2025/07/july-28-2025-toei-kyoto-studio-park-in.html?m=1

June 17, 2025: Visited Expo 2025 Osaka as an opportunity to get some real exercise. When I visited Expo 1970 Osaka from my hometown of Wakayama 55 years ago, it was my first time meeting people from overseas, and I still remember how excited I was by things such as the Tower of the Sun, moon stones, mobile phones, and moving walkways. This time, I didn’t feel quite the same level of excitement, but I had been looking forward to the view from the Grand Ring. However, it was simply too hot today, dangerously so, to really enjoy it. Once summer arrives, I think this is a place best visited at night. https://tetsuyasogo2021.blogspot.com/2025/06/june-17-2025-expo-2025-osaka-grand-ring.html?m=1 < The view from the Grand Ring >