Graves disease and thyrotoxic ophthalmopathy.

In August 2007, when I wake up, I found myself that everything seems like diplopia. My right eye sees everything lower and left eye sees higher than the origin. So, everything seems like doubleness to me.
After an hour, my eyes become normal so I don’t consider my condition seriously.
However, in September my eyes need longer time to become normal view and my weight became patently lighter than before.
At the end of that month, I went to the hospital and I was diagnosed with the graves disease and the thyrotoxic ophthalmopathy. My weight was 10 kilogram lighter than before. It took two years to treat my serious symptoms.

New school year started!

In Japan, new school year starts from April. At our school, the opening ceremony was on April 6th. This date depends on the community. For example, Kakogawa city which is next to our city has opening ceremony on April 7th and some cities in our Hyogo prefecture even have it on April 8th. Of course, children are looking forward for this day and feeling a little bit nervous. There are interested in, “who is my teacher” and “who will be my classmates.” Without students, school is a sad place, and the spring holiday was so. Now, I’m looking forward to spend time with my students!

Cherry trees are also in full bloom!

Cherry trees at Yumesaki river where is near to my home are about 70 to 80% in bloom. Probably within a week, it will be in 100% full bloom. In Japan, the beginning of cherry blossoms falling down in considered the most beautiful time because it looks like snows falling down. Cherry blossoms embody spring in Japan.

New school year has started.

Yesterday, April 1, was the opening day of the new school year in Japan.
Actually, students start their school life from April 6, the opening ceremony, but faculty members was announced our classes and segregation of duties by principle yesterday.
Students are enjoying the spring holidays, but for teachers, it is very busy days because we have to prepare for the new school year.

Himeji castle is under refurbishment.

The crane is building the stage to refurbish the Himeji castle.

Spring is approaching!

At Yumesaki river where is near my house. The cherry trees are gradually blooming. Spring is approaching!

At the Himeji station

Signage in the Himeji station is displaying the waiting time to enter the Himeji castle. Yesterday, the waiting time was approximately one hour. Within a week, Sakura or Japanese cherry will become in full bloom, so it will be more crowded than now.

Rainy graduation ceremony

Personally, I believe that the graduation ceremony which was done yesterday was pretty nice. Unfortunately, the weather was rainy. There was no doubt that students were praying for the fair condition. However, the dark sky inspired solemnity. They made a secret plot to surprise their teachers, and it was succeeded!

Today is the graduation ceremony.

The sixth grade students graduate from our elementary school today. It is the biggest ceremony in the school. Unfortunately, the weather is rainy. In the course of time, they will yearn after the school life.

The bullet train sweeps through Himeji station.

I went to Himeji station with my son and watched the bullet trains or “Shinkansen.” This train is popular for children. I took this video footage with my iPod nano. The “Nozomi” super express sweeps through the Himeji station probably at 250 to 300 km/h. “Nazomi” is the fastest bullet train and the meaning is “hope.”

Himeji castle which is made of sweets.

Himeji castle which is made of sweets.
It was exhibited during the Himeji sweets festival last year.