Conspiracy and censorship

Tomorrow, exactly today in the daytime, the government would steamroller the bill of conspiracy bill at the House of Representatives here. No wonder, the bill may pass the House of Councilors as well since the government parties occupy the majority at both of the Houses.

The law is supposed to go against the terrorism as the government insists. At the same time, they explain it was to join Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. Our country may join it without new legislation for that. The content of this law is just to let the security police investigate anyone with suspicion of conspiracy utilizing the communication interception and so forth they are allowed to do without any limitation. The government is, administering this law, going to censor every one or every party who behaves against them.

Since this Abe administration is highly ultranationalistic, the enactment of this law is quite hazardous to our society, I am afraid. It seems there are movements toward ultranationalism based on populism in various parts of the world. Paralleling with that political movements, there seems to be tendency for censorship by the authority going on. It is a problem what world we would leave to the next generation. Even feeling tired with such a political problem, I would go against such a movement for the next generation.

Gardening and farming

It has been almost a couple of weeks since I last updated this blog. I am doing just fine. In the daytime, the garden and the small farm are keeping me busy as in usual spring. Having pulled or cut the weeds in the garden, I am pleased to have it very neat and beautiful so far. When the mid summer sun starts to shine, it will be another story.

This is newly planted tree, a kind of azalea, with tiny lovely flowers. I have planted a lot of seeds of Marygold, which I harvested from its flowers last fall. Some are already sprouting at various places in the garden. The flowers might go on pleasing us throughout the summer.

A lot of kinds of vegetables are also budding as well as growing. Tomatoes could be damaged by long lasting rain from June to July. Hopefully, we may get some fruits by that time.

While I do with the vegetables, my wife cares for the flowers. The flowers in the bed may feast our eyes for a long time.

There have been a number of problems around myself. This circumstance is, however, a real blessing to me. I would treasure every moment being with my family in this beautiful home.

Hananuki Valley in Northern Ibaraki

Looking for the fresh green leaves in forests in the mountains, I have driven to Northern Ibaraki yesterday. I went through the mountainous villages north east of here. Winding and hilly roads. Opening the window of the driving seat, I have had comfortable wind in. In spite of the vacation season, there were only few cars on the way.

On the way, deep in countryside in the mountains, I have found "carp streamer", so called Koinobori in Japanese. From explanation of Koinobori in Wikipedia, it is carp shaped wind socks traditionally flown in Japan to celebrate Tango no sekku, that is, Children's day at present. You may know how parents are thinking of their children with this kind of flags. They want their children to grow like these vivid carps flowing in the sky. It is becoming less popular tradition in this countryside. Maybe, due partly to less number of children.

Hananuki Valley. Softly green leaves were covering the mountains. Peaceful spring time.

I have taken late lunch at a casual restaurant managed by the local facility. Pretty good Soba. 

I have been to this area several times with family when the children were small. It was, however, the 1st visit for me to this valley. Some 10 miles east of here, there is the Pacific Ocean. They say it is pretty mild throughout a year there. I have been dreaming of moving to this area. I wonder if it is possible or not.