When I dipped my feet into the cold waters of Higashikawa, memories of my childhood in Hokkaido came rushing back. Even on the hottest days, there were always pockets of coolness, delicate and refreshing. I remember feeling that these gentle summers were somehow lacking in intensity.

Yet, as I stood there, I was reminded that these memories, though subtle and fleeting, still linger—interwoven with nature, evoking a comforting sense of nostalgia.

This year, once again, it’s time to dance with my wife to “Suki ni Natta Hito” by Harumi Miyako.

Each year, this beloved song brings us back to cherished moments. Dancing to this classic at the Japanese festival with her, we relive the joy of our shared memories and the tradition we love so much.

I witnessed the moment the sacred boundary was drawn, in the space between this world and the other, through a solemn dance.